Fælder

Fælder, singular fælde, is a device or method used to capture animals. The term, used in Danish and Norwegian contexts, covers traps, snares, and related apparatus employed in hunting, pest control, and wildlife management.

Common forms include mechanical spring traps that kill or immobilize, foot snares that tighten around a limb, cable restraints for larger animals, and pitfall or live-capture boxes that hold a creature until it can be released or removed.

Historically, fælder have been used for subsistence hunting, pest control, and game management. In modern times they are also tools in wildlife research and conservation programs, where careful design and placement can aid population monitoring while reducing harm to non-target species.

Trapping is subject to ethical and legal considerations. Regulations often require humane design, regular checking, and measures to minimize injuries to non-target species and domestic animals. Non-lethal methods are increasingly preferred where possible, and welfare concerns influence the choice of device, bait, and setting.

In contemporary practice, the choice of fælde depends on species, habitat, and objectives, balancing effectiveness with welfare and regulatory constraints. The topic intersects with wildlife management, agriculture, and animal welfare, reflecting ongoing debates about humane treatment, ecological impact, and the role of humans in shaping animal populations.