häkkikäämittyjä
Häkkikäämittyjä is a Finnish term that literally translates to "cage-winder" or "cage-spinner." It refers to a specific type of trapping mechanism used historically in Finland, primarily for catching small game such as birds and rodents. The device consists of a small, usually wooden, cage or box. Within this cage, a simple trigger mechanism is set up. When an animal enters the cage attracted by bait and steps on the trigger, it activates a spring-loaded or weighted component that rapidly closes the cage door, trapping the animal inside.
These traps were designed to be relatively humane, aiming to capture animals alive rather than kill them