New Mexicans who enjoy recreating on our public lands need to be aware that trapping is still allowed and that encountering a trap while hiking, bird watching and enjoying these places remains a dangerous threat.

Fur-trapping season began on Nov. 1 and won’t end until March 15, but winter is when pelts are the thickest and have the most value. That makes stumbling upon a trapped animal or having your dog caught of special concern right now.

So far this year, we at TrapFreeNM.org have had reports of dogs being caught in Sandoval and Santa Fe counties and on the Navajo Nation. Hikers also found two gray foxes dead in traps in Doña Ana County.

One of the dogs lost part of her ear in the struggle with the trap and the other broke two teeth frantically biting at the steel jaws, which exposed the nerve and required veterinary extraction. These are permanent injuries. Limping and swelling of leg tissue commonly persists for several days. Tendons can also be torn, joints dislocated and bones broken.

The dogs in the most recent incidents were lucky. Their owners were able to extract them quickly.

Wildlife, on the other hand, can suffer legally in traps for over 24 hours, as trappers are only required to check once each calendar day. But there is little oversight, as the dead foxes illustrate.

Traps can be placed a mere 25 yards from roads and trails. They are hidden. No warning signs are required. Moreover, trails must be on a map and roads must be maintained annually to qualify for the distance restriction. For paths that don’t meet this definition, there is no set-back rule.

Trappers in New Mexico mostly use steel-jawed leg-hold traps that will usually be buried under sifted dirt with an odor or visual lure like a dangling ribbon to attract animals.

People whose dogs are caught universally describe the sound the dog makes as “screaming.” The dog will be frantic and even the most mild-mannered can bite in desperation as their owners try to rescue them.

If your dog is caught in a trap, help calm him by covering him with a jacket. Next step on the two levers on each side of the trap to make them release. The springs are so strong that this can be very difficult. In some cases, the trapped dog has had to be carried out with the trap attached for veterinary care.

You are legally allowed to rescue your dog but otherwise, it is a crime to tamper with a trap or attempt to release any other trapped animal.

Dogs on most public lands are not required to be leashed. If they were, hunters using bird dogs would not be allowed. People would not be able to take their dogs along when horseback riding, and search and rescue dogs and livestock guard dogs would not be able to function. All that is required is voice control.

Moreover, leashes don’t protect a dog from a trap if both dog and owner are exploring away from official trails or walking off a road to avoid traffic.

The presence of traps interferes with these legitimate public uses, essentially transforming our public lands into single use areas in order that trappers can profit from selling the fur from the public’s wildlife. There is no evidence that randomly trapping animals to make a profit has any management benefit to wildlife or the places they live.

The cruelty and suffering of course extends beyond domestic dogs to the myriad of wild creatures who are vulnerable to being hurt by traps. The unforgiving jaws of hidden traps slam without discrimination on paws, talons and hooves.

TrapFree New Mexico is working to end this injustice and exploitation that should have ended a century ago. Until we can prevail, please watch your step.