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Lynnwood-based animal welfare organization PAWS is asking for the public’s help in preventing unnecessary suffering and injury to wildlife through the use of glue traps.
The year 2025 has been the worst year yet for glue trap/fly paper victims, the organization said. PAWS has seen 44 animals and counting brought into their rehabilitation centers to treat fully preventable injuries resulting from these traps. Animals caught in a glue trap experience dehydration, starvation, broken bones, skin damage and even a condition called capture myopathy — a deadly stress response from prolonged struggle.
The public can help prevent this unnecessary suffering by avoiding using glue traps and encouraging others to do the same.
If someone finds an animal stuck in a glue trap or in need of help:
- Do not remove the animal, as it can cause more harm if not done properly.
- Cover any exposed sticky surface with something dry like paper, leaves, dirt, anything that won’t hurt the animal.
- Place the entire trap and animal into a secure container.
- Bring them to the PAWS Wildlife as soon as possible where the experienced team will safely remove the animals from the trap, or contact PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 425-412-4040.
I had never heard of a glue trap until I read your article. Why are they made? What animals are supposed to be caught?
A long time ago on a camping trip we found a bird tangled in fishing twine caught in a tree. My son was able to get up
far enough to help free that bird, and end its suffering. It flew away, and we all felt so glad.
I hope these traps are all destroyed so birds and other small creatures are spared.
More info here: https://www.humaneworld.org/en/resources/glue-traps-faq