How to Make a Trap Out of Rope

If you spend any time outside in the wilderness, you should know how to tie a trap from a length of rope in case you ever find yourself lost or in a survival situation. With a simple length of thin rope, you can quickly and easily build a basic yet effective snare appropriate for catching small game. Placed along an established trail, if you are lucky, you can catch passing rabbits, squirrel or other small mammals.

Things You'll Need

  • Rope (paracord or other type)
  • Knife
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Tie a small loop in the end of your rope. You should have a loop that is about 1 inch in diameter. Leave the other end of the rope loose.

    • 2

      Feed the loose end of your rope through the loop you just made.

    • 3

      Tie the loose end you just fed though the loop to a horizontal branch that overhangs a natural pathway used by small animals. Locate animal pathways by looking for and identifying tracks or by noticing damage to vegetation from the passing of animals. Tie the loose end of the rope so that the loop at the other end hangs directly over the path, just above the surface of the ground; you should have enough room to slide your flat hand under the loop. The loop snare itself at the end of the rope should be only large enough for you to stick your fist through.

    • 4

      Check on the snare regularly. When an animal passes through the loop, the loop will tighten around it as it tries to escape, capturing it at the site of the snare.