A mantrap is a mechanical physical security device for catching poachers and trespassers. They have taken many forms, the most usual being like a large

foothold trap Animal trapping, or simply trapping or gin, is the use of a device to remotely catch an animal. Animals may be trapped for a variety of purposes, including food, the fur trade, hunting, pest control, and wildlife management. History Neolithic ...

, the steel springs being armed with teeth which meet in the victim's leg. Since 1827, they have been illegal in England, except in houses between sunset and sunrise as a defence against burglars. Other traps such as special snares, trap netting, trapping pits, fluidizing solid matter traps and cage traps could be used. Mantraps that use deadly force are illegal in the United States, and in notable tort law cases the trespasser has successfully sued the property owner for damages caused by the mantrap. There is also the possibility that such traps could endanger emergency service personnel such as

firefighter A firefighter is a first responder and rescuer extensively trained in firefighting, primarily to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten life, property, and the environment as well as to rescue people and in some cases or jurisdictions also ...

s who must forcefully enter such buildings during emergencies. As noted in the important American court case of ''

Katko v. Briney ''Katko v. Briney'', 183 N.W.2d 657 (Iowa 1971), was a court case decided by the Iowa Supreme Court, in which two homeowners (Edward and Bertha Briney) were held liable for battery for injuries caused to a trespasser (Marvin Katko) who set off ...

'', "the law has always placed a higher value upon human safety than upon mere rights of property".

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* {{Trapping Area denial weapons Hunting equipment

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