Posen Clerk Speaks Against Bear Traps After Cat Found Crushed

POSEN, IL — A Posen village clerk is speaking out about the use of bear traps in residential areas after a cat was found trapped and crushed in a bear trap Thursday.

According to Melanie Steele-Myers, public works officials were called to the corner of 143th Street and Harrison Avenue after residents complained about hearing a cat "screaming," Myers wrote in a social media post.

When officials arrived, they found a cat stuck in a bear trap with the animal's back end completely crushed.

"Why would someone place a bear trap in a residential area where a person, especially a child or an animal, could step on it is beyond unbelievable," Myers told Patch. "Traps like this are illegal and seriously dangerous."

While older model bear traps with steel teeth are illegal, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, hold traps are still legal to use. Myers did not immediately know if the trap was located on private or village property.

Anyone who has information on Posen residents using traps is encouraged to call Myers at Village Hall.