Police investigate possible illegal traps in Libby

Officials with the Libby Police Department and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have launched a joint investigation into potential illegal trapping operations in or near the city.

Photos of a deer inside Libby limits with a trap attached to its lower jaw surfaced on social media earlier this month. Libby Police Chief Scott Kessel said the department received an unconfirmed report that another deer received a leg injury from a trap.

The two incidents appear to be the work of illegal trappers. Kessel said the traps, meant to ensnare fur-bearing animals, should not have been set in a way that would harm deer. The traps also do not bear any identifying information. According to FWP requirements, the traps must be tagged with the owner’s name, address and telephone number.

Kessel said there were other hints that the traps were set by illegal hunters but could not comment further due to the ongoing investigation.

City police officers were unable to remove the trap from the deer’s muzzle. Since the department does not have access to tranquilizers, Kessel said officers had to kill the deer.

“Looking at the injuries after the deer was dispatched, it would have been suffering,” he said. “It’s not something that would have fallen off.”

Anyone with information on the trappings can call local dispatch or the FWP tip line at 1-800-TIP MONT (1-800-847-6668).