Jena (06.04.2026) – A 36-year-old walker has made a dangerous discovery in a forest area near Jena: Illegal animal traps, including a so-called bear trap, were seized.
- What: Discovery of illegal animal traps (bear trap and live trap)
- When: Saturday afternoon
- Where: Forest area between Lützeroda and Cospeda
- Who: Discovered by a 36-year-old witness, investigation by Jena Police
- Witnesses sought: Please report suspicious activities to the Jena Police Department: 03641 810
Unusual Piece of Evidence at the Station
The walk on Saturday afternoon ended with a shocking find for a 36-year-old woman from the region. In a forest area between the Jena districts of Lützeroda and Cospeda, she came across a heavy trapping device, a so-called bear trap. She did not hesitate, secured the trap herself, and brought the sensitive item directly to the Jena Police Department. There, she also stated that she suspected at least one more device in the affected area.
Joint Search Operation in the Forest
To avert any danger to humans and animals as quickly as possible, the officers immediately set off back to the forest area together with the witness. The finder’s suspicion was confirmed: a second device, a live trap, was discovered on-site and also seized by the police. The officers immediately informed the responsible hunting tenants of the district about the incidents.
Criminal proceedings for violation of the Animal Welfare Act were initiated against the unknown perpetrator(s). The police are currently investigating who placed the dangerous devices in the popular local recreation area and whether further traps might be hidden there. Persons who have noticed suspicious individuals in the Lützeroda and Cospeda area recently are asked to report their observations.
Background: Danger from Illegal Animal Traps
The setting of so-called bear or leghold traps is strictly regulated or prohibited in Germany. These types of traps snap shut uncontrollably and with enormous force upon contact. They do not distinguish between wild animals, free-roaming dogs or cats, and also pose a significant risk of injury to humans – especially for children playing in forest areas away from the paths.
The districts of Lützeroda and Cospeda, near the well-known Windknollen northwest of the Jena city center, are heavily frequented by walkers and hikers. This makes the illegal placement of such trapping devices particularly sensitive.
Source:
Dangerous Finds in the Forest: Jena Police Seize Animal Traps
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.