Vermin Traps and Rabbit Warrens on Dartmoor

Abstract

This paper examines the siting and operation of stone-built vermin traps associated with rabbit warrens on Dartmoor. A total of 81 vermin traps have been identified from the stone-built funnel walls and at 18 sites the traps still remain in position at the convergence of the funnel. Evidence suggests that the traps are 18th-century or earlier in date and that they do not occur on 19th-century warrens when the use of guns and gin traps for the control of vermin was more usual.