H.R. 4108 — Refuge From Cruel Trapping Act

This section prohibits the possession or use of body-gripping traps (i.e., devices designed to kill or capture wildlife by physical restraint, including leghold traps, kill-type traps, snares, and modified versions thereof, but excluding cage/box traps and suitcase-type live beaver traps) in the National Wildlife Refuge System, effective 120 days after enactment. Exceptions apply to (1) Federal agencies controlling invasive species (i.e., non-native organisms causing economic, environmental, or health harm) or protecting threatened, endangered, or sensitive species, if consistent with Federal and State law and after exhausting documented nonlethal methods; (2) dismantling such traps; (3) the System in Alaska; and (4) federally recognized Indian Tribe members for subsistence purposes. Violations are subject to a civil fine of up to $500 per trap possessed or use (adjusted annually for inflation), imprisonment for up to 180 days, or both; forfeiture of traps and captured wildlife (including pelts or raw fur); and payment of court costs. The Secretary of the Interior must issue implementing regulations within 120 days of enactment, though enforceability is not affected by any failure to do so. This section also makes a conforming amendment to limit a cross-reference in existing section 4(f).