Here's what actually happens:
* Pain and Panic: When an animal is caught in a trap, the pain and fear are intense. The animal will struggle violently to escape.
* Tissue Damage: The trap, depending on its type, can cause significant damage to bones, tendons, muscles, and nerves. This damage can be so severe that it cuts off blood flow to the limb.
* Necrosis: When blood flow is restricted, the tissue begins to die (necrosis). This process is incredibly painful and can lead to gangrene.
* Self-Amputation: In the most extreme cases, the animal may experience a "self-amputation" of sorts. This isn't a conscious decision like humans make. It's a result of the severe damage and the body's desperate attempt to survive. The limb can literally fall off due to the tissue death and lack of circulation.
Why the misconception?
This misconception likely comes from the fact that people witness animals struggling violently in traps. The sight of the animal trying to escape, combined with the potential for a limb to fall off, can lead to the assumption that the animal is chewing it off.
It's important to remember that trapping is a controversial issue, and the suffering it causes animals is a serious concern.