Wolves' Trap
The Wolves’ Trap is a unique ethnographic complex, designed as a trap for the capture of live wolves. It is located in Lubián, a locality in the municipality of the same name in the province of Zamora, within the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. This type of structure is a manifestation of the popular architecture of northwestern Spain and has great cultural and historical significance.
Location and Context #
Lubián, located in Alta Sanabria, is known for its rich tradition in wolf hunting, a trait shared by many localities in the Sanabria region. The region, characterized by its rugged terrain and harsh climate, has been an ideal habitat for the Iberian wolf, which has led local inhabitants to develop various techniques to control the population of this predator.
Characteristics of the Wolves’ Trap #
The Wolves’ Trap is a circular construction with a diameter of approximately thirty meters. Its structure is formed by stone walls assembled without mortar, reaching a height of up to three meters. The inner face of the walls is covered with stone slabs, which make it difficult for the wolf to escape once it has jumped inside.
This trap is strategically located on the middle of the mountain, taking advantage of the slope of the terrain. The outer side of the wall, facing uphill, is level with the ground, thus facilitating the wolf’s entry in search of bait. In the center of the enclosure, a goat or sheep was usually placed as bait, tied to a stone mogote.
Operation of the Trap #
The operation of the Wolves’ Trap was relatively simple but ingenious. During the winter months, when wolves sought food in lower areas, Lubián families took turns placing live bait in the corral. The bleating of the animal attracted the wolf, which, when jumping into the enclosure, was trapped, as the inner walls prevented it from escaping.
Upon discovering a wolf inside the trap, the neighbors were summoned with the ringing of the church bells. The youngest, known as “mozos”, were responsible for immobilizing the wolf with a “espadalleira”, a wooden agricultural tool. Once captured, the wolf was taken to the village, where its presence was usually announced and celebrated as a trophy.
Cultural Significance and Present Day #
The Wolves’ Trap is more than a trap; it is a symbol of the struggle between man and nature in Sanabria. Although its use was abandoned in the mid-20th century, the trap has been restored and is now preserved as a testament to the region’s cultural heritage. Annually, the “Día do Cortello” is celebrated, a community festival that includes a communal dinner and cultural activities, keeping alive the memory of these traditional practices.
Currently, both the Wolves’ Trap in Lubián and the Curro dos Lobos in Barjacoba have been proposed to be declared a Cultural Asset of Interest, due to their ethnographic and cultural value.
Historical and Archaeological Context #
The use of the trap and other wolf traps such as the “chorco” and the “nevera” is part of a wider tradition in northern Spain, where these methods were used for centuries to control the wolf population. In Sanabria, this practice is intrinsically linked to rural life and the subsistence of local communities, who depended on livestock.
Visiting the Wolves’ Trap #
Those wishing to visit the Wolves’ Trap can easily access the site from Lubián. From the A-52, take the exit towards Lubián and follow the road towards Castrelos. After approximately two kilometers, there is a signposted place where you can leave your vehicle and walk about 200 meters along a descending path that leads to the trap, located at the bottom of the valley.
The site not only offers a glimpse of local history, but also stunning views of the mountainous landscape of Sanabria, with the Tuela River flowing nearby. The combination of cultural and natural heritage makes this place a fascinating destination for lovers of history and nature.