Users of a popular Bay of Plenty forest are being warned to watch where they step after several gin traps were discovered on walking and cycling tracks.

Rotorua Lakes Council sports and recreation manager Rob Pitkethley says members of the public spotted the traps, which are used to trap possums, in the Redwood Forest in Rotorua.

Gin traps found in the Redwoods. Photo: Supplied.

Council have been alerted and three traps have been removed.

'We're very concerned about this,” Rob says.

'We've searched the area thoroughly and haven't found any more but we can't be sure, so as a matter of public safety we urge people to be careful and keep their children close and dogs on short leads.

'Whoever has done this has obviously given no thought to public safety – it's a crazy thing to have done.”

Rob says it's not the first time this has happened but it's not usually so close to main walking tracks right down in the Redwoods.

The Redwoods are a high use area frequented by tourists and popular with many locals – including families and people walking their dogs.

'At the moment it's extra busy and there are lots of children around,” Rob says.

'We would ask that if people do spot any traps, please don't touch them but report them asap – either pop in to the forest information centre or call Council on 348 4199 and we will get someone there quickly to remove them.”

The sale and use of traps is restricted under the Animal Welfare Act and Rotorua's local general bylaw prohibits the setting or use of any form of animal trapping or snaring device in a public place or reserve without prior written approval of council. People can contact the sports and recreation team.

'Any pest control operations which are undertaken in the wider Whakarewarewa Forest from time to time are always very well planned, managed and controlled and we do not use these types of traps. It seems unlikely the person or people who set the traps we've found this week is an experienced trapper.”