Pitfalls were used to hunt moose, wolves, and reindeer, and less frequently, bears and foxes. This hunting method was widespread from the Stone Age until its prohibition in 1864. A pitfall consisted of a deep pit with a thin roof through which the animals fell. At the bottom of the pit, there was often a ledge made of tree trunks, into which the animal's legs were wedged. The pitfalls were frequently arranged in strategic rows to disrupt game trails. Although this sounds brutal, it illustrates the methods used at the time to secure food for the long, harsh winters with minimal energy expenditure.
On this side of the Skellefteälven River, some of these traps still exist, but they are now overgrown and therefore no longer pose a danger.