[RPG] What happens when you try to install a hunting trap on the square of a creature

dnd-5eequipmenttraps

If you move to a square adjacent to an enemy creature then attempt to install a hunting trap on the creature's square, what would happen ?

1) you can't do that, as the square is occupied and therefore unavailable for your sneaky little hands to install the trap on it

2) you can install the trap, and if the creature later moves out of its square (provided that it does not float, fly, jump or teleport away), it will activate the trap and have to make the DC

3) you can install the trap, but it won't affect the creature if it then moves out of its square (only if it moves on the square again later on)

4) other scenario I didn't think of

Best Answer

You set the trap and it will trigger if the plate gets stepped on

Nothing says the space where you set the trap needs to be unoccupied.

When you use your action to set it, this trap forms a saw-toothed steel ring that snaps shut when a creature steps on a pressure plate in the center.

However, it also doesn't say that entering the 5 foot area the trap is within or being within the 5 foot area activates the trap necessarily.

A creature that steps on the plate must succeed on a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw or take 1d4 piercing damage and stop moving.

(emphasis mine). As such, number 3 is the closest to the correct answer if and only if the creature steps on the pressure plate when "it moves on the square later on." If the creature is smart enough to avoid the pressure plate in the center then it won't activate.