How Can I Make a Fox Trap?

Catching a fox can be a challenge.

Reasons why someone may want to catch a fox include removing the animal from a place where it is killing other animals such as chickens or trying to catch it for testing purposes. Foxes are fast and smart, and the task of trapping them will require skill and patience. You can build your own fox trap with basic tools and materials that are inexpensive and readily available. Building a trap fulfills your fox removal needs and protects the animal at the same time.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood sheeting
• Wood screws or nails
• Hinges (two sets)
• Electric drill
• Sliding fence lock mechanism
• 24-30-inch stick of wood
• Bait

Instructions

1. Piece together the top, sides and back of a large box out of plywood that measures 2-feet tall by 4-feet long and 2-feet wide. Secure the box together with nails or wood screws.

2. Measure the open ends at the top and bottom of the box and use hinges to attach pieces of plywood to these ends box based on your measurements. This will allow for the removal of the fox after it is caught.

3. Drill ventilation holes into the top and sides of the box so the fox can breathe after it is captured.

4. Install a sliding lock mechanism to both hinged doors of the box so that the fox does not escape immediately upon capture.

5. Cut a piece of wood or utilize a tree branch that is 24 to 30 inches long. Sharpen one end of the piece of wood.

6. Cut a hole into the center of the top of the box with a jigsaw that will fit the pointed end of the piece of wood. Insert the pointed end of the piece of wood into the hole in the box. Drill another hole into the center of the bottom piece of wood to insert the other end of the stick into.

7. Cut a slot in the tall stick on one side to catch on the top of the box while the door is in the up position.

8. Prop the box up and attach a piece of meat to the trigger stick as bait. Position the bait so that the stick will fall easily and bring down the top of the box over the animal when the animal tries to break the bait free of the stick.

9. Slide the locks closed after catching the fox to close the animal into the box. Release the fox into the wild by moving the closed box with the animal inside or call your local animal regulation office for assistance in relocating the animal.

References

• Longshadow Farms: A Homemade Trap