How to Make Snare Traps for Squirrels

Finished Squirrel Snare

Once squirrels start to get in your garden and invade your yard, they don't seem very cute. Whether you're trying to squirrel-proof your yard or are lost in the wilderness in need of food, you may need to build a squirrel snare. Using simple wire, you can construct your own squirrel snare in minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Long pole or branch
• Bailing wire

Instructions

1. Find an area where you've seen plenty of squirrels. Find a strong tree in this area, preferably one that has branches that separate at some point.

2. Tie a small noose in a piece of bailing wire (or any other type of wire that will retain its shape when bent). The wire should not be too thick. To tie the noose, tie off a small loop in the wire. Next, run the other end of the wire through this loop. You can estimate how much wire by assuming you'll need to make this noose about 5 to 7 cm in diameter. You'll also need about 2 1/2 cm of wire to hang off your branch, and enough additional wire to tie tightly around your branch.

3. Repeat Step 1 until you have several nooses. One noose may work, but that's highly unlikely. You'll need enough nooses to ensure proper coverage of your pole. This will ensure that there isn't much room for the squirrel to move around in without going through a noose.

4. Prepare your pole or branch. If using a branch, it must be strong enough to hold a squirrel. Lean the pole against a tree to see if it's long enough. Position the top of the pole at a point on the tree where it won't slide or fall. The point at which two large branches separate is ideal. Once you're sure the pole is long enough, continue to Step 4.

5. Take your small nooses and position them along your pole. Wrap the end of the wire that doesn't have a noose around the pole. Make sure you wrap it tight enough so that it won't slide or come loose after snaring a squirrel. The nooses should be on the top and sides of the pole. Position them so that the actual noose is about 2 1/2 cm off the pole.

6. Position one noose at the bottom of the pole, and one at the top. These nooses should be about 45 cm from the ends of the pole. This will ensure the squirrel can't get good footing on the pole, and therefore will be less likely to chew through the wire.

7. Position the pole against the tree. Remember that the pole should ideally be firmly wedged between two separating branches. Leave the snare in this position and check back daily to see if you've snared any squirrels.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your local laws to ensure snaring of squirrels is legal in your area. Don't attempt to remove living squirrels. They may have diseases and are fierce for their small size.