How to Trap Live Animals

Trapped opossum

As humans spread farther into the countryside, we continuously encroach upon the homes of wild animals. With less and less space to call their own, small animals, such as squirrels, opossums and even feral cats, will often set up a new home inside of barns, toolsheds and other areas near houses. If one of these animals has become a nuisance, the best way to remove it is to set up an animal trap and then relocate the animal back into the wilderness.

Things You'll Need

• Nuisance animal
• Humane animal trap
• Bait

Instructions

1. Determine what type of animal you will be trapping. The type will vary depending on the area of the country you live in. Some common wildlife include foxes, skunks, rabbits and even dogs and cats.

2. Locate a humane animal trap. If you do not know anyone with an animal trap, you will have to purchase one. Several companies, including Havahart and Advantek, offer affordable metal traps in different sizes depending on the size of your nuisance animal.

3. Earn the animal's trust. While trust may be a stretch, it is important to make the animal feel comfortable with its surroundings before setting the trap. Leave scraps of bait for a few days in the area where the trap will be placed before setting it.

4. Bait the trap. The type of bait to use will depend on the type of animal you are trying to capture. For more information on the different baits, click on the link in the resources section.

5. Place the trap in the area where the animal you are trying to capture is commonly seen, then set the trap. Every trap will be set differently, so be sure to read the directions carefully. Leave small amounts of bait outside the trap to entice the animal to enter.

6. Wait for the animal to take the bait. This can require patience, because the animal is naturally going to be cautious. It can take days before you see results. Check the trap daily and change the bait every so often.

7. Remove the animal from the area. Once the animal has been trapped, you will want to move it as far away from your home as possible. Moving the animal at least five miles and into the wilderness should ensure that it will not return.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the trap daily to ensure the animal does not go too long without food and water after it has been captured. Remember that the animal you capture is wild, even if it is a cat or dog, and it should not be kept as a pet.

• Use caution when removing the animal from the trap. The animal will be scared---and therefore dangerous. It may also carry a disease. Avoid trapping animals when the temperature is extremely hot or cold. This can be very dangerous for the animals.

References

• Animal Trap Video
• More Animal Traps

Resources

• Animal Baits