Ways to Trap Raccoons & Rabbits
Raccoons and rabbits are trapped for hide value, meat, or as household pests. Commercial traps are the best method for live or dead capture, but homemade traps are also effective with an experienced hand. The trapper must be aware of local laws pertaining to trapping raccoons and rabbits and laws about relocation. Many city and county agencies provide trappers to capture and relocate nuisance animals. Successful trapping requires patience and the ability to camouflage a trap in the surrounding environment.
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Live Traps
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Live traps are used to capture and relocate nuisance animals. The traps use a simple cage with a spring-loaded floor. The floor reacts to the weight of the animals and releases the door to a closed position. Live traps for raccoons and rabbits require bait to attract the animals. Rabbits are attracted to fresh vegetables and raccoons respond to fresh fish. The addition of natural dirt and foliage around the edges of the trap adds camouflage and increases the chances of success.
Spring Traps
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Spring-loaded traps are designed to kill the animal. The traps are considered cruel by some because they may injure the animal and cause suffering until the trapper inspects the trap. Inspect the traps daily to minimizing suffering. Dig a small hole and set the loaded trap inside of the hole. Cover the trap with dirt and leaves and add bait to the top of the trap. The weight of the animal engages the trap and the jaws snap shut around the animal.
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Snare Traps
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The snare trap is more effective for rabbits that raccoons, but may be used for both. Tie a loop in one end of a wire and feed the opposite end through the loop to create a round opening. Tie the end to a stable object and use two small twigs to support the loop off the ground. Hang a piece of bait near the opening and the animal becomes snagged on the loop when it grabs the bait. Snare traps may be constructed using several different techniques to capture the leg or neck of the animal.
Deadfall
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The deadfall is a trap designed to quickly kill the animal with a large weight. It is a traditional trap that requires a heavy rock or log to kill the animal. The standard deadfall uses a stick to prop the weight at an angle. A string is attached to the stick and to bait. The string pulls the stick loose when the animal tampers with the bait, and the object falls on the animal. The deadfall is effective for most small to medium-sized animals like raccoons and rabbits.
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