Live Trapping Raccoons: A Comprehensive Guide
Contents
Living with raccoons can be a nuisance, especially when they start to cause damage to your property or threaten your safety. Thankfully, live trapping is an effective and humane way to remove raccoons from your property. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to live trapping raccoons, including the materials you’ll need, how to set the trap, and how to safely and humanely release the raccoon.
Materials Needed for Live Trapping Raccoons
Before you can start live trapping raccoons, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials. Here’s a list of the items you’ll need:
- Live trap – A live trap is a cage-like structure that’s designed to catch and contain animals without harming them. You can purchase a live trap from your local hardware store or online.
- Bait – Raccoons are attracted to a variety of baits, including fish, fruits, and vegetables. Make sure to choose a bait that’s appropriate for the size of the raccoon you’re trying to catch.
- Gloves – To protect yourself from the raccoon’s sharp claws and teeth, you should wear a pair of thick gloves when handling the trap.
- Towels – To keep the raccoon calm, you should cover the trap with a towel or blanket before transporting it.
- Transport container – To safely transport the raccoon to its new home, you’ll need a secure container, such as a pet carrier or box.
Setting the Trap
Once you’ve gathered the necessary materials, you’re ready to set the trap. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting the trap:
- Choose a location – Raccoons are most active at night, so you should choose a location that’s away from your home and other buildings. Make sure to check the area for other animals, such as cats or dogs, before setting the trap.
- Set the trap – Place the trap in the chosen location and secure it to the ground with stakes or heavy rocks. Make sure to leave the door open so the raccoon can enter the trap.
- Bait the trap – Place the bait in the back of the trap, away from the door. This will ensure that the raccoon has to enter the trap in order to get the bait.
- Check the trap – Once the trap is set, check it every few hours to make sure it’s working properly. If the trap is empty, reset it and check it again.
Releasing the Raccoon
Once you’ve caught the raccoon, it’s important to release it in a safe and humane manner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to releasing the raccoon:
- Cover the trap – To keep the raccoon calm, cover the trap with a towel or blanket before transporting it.
- Transport the trap – Place the trap in a secure container, such as a pet carrier or box, and transport it to a safe location. Make sure to keep the trap covered while transporting it.
- Release the raccoon – Once you’ve reached the release site, open the trap and allow the raccoon to leave. Make sure to stay back and give the raccoon plenty of space to escape.
Pro Tip
If you’re having trouble catching the raccoon, try setting the trap in a different location. Raccoons are creatures of habit, so they may be avoiding the trap if it’s in the same spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bait should I use?
Raccoons are attracted to a variety of baits, including fish, fruits, and vegetables. Make sure to choose a bait that’s appropriate for the size of the raccoon you’re trying to catch.
How often should I check the trap?
You should check the trap every few hours to make sure it’s working properly. If the trap is empty, reset it and check it again.
