How To Build A Safe Wild Animal Trap

If a wild animal such as a squirrel or raccoon is giving you problems around the house, don't shoot it, capture it with a trap and release it safely. Build one yourself with these do-it-yourself instructions.

You can get rid of that pesky rabbit without breaking out your shot gun - just set a trap for him. There are a couple of different types of traps that you can use. One is for very patient people called the box trap. Tie a piece of fishing twine to a stick and use the stick to prop up a box or crate. Throw a piece of carrot under the box and, holding the string, go behind a tree and wait for the critter. When it enters to get the food, pull the string and trap the animal in the cage. To pick it up, slide a thin piece of sheet metal or another thin but sturdy object under the box by slightly lifting one end and scooting the flat surface under the cage. Use heavy gloves when handling the crate to keep from being bitten or scratched. Tape or other wise secure the bottom to the cage. Cut the string close to the box, and then tie another one on the top of the box. To release the animal, go to the intended area and set the box down on the ground and unfasten the tape. Get in your vehicle with the rope threaded through the open window, shut the door and pull the rope to free the animal.

There's another way to catch animals that takes a lot less patience. Get a piece of 6" stove pipe, about 2 and a half feet long. Dig a hole and push the pipe down at an angle, into the hole. Cover the end slightly with dirt. Throw an apple or other bait into the bottom of the trap. Leave the trap and come back the next day to find the animal in the stove pipe, unable to turn around and get out. As the animal attempts to get the food, it hops or slides down into the pipe and is then unable to turn around to get out. Even if the animal is small and is able to turn around, it still can't get out because of the slick walls of the pipe.

Cover the end of the pipe that is sticking out of the ground, with a cloth bag or something that will hold the animal safely. Have someone hold the bag tightly around the pipe as you unearth the other end. Dig the pipe out partially, and then use a stick to poke into the pipe while lifting the pipe up quickly. The stick will scare the animal into running towards the bag while you lift up the pipe, sliding the animal into the bag. Be sure and wear very thick gloves when handling the animal bag. Tie the bag tightly shut. After the animal is secured in the bag, transport him to the spot where you'll turn him loose. To let him go without any risk to yourself, untie the bag, but don't open it. The animal will be scared for a few moments after you lay the bag on the ground, so they normally won't just jump out at you. After loosening the tie, back away or get into your vehicle and wait for the animal to come out of the bag. The animal will eventually poke its head out of the bag and when it feels safe, emerge and escape.

Be careful when you first check the trap that you haven't caught an unwelcome critter, such as a skunk. Walk quietly up to the pipe and take a peek. If it is a skunk, stand to the side of the pipe, reach around and slide a plank down into the trap for the skunk's escape, then run. Retrieve or re-bait your trap later. You can rid yourself of a wild animal that's giving you trouble without it costing the animal's life, but be extra cautions any time you are dealing with a wild animal.

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