Raccoons may appear cute and cuddly, but that's not the case.
The raccoon is among the most industrious animals, able to thrive in both wilderness and urban habitats. These animals are omnivorous scavengers and not the least bit picky about what they eat. Raccoons typically make a den in a tree or a hollow, but they also can find their way into attics and crawl spaces. Trapping raccoons is common in neighborhoods and usually performed by animal-control specialists. Trapping is also done for a source of food and fur by some hunters.
Instructions
1. Consult with your local animal-control office or department of wildlife to see if you need a license to trap raccoons, or if any laws exist prohibiting trapping raccoons in your community. A hunting license or a trapping license or permit may be required.
2. Locate the raccoon's den. If attempting to trap in the wild, look for tracks leading to hollow tree trunks, holes near tree bases or claw marks heading up trees toward the top. At your home or property, look in barns, sheds, near available food sources, in your attic or under the home if it's elevated.
3. Purchase a few traps corresponding to the size of the raccoon you're attempting to trap. Determine if you want to use live traps or killing traps. Both are available at sporting goods or home and garden stores. Typically for small raccoons, trap dimensions of 10 inches wide, 1 foot high and 32 inches long will be suitable. For larger raccoons, dimensions should be about 1.5 feet wide, 2 feet high and 40 inches long.
4. Read the instructions for setting and handling the trap. Set traps during the day, near the area frequented by raccoons.
5. Place bait in the trap and in a trail leading to the trap from the raccoon's living area. For bait, raccoons' favorites include fruits, nuts, berries, insects and eggs, but almost any food will work. Avoid meat, which may attract other animals, such as opossums or cats. Check your traps at least on a daily basis.
Tags: attempting trap, high inches, high inches long, inches long, raccoon attempting, raccoon attempting trap