How To Catch Squirrel

Ever watched a squirrel effortlessly leap from branch to branch, bury a nut with ninja-like speed, and then scamper off as if daring you to follow? These furry acrobats are masters of their domain, and trying to outsmart one can feel like an impossible task. But sometimes, circumstances require us to catch a squirrel, whether it's to relocate a persistent garden raider, rescue an injured animal, or manage a population causing property damage. Understanding how to humanely and effectively capture these critters is essential for coexisting peacefully with wildlife and resolving conflicts in a responsible manner.

Whether you're a homeowner tired of squirrels raiding your bird feeder, a wildlife rescuer responding to a distressed animal, or a professional dealing with a squirrel infestation, knowing the right techniques and strategies is crucial. Mishandling a squirrel capture can result in injury to both the animal and yourself, not to mention unnecessary stress for the squirrel. This guide will provide you with the knowledge and methods necessary to catch squirrels safely, effectively, and humanely, ensuring a positive outcome for everyone involved.

What are the best methods, humane traps, and bait to use for catching squirrels?

What's the most humane way to catch a squirrel?

The most humane way to catch a squirrel is by using a live trap baited with appealing food and checking it frequently to minimize stress and confinement time for the animal. Choose a trap size appropriate for squirrels and release the squirrel in a suitable environment, ideally near where it was captured if relocation is necessary.

Selecting the right live trap is crucial. Opt for a single-door or double-door trap specifically designed for small animals like squirrels. These traps should be made of sturdy wire mesh with small openings to prevent the squirrel from escaping or injuring itself. The size should be large enough for the squirrel to comfortably enter and turn around without feeling cramped, but not so large that it feels exposed and avoids entering. A common size is around 5x5x18 inches. Double-door traps often encourage squirrels to enter more readily as they can see an "escape" route on the other side.

Bait is essential for attracting the squirrel into the trap. Squirrels are attracted to nuts, seeds, and peanut butter. Consider using a combination of these to increase the likelihood of success. Place the bait at the back of the trap to ensure the squirrel fully enters before triggering the door mechanism. Regularly checking the trap, at least twice a day, is vital to prevent the squirrel from experiencing excessive stress, dehydration, or starvation. Once caught, handle the trap gently and cover it with a blanket or towel to reduce the squirrel's anxiety during transport. Release the squirrel in a safe location at least five miles from your property to prevent its return, ideally in a wooded area with access to food and shelter. Before relocating any wildlife, check with your local wildlife authorities regarding any permits or regulations regarding animal trapping and relocation, as laws vary by location.

What bait is most effective for attracting squirrels to a trap?

The most effective bait for attracting squirrels to a trap consists of nuts and seeds, particularly peanut butter, whole peanuts (in their shells are ideal), sunflower seeds, and pecans. These food items are highly palatable to squirrels due to their high fat and protein content, making them irresistible and enticing them into the trap.

Squirrels are naturally drawn to foods that are rich in calories, as they need these resources to survive, especially during colder months. Peanut butter provides a strong scent that can attract squirrels from a distance, while the nuts and seeds offer a visually appealing and tempting treat. Varying the bait by combining several of these options can increase your chances of success, as squirrels, like any animal, can have preferences or be more attracted to specific foods at certain times of the year. When setting the trap, be sure to place the bait strategically. A small amount should be placed just inside the entrance of the trap to entice the squirrel to enter, and a larger quantity should be placed at the back of the trap, beyond the trigger mechanism. This encourages the squirrel to fully commit to entering the trap, increasing the likelihood that it will trigger the door to close. Check the trap regularly and refresh the bait as needed to maintain its effectiveness and appeal to squirrels.

Are there legal restrictions on trapping squirrels in my area?

Yes, trapping squirrels is often subject to state, county, and even municipal regulations, so you must check with your local wildlife agency or animal control office before attempting to trap them. These regulations can cover aspects like requiring permits, specifying allowable trapping methods and seasons, mandating humane handling practices, and dictating where trapped squirrels can be relocated (or even if relocation is permitted at all).

Squirrel trapping laws are in place for several reasons. Some regulations aim to protect squirrel populations from over-trapping, ensuring a healthy ecosystem. Others focus on animal welfare, specifying trap types that minimize suffering and requiring regular checks to prevent prolonged confinement. Furthermore, the translocation of squirrels can be restricted or prohibited because moving them to new areas can disrupt existing ecosystems and spread diseases. Some areas might have specific prohibitions on trapping certain squirrel species that are endangered or threatened. Before you even consider setting a trap, contact your local Department of Natural Resources (or the equivalent agency in your area), your county animal control, and your city hall. They can provide the most up-to-date information on relevant laws and regulations. Ignorance of these laws is not an excuse, and violating them can result in fines, confiscation of traps, or even legal charges. It is always best to be informed and compliant to avoid legal trouble and ensure the humane treatment of any trapped animals.

How do I prevent catching other animals besides squirrels?

To minimize the risk of catching unintended animals while trapping squirrels, focus on using squirrel-specific bait, choosing the right trap size and placement, and regularly monitoring the trap.

Effective squirrel trapping involves tailoring your approach to attract only squirrels and discourage other wildlife. Opt for baits that are highly appealing to squirrels but less attractive to other common backyard animals. Good choices include nuts (walnuts, pecans, peanuts), seeds (sunflower seeds), and peanut butter. Avoid using meats or sugary sweets that might entice cats, dogs, raccoons, or opossums. The trap size should be appropriately sized for squirrels; a smaller trap will be less likely to catch larger animals. Position the trap in areas frequented by squirrels, such as near trees, fences, or bird feeders, but away from areas where other animals, particularly pets, are likely to roam.

Regular monitoring is crucial. Check the trap frequently, ideally multiple times a day. This allows you to quickly release any unintended catches unharmed. Consider using a trap with a solid bottom to prevent digging underneath. Camouflage the trap slightly using natural materials like leaves or twigs to make it appear less suspicious, but ensure the entrance remains unobstructed.

What size trap is best for catching squirrels?

A live trap measuring approximately 5x5x18 inches is generally considered the best size for catching squirrels. This size is large enough to comfortably accommodate most squirrels without being so large that it becomes difficult to handle or transport. It also prevents catching larger unintended animals.

Choosing the correct trap size is crucial for humane and effective squirrel trapping. A trap that's too small can injure the squirrel, while one that's too large might not trigger the mechanism properly or could inadvertently trap larger animals like cats or opossums. Squirrels typically feel safer entering enclosed spaces, and the 5x5x18 inch range provides a sense of security that encourages them to investigate the bait inside. When selecting a trap, consider the mesh size as well. Smaller mesh prevents squirrels from reaching through and stealing the bait without triggering the trap. Also, ensure the trap is sturdy and well-constructed to prevent the squirrel from escaping or injuring itself while trying to get out. Regularly check the trap according to local regulations, and relocate trapped squirrels to a suitable habitat at least 5 miles away to prevent them from returning to your property.

Where should I position the trap to maximize my chances?

Position your squirrel trap in areas with high squirrel activity, focusing on travel routes, feeding grounds, and entry points to their established territories like near trees, fences, sheds, or under bird feeders. The goal is to intercept the squirrel as it goes about its daily routine, making the trap a natural part of its environment.

To increase your chances of success, carefully observe squirrel behavior in your yard before setting the trap. Look for the paths they regularly use to get to food sources, such as bird feeders, gardens, or nut trees. Pay attention to where they climb fences or buildings to access roofs or attics. Placing the trap directly in these established travel lanes significantly increases the likelihood of a catch. Squirrels are creatures of habit and will often follow the same routes day after day. Concealing the trap subtly with natural materials like leaves and twigs can also reduce suspicion, although complete concealment isn't always necessary. Furthermore, if you're dealing with squirrels entering a specific area, such as an attic or shed, position the trap as close as possible to the entry point. This ensures that the squirrel encounters the trap while trying to access the area it considers its territory. Pre-baiting the area around the trap for a few days before setting it can also help acclimate the squirrels to the presence of the trap and the bait, making them less hesitant to enter when the trap is active. Remember to use gloves when handling the trap to avoid transferring human scent, which can deter squirrels.

How do I release a caught squirrel safely and responsibly?

Releasing a squirrel humanely involves minimizing stress to the animal and preventing its return. Ideally, release the squirrel as close as possible to where you caught it, preferably at the base of a tree in a safe, sheltered area during daylight hours. Open the trap slowly and allow the squirrel to exit on its own terms, avoiding any sudden movements that might scare it.

When choosing the release location, consider factors like the availability of food and shelter. Releasing the squirrel near a reliable food source like a nut-bearing tree or a bird feeder (that you’re now going to squirrel-proof!) will improve its chances of survival. Sheltered areas, such as bushes or dense undergrowth, offer protection from predators and the elements. Avoid releasing the squirrel in open areas or near busy roads. Releasing it back where you caught it is important because squirrels have established territories, and relocating them can disrupt local squirrel populations and reduce the released animal's survival chances due to unfamiliarity with the environment and competition with established squirrels. Before releasing the squirrel, take steps to prevent future encounters. Identify and address the entry points the squirrel used to access your property. This might involve sealing holes in your roof, trimming tree branches that overhang your house, or installing barriers to prevent squirrels from climbing. Cleaning up any food sources that attracted the squirrel in the first place, such as fallen nuts or spilled birdseed, is also crucial. Remember, prevention is always the most humane and effective solution for dealing with unwanted wildlife.

Well, that's about it! I hope these tips give you a leg up (or a tail up, if you're a squirrel!) in your catching endeavors. Thanks for reading, and good luck out there! Come back and visit soon for more nutty advice.