How to Trap A Red Squirrel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Red squirrels can be charming creatures, but they can also be a nuisance when they invade your garden or home. If you’re dealing with a red squirrel problem and are looking for a way to safely remove the squirrels from your property, trapping may be an option to consider.

Trapping a red squirrel can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and effectively. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of how to trap a red squirrel, including what equipment you’ll need, how to set the trap, and how to release the squirrel safely. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to handle your red squirrel problem in a humane and effective way.

Step-by-step on How to Trap a Red Squirrel

Here are the steps for trapping a red squirrel:

1. Gather the necessary equipment: You’ll need a live trap, bait, gloves, and a cage or box for transporting the squirrel.
2. Select a suitable location: Choose an area where red squirrels are known to be present, and where the trap won’t be disturbed by humans or other animals.
3. Set the trap: Position the trap in the chosen location, making sure that it is level and stable. Secure the trap to the ground using stakes or weights.
4. Baiting the trap: Use a small amount of bait, such as seeds or nuts, to attract the squirrel to the trap.
5. Checking and monitoring the trap: Check the trap at least once every couple of hours, and remove any captured squirrels as soon as possible.
6. Releasing the squirrel: Transport the squirrel in a cage or box, and release it in a suitable location, such as a wooded area or park, close to the site where it was captured.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively trap and release a red squirrel. Remember to handle the squirrel with care and release it in a suitable location once it has been caught.

Preparing the Equipment You’ll Need

When it comes to trapping a red squirrel, the first thing you’ll need to do is gather the necessary equipment. A live trap is essential for capturing the squirrel without causing it harm. These traps are designed to allow the animal to enter a cage or enclosure, but once inside, a mechanism prevents it from escaping. There are various types of live traps available, such as box traps, cage traps, and net traps, so you’ll need to choose the one that is most appropriate for your situation.

In addition to a live trap, you’ll also need bait to attract the squirrel to the trap. Red squirrels are omnivorous and will eat a variety of seeds, nuts, and fruits, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when selecting bait. Some examples of good bait for red squirrels include sunflower seeds, peanuts, and apples.

Finally, you’ll want to have a few other items on hand to make the trapping process go smoothly. Gloves can be useful for handling the trap and any bait you’ll be using, and a cage or box can be helpful for transporting the trapped squirrel to a location for release. It’s also a good idea to have a towel or blanket on hand to gently cover the squirrel while you’re moving it, as this can help calm the animal and reduce stress. With all of these items in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to safely and effectively trap a red squirrel.

Selecting a Suitable Location

Selecting a suitable location for setting your live trap is an important step in trapping a red squirrel. You’ll want to choose an area where red squirrels are known to be present, as this will increase your chances of successfully catching one. Look for signs of squirrel activity, such as gnawed nuts or seeds, or foraging areas near trees or shrubs.

In addition to being an area where red squirrels are active, you’ll also want to choose a location where the trap won’t be disturbed by humans or other animals. This is important for the safety of the squirrel as well as for the success of the trapping effort. Avoid areas with heavy foot traffic or where other animals, such as dogs or cats, may be present.

Finally, consider the location’s proximity to a release site. Once you’ve caught a red squirrel, you’ll need to release it back into the wild. Choose a location that is close to a suitable release site, such as a wooded area or a park, to make the release process easier. By carefully selecting a suitable location, you’ll increase your chances of catching a red squirrel and releasing it safely.

Setting the Trap

Setting a live trap for a red squirrel is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to do it correctly to ensure the safety of the squirrel and the success of the trapping effort. Here are some steps to follow when setting your live trap:

1. Choose a suitable location for the trap, as discussed in the previous subheading.
2. Position the trap in the chosen location, making sure that it is level and stable. You’ll want to place the trap in an area where the squirrel is likely to come across it, such as near a food source or a known foraging area.
3. Secure the trap to the ground using stakes or weights. This will help prevent the trap from being moved or tipped over by the squirrel or other animals.
4. Bait the trap with a suitable food source, such as seeds or nuts, as discussed in the subheading “Baiting the Trap”.
5. Check the trap frequently to ensure that it is working properly and that the squirrel has not been injured in any way.

By following these steps, you can effectively set a live trap for a red squirrel and increase your chances of catching one. Remember to always handle the trap and the squirrel with care, and to release the squirrel in a suitable location once it has been caught.

Baiting the Trap

Baiting a live trap is an essential step in the process of trapping a red squirrel. The right bait can attract the squirrel to the trap, increasing your chances of catching it. Red squirrels are omnivorous, which means they will eat a variety of seeds, nuts, and fruits. Some good options for bait include:

1. Sunflower seeds: These are a popular choice for baiting live traps, as red squirrels are known to be attracted to them. You can offer raw or shelled sunflower seeds, or you can mix them with other seeds or nuts to create a more attractive bait.
2. Peanuts: Red squirrels are also known to be attracted to peanuts, which can be offered raw or shelled.
3. Apples: Red squirrels are known to be fond of fruit, and apples can be a good choice for bait. Cut the apple into small pieces and place them in the trap to attract the squirrel.

When baiting the trap, be sure to use a small amount of bait to start with, as too much can make the squirrel wary. You can gradually increase the amount of bait as needed to attract the squirrel to the trap. Remember to check the trap frequently and replace the bait as needed to keep it fresh and attractive to the squirrel.

Checking and Monitoring the Trap

Once you’ve set a live trap for a red squirrel and baited it with an attractive food source, it’s important to regularly check and monitor the trap to ensure its effectiveness and the safety of the squirrel. Here are some tips for checking and monitoring the trap:

1. Check the trap frequently: It’s a good idea to check the trap at least once every couple of hours, as this will allow you to quickly remove any captured squirrels and release them in a suitable location.
2. Handle the squirrel gently: If you do catch a squirrel, it’s important to handle it gently and with care. Use gloves or a towel to gently lift the squirrel out of the trap and place it in a cage or box for transport.
3. Release the squirrel safely: Once you’ve captured a red squirrel, it’s important to release it back into the wild as soon as possible. Choose a location that is close to the site where the squirrel was captured, and release it in a wooded area or park.

By regularly checking and monitoring the trap, you can ensure the safety of the captured squirrel and the success of your trapping efforts. Remember to handle the squirrel with care and release it in a suitable location once it has been caught.

Releasing the Squirrel Safely

Releasing a captured red squirrel back into the wild is an important step in the trapping process. It’s essential to handle the squirrel gently and to release it in a suitable location to ensure its safety and well-being. Here are some tips for releasing a red squirrel safely:

1. Transport the squirrel in a cage or box: To transport the squirrel, place it in a cage or box with ventilation holes. This will keep the squirrel contained and protected during transport.
2. Choose a suitable release site: Choose a location that is close to the site where the squirrel was captured, and release it in a wooded area or park. Make sure the area is free of any potential dangers, such as predators or human activity.
3. Release the squirrel gently: To release the squirrel, open the cage or box and allow the squirrel to leave on its own. Don’t try to force the squirrel out or chase it away, as this can cause stress and injury.

By following these tips, you can release a captured red squirrel safely and successfully back into the wild. Remember to handle the squirrel gently and release it in a suitable location to ensure its well-being.

Precautions to Take When Trapping a Red Squirrel

When trapping a red squirrel, there are a number of precautions you’ll need to take to ensure the safety of the squirrel as well as to comply with any relevant laws and regulations. Here are some key precautions to keep in mind:

1. Obtain permission: If you’ll be trapping a red squirrel on someone else’s property, it’s important to obtain permission from the property owner before setting the trap. This can help prevent misunderstandings and potential legal issues.
2. Use a humane trap: It’s important to use a live trap that is designed to capture the squirrel without causing it harm. Avoid using traps that could injure the squirrel, such as leg-hold traps or glue traps.
3. Handle the squirrel gently: When handling the trapped squirrel, use gloves or a towel to gently lift it out of the trap and place it in a cage or box for transport. Be careful not to cause the squirrel any unnecessary stress or injury.
4. Release the squirrel safely: Choose a suitable location for releasing the squirrel, as discussed in the subheading “Releasing the Squirrel Safely”. Release the squirrel gently, and avoid chasing it or forcing it out of the cage or box.

By following these precautions, you can ensure the safety of the red squirrel and avoid any potential legal issues when trapping it. Remember to handle the squirrel with care and release it in a suitable location once it has been caught.

Alternatives to Trapping a Red Squirrel

If you’re dealing with a red squirrel problem and are looking for alternatives to trapping and removing the squirrel, there are a number of options to consider. Here are a few potential alternatives:

1. Exclusion methods: One way to deal with a red squirrel problem is to prevent the squirrels from accessing the area where they are causing problems. This can be done through exclusion methods, such as sealing up any holes or gaps that the squirrels are using to enter buildings or gardens.
2. Humane deterrents: There are a variety of humane deterrents available that can help discourage red squirrels from accessing certain areas. These can include devices that emit loud noises or flashing lights, or that spray a small burst of water when triggered.
3. Habitat modification: Another option is to modify the habitat in a way that makes it less attractive to red squirrels. This can include removing sources of food and shelter, such as bird feeders or stacked woodpiles.

By considering these alternatives to trapping and removing red squirrels, you can address your squirrel problem in a humane and effective way. Remember to always follow local laws and regulations when dealing with wildlife, and to seek guidance from a wildlife expert or animal control agency if needed.

Conclusion

Trapping a red squirrel can be a useful tool for safely removing the squirrels from your property if they are causing problems. To trap a red squirrel, you’ll need to gather the necessary equipment, such as a live trap and bait, and select a suitable location for setting the trap. Once the trap is set, it’s important to check and monitor it regularly and to handle and release the trapped squirrel with care.

While trapping can be an effective way to deal with a red squirrel problem, it’s important to also consider other options, such as exclusion methods or humane deterrents, to address the issue in a humane and sustainable way. By following these steps, you can safely and effectively trap and release red squirrels, and manage any problems they may be causing.