How to Make a Humane Raccoon Trap

Raccoons are prevalent in most big cities in the United States. The reason for this is probably that they have nowhere else to go. Humans are systematically destroying their natural habitat leaving them no other option. The problem with this is that they have become reliant on humans for food. We discarded such a large amount of food every day that we are turning wild animals into urbanized animals. They are unable to care for themselves without our assistance. Raccoons are one of these breeds of urbanized animals. They are often, jokingly referred to as trash pandas. This is because they find the majority of their food in our trash cans. Unfortunately, in doing this they often spill the contents on your property attracting a plethora of other critters. 

They are also carriers of the rabies virus. They can transmit this virus to humans and other animals through their saliva. So, if you get bitten by a raccoon, it is imperative that you get to a doctor in order to get a rabies shot. 

Keeping them away 

The best way to keep raccoons away from your property is to remove all sources of food that will attract them. This includes trash cans, pet food, exposed fish ponds and fruit that has fallen from the tree. As long as they are unable to find food in the vicinity, they will move on. If you have a raccoon that has found your property to be appealing you may want to find a way to get rid of it. 

Building a trap 

There are many inhumane ways to get rid of raccoons, there are few humane ways that actually work. One of the best traps that you can assemble yourself can be constructed from materials that most people already have at home. 

• In order to trap the raccoon, you should find a trash can and fill the bottom with water. There should be enough water in to weigh the trash can down and keep it from falling over, but not enough for the raccoon to drown in. 
• Lean the trash can against a table that is more or less the same height as the trash can. 
• Place a wooden plank on the table. Make sure that the plank is long enough that it suspends over the trash can. 
• Find some bait to attract the raccoon. They like fresh fruit and strong-smelling fish. Place it on the plank, towards the end that is suspended. 
• Once the raccoon steps onto the plank to get the food, they will fall into the trash can. Even though they are good climbers, they will be unable to get out.
• Make sure you set the trap later at night to prevent the neighbor’s cat or a heavy bird from falling in. 
• Check the trap regularly. You do not want the animal to become anxious. Once you have made sure that you have indeed caught a raccoon, you can remove it and release it far away from your property. It is important to research local laws to make sure you are permitted to relocate a raccoon.