Q: Why won't squirrels go in my trap?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re having trouble with your traps, first examine them for flaws that would allow a squirrel to escape easily, such as loose doors or hinges. It&rsquo;s also important to consider the location of your trap: Place it in areas with higher squirrel traffic, and make sure it&rsquo;s on a sturdy surface so it can&rsquo;t wobble or tip (squirrels aren&rsquo;t likely to walk in a trap that isn&rsquo;t stable). Lastly, try changing out your bait&mdash;in-shell peanuts or peanut butter often work best.</p></div>

Question 1

Should I hire an animal removal specialist instead of calling my local municipality?

Accepted Answer

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You might be tempted to call your local municipality to remove animals from your property, such as a groundhog burrowing in your yard or raccoons getting into your trash cans. However, they typically only remove domestic animals like dogs and cats from properties, or sick and injured wildlife that pose a public safety risk or health threat, such as a rabid animal. They typically do not capture or remove healthy wildlife.

Animal removal professionals have the tools, knowledge, and skills to trap and remove wild animals adequately and humanely. They also can relocate them correctly.

Question 2

What time of day are bobcats most active?

Accepted Answer

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Bobcats are most active from sunset to midnight, and from sunrise to a few hours into the morning. If you see a bobcat acting strangely in hours they’re normally not active, it’s possible they’re sick. The Humane Society recommends contacting a local wildlife professional to find and trap the bobcat in this case.

Question 3

Why won't squirrels go in my trap?

Accepted Answer

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If you’re having trouble with your traps, first examine them for flaws that would allow a squirrel to escape easily, such as loose doors or hinges. It’s also important to consider the location of your trap: Place it in areas with higher squirrel traffic, and make sure it’s on a sturdy surface so it can’t wobble or tip (squirrels aren’t likely to walk in a trap that isn’t stable). Lastly, try changing out your bait—in-shell peanuts or peanut butter often work best.

Question 4

Can badgers benefit the environment?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, badgers can benefit the environments they live in. As they dig and feed, they carry and disperse seeds, which helps plants spread and grow. They also build tunnels that other species, like rabbits and foxes, can move into. However, these benefits may not be desirable on your property, and badger removal may be preferable.

Question 5

Can you get rid of wolves naturally?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, you can get rid of wolves naturally using nonlethal deterrents, like motion-activated lighting or loud music. You can also get rid of wolves with the same methods that apply to keeping other wildlife away—strong and tall fencing, a guard dog, and a clean property free from potential food sources.