Raccoon Trapping is a Process
Raccoons
After discussing some different scenarios, he made his set-up.
And, after the first night—nothing had happened. The bait wasn’t touched and there was no animal in the trap. He heard nothing. What went wrong?
The answer is nothing. Based on his reports, the only thing he needs right now is some patience. I told him he’s on raccoon time.
Today, we discuss patience, wariness, and the unknown mind/instincts of a raccoon.
Wary Raccoons
Some raccoons that make it to the news, YouTube, or Facebook seem bold and outgoing.
They seem so sure of themselves and comfortable around people that getting them to go in a baited trap seems easy.
And sometimes it is!
We’ll be the first to admit that sometimes catching a raccoon can be simple. With a cage trap and some good bait, many raccoons are easily lured into traps.
Then there are those other times. You know: when it seems like the raccoon is smarter than you.
They reject different baits and seem to just walk on by. It seems like they know what a trap is all about. Our guess is those ones probably do.
We observe this regularly because we use a lot of cameras to watch the traps.
The cameras tell us when we’re dealing with one of “those” raccoons where we’re going to have to switch up tactics. For us, those tactic changes mean setting up a more involved trap plan.
Raccoon Going Into Trap
Let’s start with some pictures of an “easy” raccoon; one that went into a baited trap.
As you look at these pictures, please note the time stamp on them them.
Just after 10:30 PM the raccoon comes out of the soffit and checks out the trap. The motherload of bait is in the back of the camera to the right and clearly has the raccoon’s interest.
Just three minutes later, the raccoon looks like it’s committing. Things are going well.
But, a half hour later we see that the raccoon has not committed yet and is still checking out the trap.
Another minute passes and the camera seems to have attracted it’s attention as well.
Another five minutes and this easy raccoon has been captured. All in all, that was relatively quick and easy.
The trapping system chosen was a pretty simple one: just a baited trap by the entrance exit.
If only they were all like this.
Bait/Trap Ignoring Raccoon
The friend with the raccoon we began this post with was told from the outset to try the easy way first. There is no need to get elaborate until the raccoon tells you otherwise.
We often try the easy way first as well.
But when the cameras show more wary than normal raccoons or the animal just isn’t being caught, it is time to mix things up.
The best way to catch a wary raccoon is to place a trap right over its entrance/exit.
If you can control all other ways in and out and have a trap where they have to travel, they will be caught.
Setting up a trap at the entry/exit often requires more work, tools, and creativity.
Here’s a good example:
As you saw and heard, not all raccoon jobs are quick and simple.
Mothers with young are some of the most difficult and that is what many of the raccoon calls we’re getting right now entail.
Raccoon Removal & Trapping | Akron, Canton, Kent OH
If you are trying to trap a raccoon and it doesn’t go as quickly as planned, take a deep breath and give it a little time.
You may have to change tactics but give your selected method a good try first.
Raccoons are predictable but do things on their own time.
If you need help please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to solve your raccoon problem if they’re giving you too much trouble.
