Understanding Humane Fox Traps
Before you start building a humane fox trap, it’s important to understand what it means to trap an animal humanely. A humane trap is one that does not cause injury, pain, or unnecessary stress to the fox. Such traps are designed to capture the animal alive so that it can be relocated or receive veterinary care if needed.
Considerations for Building a Humane Fox Trap
When constructing a humane fox trap, you should consider the following:
- Regulations: Check local wildlife regulations to ensure that trapping foxes is legal in your area and if there are specific guidelines you must follow.
- Size: Make sure the trap is the appropriate size for a fox so that it cannot hurt itself trying to escape.
- Strength: The materials used must be sturdy enough to contain a fox without causing harm.
- Entrance Mechanism: The entrance should be sensitive enough to close when a fox enters without risking injury to the animal.
- Shelter: Provide shelter within the trap to protect the fox from the elements.
- Food and Water: If the fox may be contained for some time, provisions for food and water are essential.
- Inspection: Plan to inspect the trap frequently to ensure that a trapped animal is not left in distress.
Materials Required
You will need:
- Sturdy wire mesh or metal bars
- A trigger mechanism
- A door that can shut firmly
- Building tools (e.g., welder, pliers, cutters)
- Covering material for shelter (e.g., tarpaulin)
Building a Humane Fox Trap in Steps
Step 1: Designing the Trap
First, plan your trap. It should be large enough to comfortably hold a fox — typically around 36 inches long, 12 inches high, and 12 inches wide. There should also be a trigger mechanism at the rear of the trap which, when stepped on, will cause the door to close.
Step 2: Constructing the Frame
Build a rectangular frame using sturdy materials. Ensure all edges are smooth and that there’s nothing sharp that could injure the fox.
Step 3: Adding the Mesh
Cover the frame with a strong wire mesh. The mesh should have spaces small enough to prevent the fox from escaping or getting a paw stuck.
Step 4: Installing the Door and Trigger
Fit a door at one end, which swings shut quickly and securely. The door should be connected to a trigger plate at the opposite end of the trap, which when stepped on, will release a spring mechanism that closes the door.
Step 5: Testing the Mechanism
Test your trap multiple times to ensure that the mechanism is sensitive enough to trap a fox, but not so sensitive that it could close on the animal prematurely and cause injury.
Step 6: Providing Shelter
Attach a sheltered section or cover the trap with tarpaulin to protect a captured fox from the elements.
Step 7: Baiting the Trap
Place bait (such as meat or cat food) at the end of the trap past the trigger plate to lure the fox in but ensure that the food does not draw other unwanted animals.
Step 8: Frequent Inspections
Once set, check your trap frequently (at least once every few hours) to ensure that any captured animal is attended to promptly.
Step 9: Relocation
If a fox is captured, cover the trap with a cloth to help calm the animal and transport it to a suitable location for release, based on local wildlife guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Building a humane fox trap requires careful planning and consideration of the animal’s welfare. Ensure that it is only used as a last resort, and always prioritize non-lethal and non-intrusive ways to deal with wildlife. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with wildlife rehabilitation professionals or local authorities experienced in humane wildlife control.