Research-based Wildlife Control Technology and Management Information from Experts Who Care

Cage Trapping Safely and Responsibly

This page contains resources on strategies to cage trap safely and responsibly to prevent injury to humans, animals, and wildlife.

Cage Trapping (a.k.a. live traps)

Definition: Many people mistakenly call a cage or box trap a "live trap". The ICWDM does not use this terminology because the term "live trap" is misleading and vague. People may assume that if a trap doesn't look like a box then it must be a "kill trap." Nothing could be further from the truth. The fact is, most traps are "live traps" including, footholds, Collarum traps, snares, Belisle footsnare, Egg Trap, Duffer trap and a wide variety of other limb restraint traps.

There are two types of rectangular traps:

Solid wall, called a "Box Trap"	Wire-wall, called a "Cage Trap"

Dangers of Cage Trapping

1. Getting scratched or bitten as animal reaches through the cage.
2. Getting sprayed when you are unprepared for the possibility of catching a skunk (to learn how to prepare for and/or handle trapped skunks see Skunk Handling).
3. Contracting infection via cages have sharp edges which breach the skin and expose it to the urine and fecally contaminated wire.
4. Parasite expsoure like fleas, ticks, lice, worms, and other organisms can "jump" from the animal to the trapper.

Strategies for Reducing Risks when Cage Trapping

1. Wear Personal Protection Sturdy leather gloves Long-sleeved shirts Long pants Shoes that fully cover the feet. (No flip flops) Insect repellent (containing Deet)
2. Select the right trap Box traps, with their solid walls, significantly reduce the risk of getting scratched or bitten. However, they will hold urine and feces on the floor of the trap. Cage traps with tight mesh walls, 1/2-inch by 1-inch weave, signficantly reduces an animal's ability to reach through the wire when compared to a 1-inch by 1-inch weave. However, traps with the the smaller mesh size are more expensive due to the increased amount of material. Traps with large handle guards (over 4 inches wide by 6-inches long). Traps with large handles (over three inches tall) that allow for greater distance between the trap and one's hand. Gravity door traps (those traps that open automatically when rolled over) should have their doors wired shut prior to your moving the trapped animal.
3. Proper Behavior Always cover at 50% of the trap with a cloth (box traps don't need to be covered). See image. Understand how to use your equipment BEFORE you begin trapping. Check traps every single day they are set!!! This means, weekends, holidays, etc. Always follow all government regulations for handling wildlife. Consult your government laws at Wildlife Laws. Have a plan for how you will handle your catch BEFORE you begin trapping! Make sure your tetnus vaccination is up to date. If you become ill within 6 weeks of your trapping efforts, tell your doctor that you were working with wildlife! Don't be afraid to hire a professional. See Hiring a Professional to learn how to find a real one.
4. Additional Training Backyard Wildlife - (Video) The Fundamentals of Cage Trapping Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators Best Management Practices