I need help with a super-smart raccoon. I have lost 11 little chicks to this rocket-scientist and I can't catch him. I am using a live trap and this is what he's done... 1st night - set trap and placed it behind the scene of the crime. This little bugger got the bait but did not spring the trap. Last night - set trap again but this time I put chicken skin, cherry jam, garlic, and covered the works with bacon fat which I allowed to congeal and, therefore, cement all this stuff in place. (thought I might catch my husband in there lol). This coon tips the cage on its side and waltzes in there and takes the bait. Because the trap's on its side he doesn't have to step on the pan to get the stuff. I need help. Obviously, I have to secure the trap so he can't tip it but he got the bait the first night without tipping -- I'd appreciate any other advice folks may have as this guy/gal is so bright. It's hard not to respect a creature so crafty but he's going DOWN!! Thanks so much (in advance)
You need to put silacone or oil on all the moving parts of the trip mechanism. If there is a way to make it more sensitive to being 'sprung' you can make that adjustment while you're oiling all the parts. Stake the cage to the ground so he can't tip it over. I would scatter some of the bait in the far corners of the trap as well as the main spot to make him work to get it out and therefore tripping the mechanism as he maneuvers inside the cage. Gotta be smarter than the 'coon, right? They are clever little devils aren't they?
Your bait concoction sounds good for a coon,next time use tent stakes to anchor the trap to the ground.
Dig a hole under the bait area of the trap. Stake the trap and try again. The coon isnt that smart, it is just dealing with someone who isnt yet trap saavy! No need for a huge mix of bait, some tuna, sardines or even some marsmellows will pull it right in. We use old tuna cans filled with bait and set in the hole.....works like a champ.
Guys/Gals: Thanks so much for the advice!! I'm excited and going out armed with my tent pegs and shovel. I'm getting that little devil TONIGHT!!
It also helps to camoflauge it with leaves or yard debris and drizzletuna juice or sardine juice in front and into it so they follow their nose into the trap. Once they get food on the brain there is no stopping them.
I have to believe that, if he continues to take the bait, he will not be able to avoid capture forever. Unless, of coarse, the trap is not large enough. If he can keep part of his body in the doorway and still reach the bait he can escape every time. You could try moving the bait further back in the trap. If that doesn't work try fastening jerky to the back of the trap. If he has to apply leverage to pull it out he will have to get his backside out of the door.
I had caught all of the dumb coons in my area and only the smarter bait stealing ones were left. I started using Dukes dog proof coon traps and have caught 7 in the past month.
