Quick Answer
Beginners often set traps too close to cover, fail to bait properly, and neglect to check traps frequently enough, leading to wasted time and potential animal escape.
Setting Traps in the Right Location
When trapping opossums, it’s crucial to place traps in areas where the animals frequent. Avoid setting traps directly under or near cover, as this can lead to animals becoming wary and avoiding the area. Instead, position traps about 10-15 feet away from cover, such as logs or branches, where the opossums are more likely to pass through. This will increase the chances of catching the animal.
Proper Baiting Techniques
Opossums are attracted to strong-smelling foods, such as fish guts or commercial baits specifically designed for opossums. Use one or two large pieces of bait per trap to entice the animal to enter the trap. It’s also essential to place the bait in the same location each time, as opossums remember bait locations and will return to them consistently. A good rule of thumb is to bait each trap for 30 minutes to an hour before checking it to minimize false catches.
Checking Traps Frequently
It’s essential to check traps regularly, ideally every 30 minutes to 1 hour, to minimize animal suffering and prevent trap damage. This frequency will also allow you to adjust baiting and trap placement as needed. When checking traps, make sure to inspect the trap carefully, looking for any signs of animal activity, such as tracks or fur, to determine if the trap was triggered correctly.
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