Page 24 - Kansas Sportsman

Raccoons are quite easy to trap using equipment that either are both easily accessible baits that will attract raccoons.
excludes non-target species or makes it easy to release them If cats are present, there are many commercially produced
unharmed. My trap type of choice for raccoons in areas with raccoon lures and baits with strong sweet smells that will
no restrictions on trap type is called a dog-proof raccoon trap, attract raccoons. Cereals with marshmallows or marshmallows
and is an enclosed foothold trap design. alone can be effective, but it can be more challenging to get
a raccoon to enter a cage trap than to eat from a pipe in the
They are typically made out of round or square metal tubing open. Cage traps need to be set on firm, level ground, and can
with the trigger recessed a couple of inches down into the trap be stabilized by adding a heavy object to the top of the trap.
tube, and a support stake protruding from the bottom of the Cage traps are also the most appropriate trap to use inside
trap. The design prevents the self-mutilation that raccoons are of structures.
prone to when caught in standard foothold trap designs, and
excludes most non-target captures. With any trapping program, it is important to set traps where
the animals are already present. To do this, look for areas with
However, opossums and tracks, scat, other sign of the
skunks can access and work animal’s presence, or areas
the trigger mechanism and where the animal is seen
are sometimes caught. Some frequently.
domestic cats can also be
caught, but proper bait se- Traps must be checked
lection makes it quite easy to every 24 hours, and trapped
use dog-proof traps to catch raccoons can be humanely
raccoons in the presence of dispatched with a gunshot to
cats. The key is to use a bait the head. However, animals
like dry cereal with marsh- caught in town may need to
mallows that raccoons will be transported outside of the
select, but does not attract city limits where discharging
domestic cats. a firearm is legal.
Cage traps are an easy way to capture and relocate raccoons.
Darcy Daniels, Darcy D. Photography
When trapping raccoons in Kansas residents experienc-
the presence of cats, avoid using baits with fish or meat smells, ing raccoon damage have several options for receiving assis-
as these are just as attractive to pets as they are to raccoons. tance with lethal control efforts. Local trappers and hunters
Dog-proof traps need to be anchored with a stake, or cable are often happy for the opportunity to harvest raccoons on new
wrapped around an immovable object or large drag. When properties, especially during the Kansas furbearer season from
trapping in cold temperatures where the ground may freeze, mid-November to mid-February. There are also many NWCOs
avoid inserting the support stake on the dog-proof into the soil, throughout the state who will provide wildlife damage control
as serious injuries can occur to trapped animals when the trap assistance for a fee.
does not move freely after capture.
The Wildlife Damage Control Act of 1972 directs K-State
Municipalities often have restrictions on trap types that require Research and Extension to conduct a statewide program in
cage traps to be used, or may even prevent homeowners from wildlife damage control. Through this program, the Extension
conducting their own trapping within city limits, so always Wildlife Specialist is available to provide training to farmers
check local laws before beginning a wildlife control program. and ranchers in effective control techniques and provide, on
Fortunately, raccoons are relatively easy to capture in cage loan, control equipment not readily available.
traps that have a door opening of 10"x11" or larger and are 2-3
feet long. For additional information on wildlife management, please
visit the KSRE Wildlife Management website:
If no domestic cats are present, canned cat food or sardines www.wildlife.k-state.edu.

24 THE KANSAS SPORTSMAN | SPRING 2024