Foxes

1 Choose a Fox Trap

In order to ensure a safe and secure capture, your live fox trap should be spacious and strong. The best fox trap meets the folowing criteria:

• Extra Large: The size of your trap should allow enought space so an adult-sized fox can fit comfortably inside. A trap that's at least 42" long by 15" wide is best.
• Durable: Wire should be 12 gauge and made of galvanized steel.
• Safe: Internal trap edges must be rolled smooth to prevent a fox from injuring himself when inside.on a well-traveled path - marked by a trail of armadillo tracks or recessed grass

2 Determine Trap Placement

The best location for your trap is somewhere outside the den entrance.

If you're not sur how to identify a fox den, some common characteristics include:

• underground dens have two or more entrances in the form of freshly-dug holes in the earth, typically in sloped terrain
• above-ground dens usually take the form of tree hollows or brush piles
• a heaby odor that resembles ammonia
• surrounding vegetation is thick, offering plenty of cover
• a water source like a stream or lake is nearby

TIP: If you are able to locate an animal carcass outside of a den entrance, position your trap directly beside it.

3 Conceal Your Trap

Foxes are very smart and will quickly avoid a suspicious trap. It's important to conceal your trap so that a fox can feel comfortable entering.

• Wear gloves at all times when handling your trap and bait to keep your scent from being transferred
• Sterilize your trap with boiling water if you believe human scent has already been transferred to the trap
• Camouflage your trap by covering it with plenty of nearby vegitation

4 Bait Your Trap

A fox must become comfortable with feeding near your trap before he will feel confident entering the trap. Tie open your trap and use a great fox bait like fish or raw meat to slowly lure in the fox inside:

Day 1: Place your bait beside the trap and wait until the bait is eaten.

Day 2: After the fox eats the bait that has been placed outside the entrance, place more bait just inside the trap, but not beyond the trigger plate.

Day 3: Once the fox has shown signs that he's comfortable eating in the trap, carefully position your bait directly behind the trigger plate.

For more baiting tips, read How To: Fox Baits.

5 Set Your Trap

Once your fox is used to eating inside the trap, you may prepare it for a catch. Make sure your trap is carefully set as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

TIP: Foxes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight. So to avoid catching a daytime critter, set your trap just before the sun sets.

6 Check Frequently

Check your trap every often until you’ve caught a fox. Once a fox is trapped, it is vulnerable to dangers like hunger, overheating, and anxiety. A fox should never be neglected inside the cage for longer than necessary.

7 You've Caught a Fox!

• Approach the trap gently and cautiously.
• Avoid contact with the fox: wear heavy gloves, hold the trap away from your body and never stick your fingers inside the cage.
• Keep the fox as calm as possible: speak softly and drape a cloth over the trap.
• If local laws permit, relocate your fox at least 10-20 miles away from your home in another suitable habitat with plenty of cover and a nearby water source.