Catching an unwell wild sq

[lamb57]

We have released several sq's here and some come to visit often. We have noticed one that comes by that is either a wild or one that has gotten wild over time. It runs away when we come out of the house but it will come right up to the carport like the others do to eat. Recently we noticed it was getting thin and it's tail looks rough. I have been watching it through binoculars and realized it can't eat. It rolls food around and tries but the only thing it has eaten is soft bread with almond or peanut butter and it took a while to do that. Obviously it has something wrong with it's teeth or jaw. Does anyone have any advise about catching this little guy so we can help it? I borrowed an humane trap but my fear is it may scare it to death or catch it's tail or something awful.

Any suggestions? Please? :dono :thinking

[farrelli]

I'm certainly not an expert, I'm pretty new here, but I have read many such stories now and it seems that most people use the humane traps. The ones that don't seem to already have friendly relationship with the squirrel and can lure it into a carrier or something. I'd just set the trap and watch it closely so that this poor squirrel isn't sitting out in the cold when he's probably already quite weakened. Maybe he has a malocclusion or something. Bless you for pursuing this. I wish you all the best. Perhaps you'll end up with one of really heartwarming stories here where the squirrel, though wild, seems to appreciate the help and turns out to be a real sweetheart. Please let us know how it goes.

[stepnstone]

Most of the traps I've seen that "are said" to be for squirrels are just too small, I use the trap that is for use for ground hogs and possum.
I have had very good success with it, it allows the squirrel to be completely clear inside without any fear of catching it's tail when it closes.

[CritterMom]

The problem of course is catching the RIGHT squirrel, and making sure you are on hand so it doesn't spend any time in the trap.

You could try tipping a big plastic bin box over and propping one side up with a stick tied to a string that you can yank to trip the trap. Put the bait way in the back of the box and make it something really attractive - a blob of peanut butter on a piece of bread or something. I would also leave it set up for a couple days with chow in it so they get used to going in and out before you try to spring it. Use as short a stick to prop it up as you can - you want it to fall fast when you yank and the longer the stick the further it has to fall and the longer it will take.

Feed them at the same time in there for several days - they learn REAL fast, and it will mean that you don't have to sit for hours holding the string waiting...

If you use the humane trap, I would do the same thing - bait it but don't set it so they get used to going into it.

[lamb57]

The problem of course is catching the RIGHT squirrel, and making sure you are on hand so it doesn't spend any time in the trap.

You could try tipping a big plastic bin box over and propping one side up with a stick tied to a string that you can yank to trip the trap. Put the bait way in the back of the box and make it something really attractive - a blob of peanut butter on a piece of bread or something. I would also leave it set up for a couple days with chow in it so they get used to going in and out before you try to spring it. Use as short a stick to prop it up as you can - you want it to fall fast when you yank and the longer the stick the further it has to fall and the longer it will take.

Feed them at the same time in there for several days - they learn REAL fast, and it will mean that you don't have to sit for hours holding the string waiting...

If you use the humane trap, I would do the same thing - bait it but don't set it so they get used to going into it.

Yes, catching the right one might be a challenge. :sanp3
The idea of the box propped up is a good one except how to get the squirrel out from under the box without it taking off? Someone is here most all the time so we wouldn't leave it inside a trap for more than a few minutes. I just don't want the poor little thing scared to death. Another rehabber is going to help me when we catch it which I am relieved about.