Hobbies And Interests
Conibear Traps
The Conibear trap is a small spring trap that is used for its quick kills. The smallest is called the No. 110 and is 4 /2 inches by 4 1/2 inches. This model can be used for smaller coons and foxes quite well. The next size of the Conibear trap is the No. 220, which is a 7-by-7-inch double spring trap. The No. 220 is effective for both coons and foxes. The drawback is that this trap is indiscriminate in what it kills. Whatever wanders into the trigger area dies, whether it is a fox, a coon or a neighborhood dog or cat.
Leg-Hold Traps
The leg-hold trap is designed to hold, not kill, the animal. One popular model of the leg-hold trap is the Duke DP Dog Proof Trap. The 6-inch chain is anchored to a stake or tree, and the bait container is a 4-inch stainless steel tube. The bait is placed into the tube where the fox or raccoon reaches in to grab it and gets snagged. Since the entire function of the trap is to restrain and not kill the animal, these traps need to be checked regularly.
Cage Traps
Cage traps are also built to restrain, not kill or injure, an animal. The recommended size for raccoons and foxes in the Havahart models is the one called "Large." The trap is 42 inches long, 15 inches wide and 15 inches high. For most sizes of fox and coon, the "Large" Havahart trap should be sufficient. These traps, like the leg-hold traps, need to be checked daily to make sure a trapped animal is not suffering.
Snares
In the category of snare traps, a thin wire is looped over itself and secured to a tree or fence post on one end. The coon or fox will usually follow the boundaries of the wall or fence and get a leg or its neck caught in the loop, which will tighten as the animal struggles to escape. Snares are considered the most inhumane form of trap, but they are effective. A 7-inch-long snare with a loop that will fit around the head of a fox or raccoon is ideal. A 3 1/2-inch loop will be just enough for the animal to fit his head through and will contract as he pulls his head out.