How to Catch Wild Rabbits

Purchase or borrow a live animal trap. These capture an animal safely without hurting it. Usually it involves using bait that triggers a locking mechanism once contacted by the animal. You can buy a wooden box trap or an open mesh trap at a farm supply store. Be sure sure the trap is the size for rabbits, about 24- by 8- by 8-inches. If it is too big, you may trap unwanted larger animals.

Place bait into the trap and set it. The bait can be anything rabbits eat, such as vegetables and fruit, especially greens. Rabbits may also be attracted to vanilla or apple cider vinegar. Rabbits do not eat meat, worms, or insects. Place the bait in the appropriate place in the trap. Traps are designed to have an open door leading into the box or net containing the bait. When the rabbit enters and begins eating the bait, the door closes or the mesh tightens, and the rabbit is safely trapped.

Collect the trapped animal. Be careful not to let it bite or scratch you. Wear protective gloves and long sleeves. Take the rabbit to a veterinarian to assess its health, if necessary. If you trap the wrong animal -- like a skunk, possum or squirrel -- be sure to use the same caution before releasing it back into the wild.

Repeat the process using the same trap or multiple traps. Set traps far apart from one another for optimal results.