How to Make Small Animal Figure 4 Traps

Find your components. You will need a flat bottomed, large rock heavy enough to crush or trap a small animal. You will also need three sticks, 6 to 8 inches in length. They must be live, as old sticks will easily snap under the tension of the trap.

Find the right location for the trap. You will want a level area that is at least somewhat concealed by vegetation so that small animals will feel comfortable approaching it.

Saw off the ends of the sticks so that they have flat ends.

Shave off the sides of the sticks so that they look like 6- to 8-inch long rectangular prisms.

Hold one end of the rock up so it creates a 45-degree angle with the ground. Take one of your sticks and measure where on the stick the suspended end of the rock reaches. We will call this "stick A." Saw off the top off of stick A where the suspended end of the rock reaches.

Shave off a part of the tip of stick A at a 45-degree angle to create a pointed edge.

Create a notch toward the end of stick B so that the pointed end of stick A fits in perfectly. When connected, sticks A and B should create a 45-degree angle.

Cut the tip of stick B opposite the end with the notch so that it creates a pointed edge just like stick A's.

Cut a notch into stick C, the trigger stick, so that it can accommodate the pointed end of stick B. When sticks A, C, and B are connected, it should look exactly like the number "4."

Cut a small notch in the side of stick A where stick C crosses it. This will hold the tension created when all three sticks are connected.

Lift the rock at a 45-degree angle and gently place the suspended end of the figure-4 to hold it up. The part of the rig that points horizontally (stick C) should point under the rock, as this will be the trigger.

Delicately smear a small amount of peanut butter or other bait on the end of stick C (the trigger).

Return in 24 hours to see if you have caught anything.