The sudden appearance of a snake on residential property often creates a need for safe and humane removal, prioritizing the well-being of both the animal and the homeowner. Utilizing a non-lethal trap allows for the capture and relocation of the reptile without causing injury, aligning with responsible wildlife management practices. This approach requires careful preparation, understanding the trapping mechanism, and adherence to safety procedures before deployment.
Preparing for Trapping: Safety and Legal Considerations
The first step in any snake removal effort involves identifying the local species present on your property, a measure that is paramount to safety. Knowing whether the snake is venomous or non-venomous dictates the level of caution required and informs the subsequent steps taken. Under no circumstances should an untrained individual attempt to handle a snake directly, as any snake may bite when threatened.
Before constructing and setting a trap, you must check all local, state, and provincial regulations concerning the trapping and relocation of wildlife. Many jurisdictions have specific laws regarding protected species, and relocating animals without a permit may be prohibited or subject to penalties. These regulations prevent harm to protected populations and ensure relocation efforts do not negatively impact the environment or introduce disease. Confirming compliance is an obligation before proceeding with any capture plan.
Building a Non-Lethal Funnel Trap
A simple, humane method involves constructing a funnel trap, often based on the design of a minnow trap. The primary materials required are quarter-inch hardware cloth mesh, a cutting tool, zip ties or cage rings, and heavy-gauge wire. The small mesh size of the hardware cloth contains the snake without causing entanglement or injury.
To form the main body, roll the hardware cloth into a cylinder, approximately four feet long and wide enough for the target snake species to enter comfortably. Secure the seam tightly using zip ties or cage rings to prevent escape gaps. The non-lethal design depends entirely on the funnel system installed at both ends.
Next, construct a cone-shaped funnel from the same hardware cloth, designed to fit snugly inside the cylinder opening. The wide end should be slightly larger than the cylinder’s diameter, tapering down to a small opening just large enough for the snake to pass through. Attach this funnel inside the cylinder, with the narrow opening facing inward, creating a path that is easy to enter but difficult to exit due to the change in diameter and mesh edges.
The funnel construction is repeated for the opposite end of the cylinder, completing the two-way entry trap. To reduce the risk of injury, cover any sharp edges of the cut hardware cloth with a non-toxic sealant or duct tape. The completed trap should be structurally sound, preventing the snake from pushing through the seams or the funnel connections once inside.
Strategic Placement and Baiting
Effective placement of the funnel trap relies on understanding a snake’s natural movement patterns, which typically involve traveling along secure edges and seeking shelter. Optimal locations for trap deployment include placing it against walls, foundation edges, under wood piles, or along a drift fence to intercept movement. Securing the trap with rocks or stakes is important to ensure it cannot be tipped or rolled over, preventing the snake from escaping or becoming injured.
Baiting a snake trap differs from baiting for mammals, as snakes are carnivores that primarily hunt live or freshly deceased prey. While some traps use sources of warmth or shelter to attract snakes, the most successful method often involves using a food source that mimics their natural diet. Common and effective lures include fresh chicken eggs, dead mice, or rats, which can be placed inside the trap.
The bait should be secured inside the center of the trap, drawing the snake through the funnel entry to reach it. If the target species is known to prefer amphibians or insects, those items may be more effective. Snakes rely heavily on their sense of smell, or chemoreception, so a strong, fresh scent is typically more enticing than a visual lure.
Safe Handling and Relocation
Once the trap is set, it must be monitored frequently, ideally at least twice daily, to ensure the captured snake does not suffer from heat stress or dehydration. Snakes are vulnerable to overheating inside a confined space, especially during warmer daylight hours, making prompt checking a necessary part of humane trapping. If a snake is found, approach the trap calmly and avoid any sudden movements that might agitate the animal.
To prepare for transport, the entire trap should be covered with a dark cloth or blanket to reduce light and minimize stress on the snake. The trap can then be safely carried to the relocation site, taking care to keep it level and secured during movement. The release location should be chosen carefully, ideally matching the habitat type where the snake was originally found, such as a wooded area, rocky outcrop, or near a water source.
The recommended distance for relocation is at least a quarter to a half-mile away from the capture location to prevent the snake from immediately returning, while still remaining within its general home range. Relocating the snake more than a mile away can reduce its chances of survival due to disorientation and difficulty finding food and shelter. The trap is simply opened, and the snake is allowed to slither out onto the ground at its own pace, completing the humane removal process.