The Best Live Animal Traps For 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
OxGord Live Animal Trap - Humane Catch & Release Large 32" Cage
Image credit: Amazon.com

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: OxGord Live Animal Trap - Humane Catch & Release Large 32" Cage

The Humane Catch & Release Large 32" Cage is a humane live animal trap that can be used with or without bait. Made of wire mesh, this durable trap will not harm your pet and will protect the animal from any harm while in the cage. The smooth internal edges allow animals to enter through the top, while the bottom has a wire mesh exterior which prevents escape from predators. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: HomGarden Catch Release Humane Live Animal Trap Cage

The Humane Live Animal Trap Cage is designed for trapping raccoons, opossums, cats, rabbits, and other similar-sized undesired animals. This live animal trap cage is collapsible and can be stored away without taking up too much room in your garage, shed, attic, or another storage place. Read Review

3. Best Portable: Smartxchoices 32" X 12" X 12.5" Large Live Animal Trap Cage Humane

Smartxchoices is a pre-assembled live animal trap that's easy to open or collapse, super simple operation and portable transport while energy saving. Ideal for trapping rats, ground hogs, weasels, chipmunks, flying squirrels, rabbits, mink, squirrels, muskrat, ferret and other similar-sized undesired animals. Read Review

4. Best Design: ANT MARCH Live Animal Cage Trap 24"x8.5"x7.5'' Steel Humane Release

If you're looking for humane live animal cage traps, this is the one. The ANT March Live Animal Cage Trap is constructed of sturdy rust-resistant wire mesh with steel reinforcements for long life. It's galvanized for maximum resistance to rust and features a sensitive trigger that ensures quick, secure captures. It also includes a spring-loaded door with a specific size and shape that ensures targeted catches. Read Review

Did you know that more than 50 billion wild animals are killed annually? That is a staggering figure, and it can be very depressing. However, the reality is that we have to kill these animals, so they don’t overrun and destroy our fragile ecosystem. Thankfully, we do have some good news… Thanks to modern technology, it is now possible to humanely trap wild animals without resorting to lethal methods like shooting or poisoning them.

This article will look at some of the best live animal traps available on the market today. These traps range from simple setups that any homeowner can put together to elaborate designs that require the purchase of specialized equipment. Nevertheless, If you live in an area where trapping wild animals for safety purposes isn’t an option, then one of these traps might be handy for you!

Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing your requirements. Then we found the OxGord Live Animal Trap - Humane Catch & Release Large 32" Cage is the most excellent choice for its high-quality performance. If you're looking for another one, consider HomGarden Catch Release Humane Live Animal Trap Cage.

Our Top Picks

  • SAFE & HUMANE: Keep the animal protected with smooth internal edges and a wire mesh exterior, which will result in the safe capture of unwanted animals.
  • PREASSEMBLED: This live animal trap is preassembled. It will be delivered in a flat, collapsed state. All you need to do is pull it open, and you’ll be ready to trap stray animals in no time.
  • DURABLE: Constructed with high quality, rust-resistant wire mesh and heavy duty steel.
  • CATCH & RELEASE: Utilizing a spring loaded door and sensitive triggers, this humane animal cage trap is super easy to bait those feral cats or rogue raccoons.
  • DIMENSIONS: 32 x 12 x 12 inches
TOP Choice #2 HomGarden Catch Release Humane Live Animal Trap Cage
Our Score:
9.7
HomGarden
  • 【Multi-purpose】 This live animal trap cage is designed for trapping raccons, opossums, cats, rabbits, and other similar-sized undesired animals, relocate or rescue streetwise wild animals . Relocates or rescues streetwise wild animals
  • 【Space Saving】Dimensions: 24'' x 8.5''x 8''. Collapsible design is ideal for space saving storage without taking up too much room in your garage, shed, attic or other storage place
  • 【Use without Worries】 No chemicals or glues. Can be used around children and pets, indoors or outdoors. Mesh openings are smaller than competing traps of comparable size to prevent escapes and stolen bait
  • 【Solid Construction】Constructed of sturdy wire mesh, heavy duty steel and smooth internal edges protect and prevent injuries to animals and to you. Solid doors and handle guards protect users during transportation
  • 【Easy Trap and Release】This preassembled animal trap is easy fully open or collapse, super simple operation, portable transport, energy saving. Trigger rod is located outside of the trap so animal cannot damage it while in the trap
  • 【Large Size - Trap Cage for Rodent Animals】32 in x 12.5 in x 12 in; This preassembled trap is easy fully open or collapse, super simple operation and portable transport while energy saving; Ideal for trapping rats, ground hogs, weasels, chipmunks, flying squirrels, rabbits, mink, squirrels, muskrats, ferrets, possums, skunks, woodchucks, porcupines, stray cats, opossums, raccoons and other similar-sized undesired animals.
  • 【No Assembly - Easy Catch & Release】Lift the tab on top, raise the door, and move the trigger rod's hooked end into place. With the high sensitive trigger mechanism, once the trigger is touched, the door will be auto-locked immediately and keep the critters in it. Trigger rod is located outside of the trap and the animals won't hurt themselves. Easy to use and comes fully assembled so all you have to do is set the bait and wait for your greedy little trickster to come to roost.
  • 【Sensitive Trigger with One Loaded Door】One gravity action door, mesh openings are smaller than competing traps of comparable size to prevent escapes and stolen bait; The solid door and handle guard protect user during transportation, while smoothed internal edges protect and prevent injuries to animals. There's plenty of room inside the trap for the average size cat,they can freely move inside the trap, saves tails and baby animals.
  • 【Collapsible Design - Secure & Space Saving】Folded size: 32 in x 12 in x 3 in; It folds up flat which is really practical when you are going to be putting it away for periods of time unless you are a professional cat trapper. Space saving storage without taking up too much room in your garage, shed, attic or other storage place. Safe for use around children and pets, can be used for both indoors or outdoors. 1 year limited WARRANTY.
  • 【Premium Construction - Durable & Sturdy 】This cage trap constructed with high quality, rust-resistant wire mesh and heavy duty steel for long time use galvanized for maximum resistance to rust or corrosion. More sturdy with thicker gauge wire and a stronger door,sturdy enough to contain and transport large animals while they can't get away or harm you.
  • Live animal trap cage is good ideal designed for trapping small squirrels, rabbits, skunks, mink, and similar sized animals.We do not recommend for adult animals.
  • Constructed of sturdy rust-resistant wire mesh with steel reinforcements for long life and is galvanized for maximum resistance to rust.
  • Spring loaded door and sensitive triggers ensure quick, secure captures that target the specific animal size, eliminating undesired catches
  • Solid doors and handle guards protect users during transportation, while smoothed internal edges protect and prevent injuries to animals. Trigger rod is located outside of the trap so animal cannot damage it while in the trap
  • Mesh openings are smaller than competing traps of comparable size to prevent escapes and stolen bait. Easy to use, bait, set & release
  • 【No Assembly - Easy Catch & Release】Lift the tab on top, raise the door, and move the trigger rod's hooked end into place. With the high sensitive trigger mechanism, once the trigger is touched, the door will be auto-locked immediately and keep the critters in it. It's easy to use and comes fully assembled so all you have to do is set the bait and wait for your greedy little trickster to come to roost.
  • 【Collapsible Design - Portable & Space Saving】Folded size: 32 in x 12 in x 3 in; It folds up flat which is really practical when you are going to be putting it away for periods of time unless you are a professional cat trapper. Space saving storage without taking up too much room in your garage, shed, attic or other storage place. Safe for use around children and pets, can be used for both indoors or outdoors. 1 year limited WARRANTY.
  • 【Large Size - Humane Live Animal Trap】32 in x 12.5 in x 12 in; This preassembled trap is easy fully open or collapse, super simple operation,portable transport, energy saving; ideal for trapping rats, ground hogs, weasels, chipmunks, flying squirrels, rabbits, mink, squirrels, muskrats, ferrets, possums, skunks, woodchucks, porcupines, stray cats, opossums, raccoons and other similar-sized undesired animals.
  • 【Catch Release One Door -Safe & Humane】One gravity action door, mesh openings are smaller than competing traps of comparable size to prevent escapes and stolen bait; The solid door and handle guard protect user during transportation, while smoothed internal edges protect and prevent injuries to animals. There's plenty of room inside the trap for the average size cat,they can freely move inside the trap, saves tails and baby animals.
  • 【Solid Construction - Durable & Sturdy 】Constructed with high quality, rust-resistant wire mesh and heavy duty steel for long life, and galvanized for maximum resistance to rust and corrosion. This trap is built more sturdy with thicker gauge wire and a stronger door,sturdy enough to contain and transport large animals while they can't get away or harm you.
  • 【32" X 12.5" X 12" Cage Trap】-- ZENY live animal trap cage is good ideal designed for trapping raccons, opossums, cats, rabbits, and other similar-sized undesired animals, relocate or rescue streetwise wild animals. Solid door and large handle guard offers protection during transportation.
  • 【Solid Construction】-- Constructed with high quality, rust-resistant wire mesh, sturdy, high tensile, wire mesh keeps neighborhood pest contained,smoothed internal edges protect and prevent injuries to animals.
  • 【High Sensitive Structure】-- Loaded door and sensitive triggers make it ideal for humanely capturing raccoons, stray cats, groundhogs (woodchucks), opossums, armadillos and similar-size nuisance animals. Once the pedal touched slightly, the trap will be triggered and the door will shut up immediately. It ensures the trapped animal no way to escape.
  • 【Foldable and Easy to Set Up】-- Easily set up in minutes and fold flat when storage without taking up too much of your room space. And it can also release unwanted animals simply. Extra easy collapse just put it open, and you’ll be ready to trap stray animals in no time.
  • SMART RESPONSE -- Spring loaded door and sensitive triggers ensure quick, secure captures that target the specific animal size, eliminating undesired catches
  • CONSIDERATION MATURE TECHNOLOGY -- Smoothed internal edges prevent injuries to animals
  • FOLDABLE DESIGN -- Collapsible design is ideal for space saving storage without taking up too much room
  • SPACIOUS SIZE -- 32 x 12 x 12.5 inch large size keep animals inside uncrowded or freely
  • USER FRIENDLY DESIGN -- Solid doors and handle guards protect users during transportation
  • 【Solid Construction】-- Constructed with high quality, rust-resistant wire mesh, sturdy, high tensile, wire mesh keeps neighborhood pest contained,smoothed internal edges protect and prevent injuries to animals.
  • 【Foldable and Easy to Set Up】-- Easily set up in minutes and fold flat when storage without taking up too much of your room space. And it can also release unwanted animals simply. Extra easy collapse just put it open, and you’ll be ready to trap stray animals in no time.
  • 【32" X 12.5" X 12" Cage Trap】-- ZENY live animal trap cage is good ideal designed for trapping raccons, opossums, cats, rabbits, and other similar-sized undesired animals, relocate or rescue streetwise wild animals. Solid door and large handle guard offers protection during transportation.
  • 【High Sensitive Structure】-- Loaded door and sensitive triggers make it ideal for humanely capturing raccoons, stray cats, groundhogs (woodchucks), opossums, armadillos and similar-size nuisance animals. Once the pedal touched slightly, the trap will be triggered and the door will shut up immediately. It ensures the trapped animal no way to escape.
  • Spacious Size -- 32 x 12 x 12.5 Inches large size keep animals inside uncrowded or freely
  • User Friendly Design -- Solid doors and handle guards protect users during transportation
  • Consideration Mature Technology -- Smoothed internal edges prevent injuries to animals
  • Foldable -- Collapsible design is ideal for space saving storage without taking up too much room
  • Smart Response -- Spring loaded door and sensitive triggers ensure quick, secure captures that target the specific animal size, eliminating undesired catches
  • 【24" X 8" X 7.5" Cage Trap】-- ZENY live animal trap cage is good ideal designed for trapping for small live rat squirrel raccoon and other similar-sized undesired animals, relocate or rescue streetwise wild animals. Solid door and large handle guard offers protection during transportation.
  • 【Foldable and Easy to Set Up】-- Easily set up in minutes and fold flat when storage without taking up too much of your room space. And it can also release unwanted animals simply. Extra easy collapse just put it open, and you’ll be ready to trap stray animals in no time.
  • 【Solid Construction】-- Constructed with high quality, rust-resistant wire mesh, sturdy, high tensile, wire mesh keeps neighborhood pest contained,smoothed internal edges protect and prevent injuries to animals.
  • 【High Sensitive Structure】-- Loaded door and sensitive triggers make it ideal for humanely capturing raccoons, stray cats, groundhogs (woodchucks), opossums, armadillos and similar-size nuisance animals. Once the pedal touched slightly, the trap will be triggered and the door will shut up immediately. It ensures the trapped animal no way to escape.

What to Look For in a best live animal traps?

We're sure you've purchased something and afterward regretted it. We are all concerned about the items we purchase. The easiest method to prevent these concerns is to conduct a thorough study before purchasing the best live animal traps.

That is also why we decided to introduce this post in order to provide you with advice on how to avoid buying errors when selecting the best live animal traps.

Brand

The brand is also important. You will find many brands available from different sellers. It is crucial to understand the differences between brands.

Closure Speed

Metal traps, galvanized or ungalvanized, eventually rust when exposed to the elements. How fast traps can close will be affected by the rust. Even though there is no rust in the traps, metal grating can cause traps to not close as quickly as they should. Sometimes, the door may not close completely due to metal burrs left over from manufacturing.
When you remove the trap, inspect the door mechanism and clean out any protruding or burrs that might hinder the door from moving. Apply a light amount of sewing machine oil on the moving parts. Do not use too much oil, as the smell may scare the animals.
Use no vegetable oil. This will only attract animals to the trap, where they'll lick at the oil to make it more attractive. They should ignore the trap and enter the room.

Construction

Galvanized steel is used in most live capture traps for its strength and durability as well as weather resistance. While the steel mesh is large enough to allow for air circulation, it's still sufficiently small that animals can't escape after being caught.
Some animal traps can be made from clear plastic. The clear plastic allows you to see inside the cage and prevents the animal from running away. You can not scratch, claw or bite the animal.

Size

A trap too small is just like a pair of shoes. You may find yourself in a bad position and regret buying it. The animals may be scared to try and squeeze in the trap if it is too small. They might be able to launch themselves from the trap if the size of the trap is not large enough.
Make sure to identify the type of animal that you are dealing with before you buy a trap. Next, find out the average size for that species in your region. Even within the same species of animal, sizes can differ greatly between regions.

Reviews

Most customers provide feedback about the animal traps that they have purchased. Reviews are displayed along with the product. You will gain valuable information about the quality and performance of any animal traps that you are considering purchasing.

Function

Before you make a purchase, be sure to check the functionality of your animal trap. The specifications of an animal trap will often determine its functionality. The functionality of animal traps increases as the specifications become more complex.

Strength And Resilience

No matter what type of trap you use, it should be strong enough that the animal cannot escape. Make sure you check the material used to make your trap. A good option is galvanized steel mesh, but make sure you check the gauge.
Look out for traps which are specifically designed to not injure the animal. Steel mesh traps may be deadly if an animal tries to escape but gets stuck. For the animals' welfare, a strong and sturdy trap is equally important as capturing them successfully.

Hand Protection

They are often unpredictable and panicked, so they will run away from you if they get trapped with someone. When you try to free them from the cage, they will often throw themselves at you. They don't know what to do and will fight to free you.
If you do not want to get bitten or clawed, solid metal plates around your top handle and door latches is a good idea.
You may also find the other side to the coin. The animal might be paralyzed by fear and will need to be thrown out of its trap. If you are forced to, be prepared to leap. Most of the time the animal will flee, but if it is forced to run or attack, that's when they will be aggressive. It is impossible to predict which one it will be so keep your eyes open.

Price

You must consider price when buying animal traps. Quality products at affordable prices are not something that anyone would refuse to pay. You can compare prices across multiple sellers to find the best price.

Legal Note

Before you purchase traps, find out what your local trapping laws are. Only test the traps you have purchased in practice or in season. Remember that traps found in illegal areas could also be used for emergencies and may even constitute intent to violate game laws.

FAQs

What Is A Cage Trap?

Cage traps (or live traps) are traps that trap live animals inside a cage. Cage traps are baited with bait, either food or a lure animal. Cat food and fish are common baits.

What Is The Best Way To Use A Live Trap?

You can use corn and marshmallows as bait. The trap must also be secured. It's then time to wait.
You should check your device often. It's important to check it often, as that is why you are using humane methods in the first instance. It doesn't matter if you don't catch anything in the first few days. If you don't catch anything, try other baits and a different location.
These measures can be used to repel other undesirable visitors such as rodents and other wildlife. This multi-faceted approach will help you prevent pest issues from happening.

What To Put In A Raccoon Trap?

Anything that smells foody attracts raccoons. Marshmallows make a great bait for raccoons. They can be hypnotized with them. You can also use chicken bones, raw meat from pigs, or meat scraps to attract them. They also like chicken eggs.
Important: Make sure to place a water bowl inside your cage.

Is A Live Trap The Right Choice?

You are responsible for the welfare of an animal if you trap it. The traps will need to be monitored regularly by you, at least once per day. You'll also need to act quickly when the traps are activated. An animal that is trapped will become very stressed.
Also, think about the location of your trap. Shade is important to ensure that the animal does not become too hot when it is relocated.

How Long Should I Keep Trapping?

It is a good idea to keep trapping animals until they are dead or captured.

What Do I Do With The Captured Animal?

Be careful when you approach the trap because it is likely that you will be dealing with an unpredictable, scared animal. Slow down and don't make sudden movements. It is unlikely that the cage's gauge will allow it to grab you and scratch your skin. You can cover the cage with a blanket and calmly relocate it.
When handling the trap, it is important to use heavy gloves. Because animals that live in densely populated areas have limited ranges, they are able to meet their basic needs within their own territory. To avoid it being returned, we recommend that the raccoon be taken at least 5 miles away from your residence. Follow all applicable laws regarding relocation.

Why Should I Use A Trap?

It's an effective and humane way to get rid of a problem animal. However, local laws may prohibit it. Trapping may be allowed in some areas. You may have to consider how they are classified by your state's wildlife agency as fur-bearing. This could mean you will need to first apply for a permit.
You may need to be aware that some places have regulations about the types of traps you are allowed to use. Some live cages can be allowed, while others may be illegal. Other people may also dictate the best place to release an animal. Since violating these laws can result in heavy fines, we urge you to first ask.

Will The Traps Ever Kill The Animals Instead Of Capturing Them?

Yes. Sometimes, it will catch the animal halfway to the door before being caught.

Conclusion

Finally, the best live animal traps may be readily used and offers a range of options to meet your needs. When looking for another kind of best live animal traps, which we recommend  ANT MARCH Live Animal Cage Trap 32''x11.5"x13" Steel Humane Release, all of these characteristics are significant. 

We've combed through all of this data in order to assist you in making the best decision possible. Let us know if there's anything else we can do to help you discover the best live animal traps in the comments section below!


0 ratings

About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

Read Sarah's full bio