How to Load a Have a Heart Trap

If a raccoon, possum, stray cat or other mid-sized mammal has set up residence on your property, you don't have to kill it to remove it. A humane alternative is to use a live trap such as the Havahart (often referred to as Have a Heart) trap, which will capture the animal unharmed so that you can relocate it. Setting up these traps takes minimal effort, and once they're up, you don't have to worry about accidentally killing or injuring your own pets or children.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set the trap on a flat surface near where the animal has taken up residence. It's important that the trap is on a flat surface, as the animal might shake the cage in an attempt to get out. On an uneven field, the cage might flip or fall, potentially injuring the animal in the process.

    • 2

      Depress the peg latch, then pull the door up. Hold it in the up position.

    • 3

      Hook the trip lever under the door. Let go of the door.

    • 4

      Bait the far end of the trap, using a food that the animal finds attractive. With cats, you can use cat food, fish or poultry. Raccoons and possums eat most meats and vegetables, though corn and berries are favorites. They also enjoy tinned cat food.

    • 5

      Cover the trap with the Havahart sheet, leaving only the door exposed. This sheet has a dual purpose: first, to hide the trap, making it look more like a log than a metal cage. Secondly, to protect the animal in case of rainfall or snow. Even with the sheet in place, make sure to rescue the animal as soon as possible.