How to Trap Reptiles

Trapping reptiles may be necessary for a number of reasons, such as controlling a wild lizard or snake problem or capturing a loose pet. There are both humane and inhumane ways that a reptile can be trapped, but humane traps are just as easy to create as inhumane ones and do not necessitate causing harm or death to the reptile. A humane method of trapping reptiles is also necessary if you intend to capture them for trap and release programs or for rescue and rehabilitation.

Things You'll Need

Repeating trap
Ceramic dish
Appropriate bait

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase an appropriate repeating trap for the reptile in question. There are metal wire traps that can accommodate larger reptiles. Smaller reptiles, which can squeeze through the mesh of wire traps, can be captured using a wood or glass trap. These traps can be purchased from reptile retailers, rented through rescues and the humane society, or made at home.
- 2
  Fill a ceramic dish with appropriate bait for the reptile you wish to trap. Different reptiles have different dietary requirements as well as different baits they will prefer. For reptiles that naturally eat mice or other small animals, fashion a different container for the bait--such as a small wire cage or a plastic terrarium container--so the bait cannot run away. For smaller reptiles, crickets, mealworms, fish or other insects are usually appropriate bait.
- 3
  Position the bait at the very back of the cage. These traps are designed to spring closed as soon as the trapped animal has ventured completely inside. For this reason, choose a trap that is appropriately sized for the animal in question. The animal must be able to fully enter the trap in order for it to close properly.
- 4
  Place the trap in a suitable location. Choose a location that the reptile is likely to frequent, especially when searching for prey. If the trap is not successful after several days, choose a new location for the trap. Continue until the reptile has been captured.