Thursday, September 22, 2011

Trapped!

One of Benjamin's latest obsessions has been squirrel trapping.  He built a few different models on his own, improving one after another.  Then he and Chris spent some time last weekend building a more heavy duty one.  It worked! 

The first victim we believe was actually a raccoon.  When Benjamin checked the trap one morning, the ground under the trap had been totally torn up.  There was a small hole that had been dug under one side, we believe so that the coon could get some leverage and then push the trap up .

This afternoon the trap sported the second victim, Mr. Squirrel.  He was frantically trying to get out and provided quite a show.  It's catch and release, so Benjamin soon sent him on his way back to freedom. 

One of the original traps in the foreground:

I am man.  See me hunt!


I don't have a good picture of the trap when it's set.  It's basically tilted up on one end.  A stick is placed inside with peanut butter or shortening on it, then when the stick gets bumped or moved, the trap falls.  

2 comments:

Amy said...

Way to go Benjamin:-)

Laurie said...

I knew exactly what pictures I'd see after I read the title! Takes me back to the days my brother would set traps. I desperately wanted to be a part of it, so he'd have me sit, for a LONG time, watching the traps, while he played with his friends. He'd tell me to call him in if I saw anything coming. Lazy trapper!! :)