Wildlife Education

While performing attic inspections , I have found many animals stuck in glue traps that were not meant to be. It is my opinion that glue traps are an unacceptable method of capture because of the fact they usually end up with harmless beneficial animals in them. I believe glue traps should never be used regardless of what is to be caught because they are a inhumane way to kill any animal. These are some of the animals I’ve found in glue traps; Adult squirrels, baby squirrels, flying squirrels, bats, Carolina wren (bird), several species of snakes, several species of lizards and frogs.

So I started carrying non-stick cooking spray when doing my attic inspections for wildlife. The oil in the spray seeps in between the animal and the glue and releases. I spray the animal down with the non-stick being care full not to get it in the nose/mouth. If that area is stuck, I spray a small towel and dab it on that area. Obviously care must be taken not to cause further damage to the animal an to avoid bites.

Mammals

First I firmly grip the squirrel by the scruff of the neck. I do not use gloves because they inhibit a good grip. With my other hand I spray down the squirrel and gently rub in the oil. If you do this, watch out for the claws of the squirrel, they are razor sharp. Sometimes the squirrel will tuck in its legs or go limp when grasped by the neck. A person called me one day saying she caught a squirrel in four glue traps. When I got there I saw a adult male squirrel stuck in 4 large glue traps. He looked like a soccer ball and was not happy. His nose, eyes and mouth were stuck to the traps and he was breathing from one side of his mouth. You have to be very care and take the time so the animal is not injured in the release process. A orange stick (for finger nails) is another good tool to use to pry in the unsticking process.

By gently rubbing in the oil, I was able to release him. It took me approx. 20 minutes and aside from being stressed and loosing a lot of hair the squirrel was fine. I released him in my back yard.

Reptiles
Snakes and lizards

For snakes I spray down the whole animal, being careful not to get the spray in the mouth. Its not toxic to the animal but it can fill the airway of the animal. Then I keep gently rolling the snake until the oil seeps between the glue and releases. Extreme care must be taken not to break the delicate lower jaw of the snake. An orange stick can be used to facilitate the release of the mouth area. Use common sense , if it is a venomous snake I would not attempt this unless you have a GOOD AMOUNT OF EXPERIENCE.

Birds

Unfortunately birds do not last long in glue traps. Basically the same release method is used but pay great attention to releasing the eyes so no damage occurs. Once released I advise taking the bird to a licensed wildlife rehabber for after care and or check up. The oil will have to be properly cleaned off the bird for flight.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

A good grease dissolving dish soap will work, but do not get it in the birds eyes.

Frogs

Unfortunately frogs rarely make it. Their skin is thin and glandular and tares easily. If you are able to release a frog, rinse it with non-chlorinated water thoroughly.

For any questions please don’t be afraid to ask.