I've got a place with a slew of ground squirrels. We're talking a few hundred. They were a mix of 13 lined ground squirrels and some larger ones which aren't quite as large as a gray but certainly larger than the lined. What cages and methods would you use to capture them? I'm already keen on some RBG traps but they can only be used at certain times. I mainly need to trap them live. Bait for cages as well....?

"Hundreds" sound like an exaggeration but I'm being serious. The squirrels are within a coyote and cat infested area and dig under and go through a prison fence. They've taken over the prison and are literally everywhere.

Price of traps, equipment, and bait are not an issue, either.

Not sure on a specific trap for 13 striped but corn, peanuts work great for bait.

Ok i trap ground squirrels a lot here and whats worked best for me is dried dog food and hang a piece of shiny tin can from back of cage, and if that doesn't work i put peanut butter on pan. Il look for pick

I'm good on bait for the most part. I guess I was looking to see if there was a superior method of baiting.

How about a cage? Any 6x6 should be good, no? Someone slap me around if I'm crazy.

http://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/animal/SSQ/NWS52818.html


This should be a sweet one, no?

That's a great place to order from, most of the time I use 10x12 cages unless I'm removing them out of a structure, and have no issues with them entering a bigger cage. IMO Best bait to use is whole/crushed or paste black walnuts.

Good info. All of these squirrels are outdoors and are in the ground. I nearly kick 3 or 4 a day just walking around this place. They're like kamikazis. Terrorists would have a field day if they figured how to strap bombs on them.

Must be boycott USMC47 day. Heck, I'll just use my bobcat cage traps. Lol.

We have no ground squirrels here, but I could make up all kinds of stuff if it will make you happy. If I remember correctly, the

ground squirrels in Alaska were just about the size of grey squirrels so the 6x6x19 cages should be right for the job. I like the

1/2x1 inch mesh but that's up to you.

If they are under ground just use a nose cone to start with. Flag the holes you see them go in. Photo please.

Make stuff up, Paul. It'll make me feel better. Lol.

Let me see if I can get some photos. It's difficult in a prison. Lol.

USMC47,-Below is a link to a similar thread from about a month ago, you may find some useful information in it-
http://www.trapperman.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/5198168/squirrels#Post5198168.

Only experienced with 13 lined ground squirrels.
Small RBGs you mentioned work.
Jim Comstock's swing panel traps work great.
Any of the 18"X5"X5" squirrel traps will work.
Would use a nose cone on both the swing panel traps or the regular squirrel traps.
Jim Bethel makes a specific trap for them.
With the populations you describe a multi-catch trap should work (have not tried one myself on the 13 lined GS) but imagine you'd have some cannabilism issues.

LA trap, thanks a bunch - there was some good info there. Tom, thanks a bunch, good sir. I'm about to call in an air strike against these fools. Squirrels haven't yet figured out why you don't mess with a Marine.

I thought we were talking about California ground squirrels which are 18 inches from nose to tail. 13 lined ground squirrels can be

caught in anything you can catch a chipmunk in.

We are talking about the California ground squirrels. I already wrapped up the 13 liners. They didn't stand a chance. Things are like miniature Taliban members in their caves.

I really appreciate the PMs everyone.

Anything works for bait, I usually just chuck a small handful in and move fast. I don't usually use nose cones, there is usually just to many holes to to cone, and they enter baited cages so readily its just not worth it to me to take the time to nose cone the holes. Cage down, handful of seed and corn and move on. When I get an area that produces I will gang set the area.

I have several dozen of the WCS simple traps, they are cheap, hold a squirrel and do everything I need them too. Order them by the dozen.

http://www.wildlifecontrolsupplies.com/animal/SSQ/WCSJC.html

Get the 5x5