Caging red fox?

Posted this on the trapping only forum too but thought I would post here too. THANKS

When cage trapping red fox should I brush the cage in or not? Trying to catch some that are causing issues around my uncles house. And since its fairly residential cages are the only option. Any other tips for catching foxes in cages is appreciated

If you do a search on this site there are some posts on this subject.

Thanks, somehow searching and the archives didnt even cross my mind. I was born blonde and sometimes it shows even thougj my hair is brown now.

I have found that brushing the traps is far less important than covering the bottom with dirt (just like groundhog cage-trapping). I actually think they will enter a trap with less resistance if the cage is NOT covered, so they can easily see their surroundings.

For some reason, reds seem to enter the more open-wire (1x2) Wickenkamp traps the best. Maybe they appear less restrictive, and the fox can see through them easier? This is a Williams (?) 1x1 wire.



Covering the bottom with dirt or even peat moss seems to cut down of refusals. Brushing OVER the trap actually seems to scare them away. Wickenkamp 1x2 wire.



Adult female caught near the entry hole into this storage building. The foxes were stealing catfish food from the storage bin inside.



Kits are easiest to catch, but the adults will also go into cage traps, especially if they are living in urban areas or around farm buildings. This was a positive set where the fox family was living under a deck. Two-door traps over each entry hole. You can see where one of the adults was trying to dig the kit out.

Thanks guys, we tried the brushing it in thing for a week and so far just caught anpossum. Gonna shift locations and leave it uncovered.