How to live trap chipmunks in Vermont | Chipmunk

How to live trap chipmunks

Live trapping offending animals is one of the most practical solutions for homeowners. Use small cage traps — 5-inch x 5-inch x 16-inch with ½-inch x 1-inch mesh. Bait the traps with sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or pieces of fruit. Place the traps along foundations where chipmunks have been seen, at den openings, or where damage is occurring. Make sure the trap is sitting flat and level so that it does not move when the chipmunk enters.

Prebaiting the trap will increase your likelihood of success. Place bait in the trap for 2-3 days with the doors wired open, so the chipmunk will get conditioned to this new food source. If the bait from the trap is disappearing regularly, set the trap.

Check frequently to remove captured animals, making sure to avoid direct contact.

Breeding seasons should be considered; trapping should be delayed until young are active and able to be trapped.

Note: Relocating wildlife is often prohibited; animals often die and it may result in spreading disease or transferring your problems to someone else. 

Laws and regulations to be aware of

Regulations for Vermont

Possession of Wildlife

It is illegal to possess living, wild animals in Vermont. A furbearing animal can only be possessed when moving the animal to a more appropriate place for dispatch. https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/10APPENDIX/001/00044

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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