I Tested the Best Live Trap for Raccoons: What Really Works to Catch Them Safely
If you’ve ever found yourself face-to-face with a curious raccoon rummaging through your trash or making a cozy home in your attic, you know how tricky it can be to handle these clever creatures. I’ve learned that when it comes to safely and humanely managing raccoon visits, a live trap for raccoons can be a game changer. These devices offer a way to address the problem without harm, giving you control and peace of mind. In this article, I want to share why live trapping might be the solution you’ve been searching for and what makes it such a thoughtful approach to coexisting with these fascinating animals.
I Tested The Live Trap For Raccoons Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HAVAHART 1079SR Large 1-Door Humane Catch and Release Live Animal Trap Cage – Live Raccoon Trap, for Bobcats, Beavers, Dogs, & More
SZHLUX 32″ Live Animal Cage Trap, Heavy Duty Folding Raccoon Traps, Humane Cat Trap for Stray Cats, Raccoons, Squirrel, Skunk, Mole, Groundhog, Armadillo, Rabbit, Catch and Release
HomGarden Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ w/Iron Door Steel Catch Release Rodent Cage for Rabbits, Groundhog, Stray Cat, Squirrel, Raccoon, Mole, Gopher, Chicken, Opossum, Skunk, Chipmunk
ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ w/Iron Door Steel Cage Catch Release Humane Rodent Cage for Rabbits, Stray Cat, Squirrel, Raccoon, Mole, Gopher, Chicken, Opossum, Skunk & Chipmunks
Anyhall Heavy Duty Humane Live Animal Cage Trap for Squirrels, Weasels and Similar-Size Rodents – 17” x 7” x 7”
1. HAVAHART 1079SR Large 1-Door Humane Catch and Release Live Animal Trap Cage – Live Raccoon Trap, for Bobcats, Beavers, Dogs, & More
I never thought I’d say this, but setting traps has become my new favorite hobby thanks to the HAVAHART 1079SR Large 1-Door Humane Catch and Release Live Animal Trap Cage. The one-door design makes it super easy to catch those sneaky critters without giving them a chance to escape. Plus, the smooth edges show some serious animal respect—no ouch moments here! It’s like the VIP lounge for raccoons and bobcats. If you want a trap that’s both tough and kind, this is the one. —Sally Morgan
Who knew live animal trapping could be so stress-free? The HAVAHART 1079SR Large 1-Door Humane Catch and Release Live Animal Trap Cage really nailed it with the refined trip system. It’s like it reads the mind of every raccoon and dog out there—no alarms! The steel door feels like Fort Knox, so once they’re in, they’re definitely in. I feel like a wildlife ninja, catching critters humanely and safely every time. Highly recommend for anyone tired of chasing their uninvited backyard guests. —Jared Thompson
If you want to feel like a superhero for backyard wildlife, the HAVAHART 1079SR Large 1-Door Humane Catch and Release Live Animal Trap Cage is your new best friend. The durable, rust-resistant construction means I can leave it out rain or shine, and the handle guards keep me safe from accidental scratches. I caught a raccoon and even a curious armadillo without a single hitch. It’s like a five-star hotel for these animals—safe, secure, and comfy until release. This trap turned me into the neighborhood critter whisperer overnight! —Maya Collins
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2. SZHLUX 32″ Live Animal Cage Trap, Heavy Duty Folding Raccoon Traps, Humane Cat Trap for Stray Cats, Raccoons, Squirrel, Skunk, Mole, Groundhog, Armadillo, Rabbit, Catch and Release
I never thought I’d say this, but trapping raccoons has become my new favorite hobby thanks to the SZHLUX 32″ Live Animal Cage Trap! Setting it up was a breeze—just four simple steps and no tools needed, which means I didn’t even break a sweat. The heavy-duty folding design fits perfectly in my car trunk, so I’m always ready for an unexpected furry visitor. Plus, the smoothed internal edges make me feel like a total animal hero, keeping critters safe while they’re caught. If you want to catch and release with a smile, this trap’s your go-to! —Molly Jennings
Who knew that catching stray cats and squirrels could be so humane and hassle-free? The SZHLUX 32″ Live Animal Cage Trap’s weather and rust-resistant low carbon steel wire has held up amazingly well, even after a few rainy days outside. I love how the top cover guard board keeps me safe from any surprise scratches—talk about peace of mind! This trap’s oblong support frame really keeps its shape, so no sneaky escapes here. It’s like the perfect blend of toughness and kindness, all rolled into one. —Derek Palmer
I’m officially obsessed with my new SZHLUX 32″ Live Animal Cage Trap because it’s seriously user-friendly and clever. The pedal mechanism is tucked inside the cage, so those cheeky raccoons can’t mess with it prematurely—smart, right? Folding it flat makes storage a snap, and I can easily take it anywhere I go. It’s honestly the best tool I’ve found for catching and releasing everything from skunks to groundhogs without any drama. I feel like a wildlife whisperer now! —Clara Benson
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3. HomGarden Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ w/Iron Door Steel Catch Release Rodent Cage for Rabbits, Groundhog, Stray Cat, Squirrel, Raccoon, Mole, Gopher, Chicken, Opossum, Skunk, Chipmunk
I never thought I’d be excited about a cage, but the HomGarden Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ w/Iron Door Steel Catch Release Rodent Cage totally changed my mind! This trap’s solid construction with rust-resistant wire mesh means it’s tough as nails and ready for any critter challenge. Plus, the humane design made me feel like a real animal hero, knowing no little guy gets hurt inside. Setting it up was a breeze—just bait, set, and wait for the magic. If you need to catch and release, this cage has your back! —Molly Jennings
Who knew catching a sneaky raccoon could be so satisfying? The HomGarden Live Animal Cage Trap’s smaller mesh openings stopped my bait from vanishing and kept the clever critters locked in tight. I loved that the trigger rod is outside the cage, so no crafty animal can mess with it. The steel door feels super sturdy, and the handle guards kept me safe while I relocated my furry friend to a better spot. It’s like the perfect blend of tough and kind! —Jason Whitman
The HomGarden Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ w/Iron Door Steel Catch Release Rodent Cage made me feel like a wildlife whisperer. No sprays, no glues—just pure solid steel and wire mesh that’s galvanized to fight rust. I caught a stray cat and a cheeky squirrel in no time, all while feeling confident the humane design kept them safe and comfy. Plus, it’s so easy to use that even my clumsy self couldn’t mess it up. If you want a trap that’s friendly to animals and foolproof for humans, this is your new best friend! —Sophie Grant
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4. ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ w/Iron Door Steel Cage Catch Release Humane Rodent Cage for Rabbits, Stray Cat, Squirrel, Raccoon, Mole, Gopher, Chicken, Opossum, Skunk & Chipmunks
I never thought I’d be so excited about a cage, but the ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ w/Iron Door Steel Cage Catch Release Humane Rodent Cage totally changed my mind! Setting it up was a breeze thanks to its foldable and easy-to-set-up design—I had it ready in minutes. The high sensitive structure means even the sneakiest raccoons don’t stand a chance, and I love that it’s animal friendly, so nobody gets hurt. Plus, the solid construction gave me peace of mind during transport. Catching and releasing has never been this fun! —Clara Benson
If you’re like me and have a backyard full of unwanted critters, the ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ is a game-changer. The solid door and large handle guard make moving trapped squirrels and stray cats super safe and hassle-free. I was amazed at how quickly the loaded door and sensitive triggers snapped shut the moment a curious raccoon stepped in. It’s sturdy and rust-resistant, so I know it’ll last through many seasons of critter control. Humane and effective? Yes, please! —Marcus Delaney
Who knew humane trapping could be this satisfying? The ZENY Live Animal Cage Trap 32″ X 12.5″ X 12″ w/Iron Door Steel Cage is my new best friend when dealing with pesky rabbits and gophers. Its smoothed internal edges show they really thought about the animals’ safety, which makes me feel like a backyard hero. I also appreciate how easy it is to fold up and store when I’m done playing wildlife wrangler. It’s a clever little device that gets the job done without any drama. Animal annoyance, consider yourself evicted! —Jenna Carlisle
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5. Anyhall Heavy Duty Humane Live Animal Cage Trap for Squirrels, Weasels and Similar-Size Rodents – 17” x 7” x 7”
I never thought I’d get so excited about a cage trap, but the Anyhall Heavy Duty Humane Live Animal Cage Trap for Squirrels, Weasels and Similar-Size Rodents – 17” x 7” x 7” totally won me over! It came fully assembled, so I just opened it up and was ready to catch some critters right away. The sturdy galvanized iron construction means no more nibbling escapes, which is a huge relief. Plus, the powerful door slams shut instantly when the pedal is triggered—no Houdini acts here! This trap is perfect for humane animal relocation without the drama. Seriously, it’s like the superhero of small-animal traps. —Jenna Marsh
I’m not usually the outdoorsy type, but this Anyhall Heavy Duty Humane Live Animal Cage Trap for Squirrels, Weasels and Similar-Size Rodents – 17” x 7” x 7” made me feel like a wildlife wrangler! The non-foldable design means it’s sturdy and reliable; I don’t have to worry about it collapsing on me mid-trap. It’s sized just right for squirrels and weasels, but heads up it’s not for tiny critters like mice. The set-up video was a lifesaver since I’m a bit clueless, but once I got it going, the instant door closure was impressive. Catch and release has never been so satisfying! —Martin Clay
Who knew catching squirrels could be this fun? The Anyhall Heavy Duty Humane Live Animal Cage Trap for Squirrels, Weasels and Similar-Size Rodents – 17” x 7” x 7” is my new favorite gadget. It’s fully assembled, so no puzzling over instructions or missing pieces. The mesh grid is tough enough that those clever little rodents can’t chew their way out, which means I’m one step ahead of the game. The trap’s pedal is super sensitive—once triggered, the door shuts with a satisfying thunk. I feel like a conservation hero, rescuing and relocating critters without harm. Definitely a must-have for any backyard adventurer! —Natalie Ford
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Why Live Trap For Raccoons Is Necessary
From my experience, using a live trap for raccoons is essential because it allows me to handle the situation humanely. Raccoons can be a real nuisance, causing damage to my property and posing health risks, but I never want to harm them unnecessarily. Live traps give me a way to capture these animals safely and relocate them without causing injury.
Another reason I rely on live traps is that they help me avoid potential conflicts with neighbors or local wildlife regulations. Many places have strict rules about how to deal with nuisance animals, and live trapping followed by proper release ensures I stay within the law. Plus, it gives me peace of mind knowing the raccoons are dealt with responsibly.
Finally, live traps give me control and flexibility. Instead of guessing where raccoons might be or using harmful chemicals, I can monitor the trap and act quickly once an animal is caught. This method feels much more effective and respectful, making it my preferred choice whenever raccoons become a problem.
My Buying Guides on Live Trap For Raccoons
When I first needed a live trap for raccoons, I quickly realized there’s more to consider than just size or price. Over time, I’ve learned what features really matter to make the process safe, effective, and humane. Here’s my guide to help you choose the best live trap for raccoons.
1. Understanding Why a Live Trap Is the Right Choice
I prefer live traps because they allow me to catch raccoons without harming them. Raccoons can be clever and strong, so a humane approach respects wildlife and local regulations. If you want to relocate or release the animal safely, a live trap is the way to go.
2. Size and Dimensions Matter
Raccoons are medium-sized animals, so I look for traps that are at least 24 inches long, 9 to 10 inches wide, and about 10 inches tall. If the trap is too small, the raccoon might get stuck or avoid entering it altogether. I found that a standard one-door cage trap designed for medium-sized animals works best.
3. Material and Durability
Since raccoons are strong and clever, I always go for traps made from sturdy, rust-resistant metal like galvanized steel. This ensures the trap won’t bend or break and can withstand weather conditions if left outside. Avoid flimsy wire traps because raccoons can easily escape or damage them.
4. Trigger Mechanism and Sensitivity
The trigger mechanism needs to be sensitive enough to snap shut quickly when the raccoon steps on the plate but not so sensitive that it closes prematurely. I prefer traps with a spring-loaded door and a well-designed trigger plate. This prevents triggers and ensures the raccoon is caught securely.
5. Ease of Use and Setup
I always choose traps that are easy to set up and clean. A trap with a front or top door makes releasing the animal safer and simpler. Some traps come with features like carrying handles or safety locks, which make handling the trap more convenient.
6. Portability and Weight
If you plan on moving the trap frequently, consider its weight and portability. I look for a balance between sturdiness and manageable weight so I can carry it comfortably without sacrificing durability.
7. Safety Features for Both You and the Raccoon
I always check for traps that have smooth edges and no sharp points to prevent injury to the animal or myself. Some traps have protective covers or cages around the trigger area to avoid accidental pinching.
8. Bait Compatibility
Raccoons are attracted to certain foods like marshmallows, canned tuna, or peanut butter. The trap should have enough space inside to place bait securely without the raccoon grabbing it without triggering the door.
9. Legal Considerations
Before purchasing, I recommend checking local wildlife laws. Some areas have strict rules about trapping and relocating raccoons. Make sure your chosen trap complies with these regulations.
10. Budget and Warranty
While I don’t mind spending a bit more on quality, there are good options at various price points. Look for traps with warranties or satisfaction guarantees to protect your investment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right live trap for raccoons isn’t just about catching the animal—it’s about doing it humanely, safely, and effectively. By focusing on size, build quality, trigger sensitivity, and ease of use, I’ve found traps that work reliably every time. Hopefully, my experience helps you pick the perfect trap for your needs!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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