We have a fair number of squirrels that pass through our backyard every day and Nugget loves trying to catch them. His success rate, however, is pretty grim (0%). Yesterday, I decided to help him out.
My success rate is 100%. I caught three squirrels yesterday and two today.
I used Nugget's crate, some rope, and peanut butter to create my trap. I put the crate in a tantalizing location, opened its door, and then strung rope from it to the house. Throughout the day, Nugget and I kept a keen lookout through the sliding back door. Once a squirrel ventured into the crate for a tasty snack, I would crack the sliding door open and pull the rope. SHAZAM!
Unfortunately, squirrels are incredibly skilled at prison breaks, so we didn't get to keep the first four squirrels nearly as long as we wanted to. I finally improved the trap enough by the 5th squirrel, though, to enjoy his company for a good long time (for about 10 minutes until we set him free).
My success rate is 100%. I caught three squirrels yesterday and two today.
I used Nugget's crate, some rope, and peanut butter to create my trap. I put the crate in a tantalizing location, opened its door, and then strung rope from it to the house. Throughout the day, Nugget and I kept a keen lookout through the sliding back door. Once a squirrel ventured into the crate for a tasty snack, I would crack the sliding door open and pull the rope. SHAZAM!
Unfortunately, squirrels are incredibly skilled at prison breaks, so we didn't get to keep the first four squirrels nearly as long as we wanted to. I finally improved the trap enough by the 5th squirrel, though, to enjoy his company for a good long time (for about 10 minutes until we set him free).
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Squirrel #4:
Squirrel #5:
The final design of the trap included tough plastic netting twisty-tied to the sides.
I made a squirrel run out of cardboard boxes and netting-covered windows so Nugget could chase the squirrel for more than 3 seconds.
I'm pretty sure Gary thinks I'm totally weird and crazy for doing this, but he was kind enough to phrase it such: "Gregory's going to love having you as a mom."