NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Common Mammal Control 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended trap placement for catching a raccoon entering a chimney?
- Cage trap on the roof next to the chimney
- Chimney-top trap directly over the flue opening (Correct answer)
- Foothold trap at the base inside the fireplace
- Bait inside the fireplace
Correct answer: Chimney-top trap directly over the flue opening
A chimney-top trap mounted over the flue captures raccoons as they exit, which is the most effective placement.
Chimney-top cage traps mount directly over the flue opening. When a raccoon exits to forage, it enters the trap. This targets the single entry/exit point. Roof-adjacent traps are less effective. After removal, a commercial chimney cap should be installed to prevent re-entry.
Question 2: During which months should operators avoid raccoon exclusion from attics in the eastern US?
- January-February
- March through June (Correct answer)
- July-August
- October-November
Correct answer: March through June
March through June is raccoon birthing and nursing season when non-mobile young are present in attic dens.
Raccoons typically give birth in March-April, and kits remain dependent for approximately 8-10 weeks. Exclusion during March through June risks orphaning kits or causing a desperate mother to cause significant damage. Best practice is to wait until late summer when young are mobile, then install one-way devices.
Question 3: What is the most effective bait for trapping Eastern gray squirrels in a cage trap?
- Raw meat
- Peanut butter mixed with whole peanuts or sunflower seeds (Correct answer)
- Cheese
- Bread soaked in milk
Correct answer: Peanut butter mixed with whole peanuts or sunflower seeds
Peanut butter with nuts or seeds combines strong scent attraction with visual and tactile appeal for squirrels.
Peanut butter is the gold-standard squirrel bait due to strong scent. Adding whole peanuts or sunflower seeds increases effectiveness. Bait should be placed behind or on the trigger plate. Raw meat does not attract squirrels. Cheese dries out quickly. Apply peanut butter directly to the trigger mechanism.
Question 4: What disease should be suspected in a striped skunk stumbling, circling, and showing no fear of humans during daytime?
- Distemper (Correct answer)
- Sarcoptic mange
- Leptospirosis
- Tularemia
Correct answer: Distemper
Neurological signs including stumbling, circling, and loss of fear are classic symptoms of canine distemper virus in skunks.
Canine distemper in skunks presents with neurological symptoms: staggering, circling, apparent blindness, seizures, and loss of normal fear responses. These can mimic rabies. Distemper also presents with nasal and ocular discharge and crusted nose and feet. Mange causes skin changes without neurological signs.
Question 5: What is the maximum legal body-gripping trap size most states allow for raccoon-sized animals on land?
- 110 (4.5-inch jaw spread)
- 160 (6-inch jaw spread)
- 220 (7-inch jaw spread) (Correct answer)
- 330 (10-inch jaw spread)
Correct answer: 220 (7-inch jaw spread)
The 220 Conibear with 7-inch jaw spread is the standard approved for raccoon-sized animals on land in most jurisdictions.
The 220 body-gripping trap has a 7-inch jaw spread designed for raccoon-sized animals. The 110 is for muskrats. The 330 (10-inch) is typically restricted to water sets only due to domestic pet risk. Operators must check their state regulations as restrictions vary significantly.
Question 6: Why must ALL potential entry points be sealed BEFORE excluding the primary entry point?
- To increase air pressure in the attic
- To prevent the excluded animal from re-entering through an alternate opening (Correct answer)
- To improve energy efficiency
- To trap the animal inside for capture
Correct answer: To prevent the excluded animal from re-entering through an alternate opening
Sealing secondary points first ensures the excluded animal cannot re-enter through another gap.
If secondary openings are not sealed, the excluded animal will find an alternate way back in, often within hours. Animals are highly motivated to return to established den sites. Seal all secondary openings first, then install a one-way exclusion device at the primary entry point last.
NWCO - Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Common Mammal Control 2
What is the recommended trap placement for catching a raccoon entering a chimney?