**** Via Hope for Wildlife
Everything sticks to sticky traps
This poor blue jay thought he was going to get an easy meal - a mouse. But that mouse was stuck to a sticky trap, and suddenly so was the blue jay. He injured and exhausted himself trying to get free. We brought him in and used a bit of vegetable oil to unstick him, and then a bit of a bath, followed by treatment and rest.
While people us glue traps for insects and rodents, they often have unintended victims, like birds, snakes, amphibians, and even small mammals, all who can suffer injuries or fur loss even if they manage to pull free. It may just be a curious or unattentive animal, or in this case, someone looking for a meal of the previously stuck visitor.
Being stuck to a glue trap risks dehydration and injuries to wings, skin, body, or legs as the animal struggles to free themselves. If they are unable to free themselves without injury, the outcome isn't good.
Exclusion of wildlife is always the best option - find out how animals are getting in and seal that avenue off. Keeping your outdoor food sources secure also helps, including feeders for birds and pets. When animals can't find food or a place to sleep for the night, they move on.
Removing a stuck animal can be quite challenging, so it's best to contact your local rehabber or vet if you find a trap with an animal on it.
