Ive caught a stoat

[celina]

I have caught a stoat in a rat trap please can anyone tell me if it will
attack me if I let it go????

[Janec]

Hi,
I'm assuming it's a "live capture trap". If it is, can you release the door with a stick thereby keeping your distance. I would have thought though that the stoat is quite scared and will probably bolt off.
If it's not a "live capture trap", is it injured, in which case it may well bite and may need the attention of a vet but I'm sure there are others on here who will be able to advise you better on how to deal with injured wildlife.
Good luck

[The Woodman]

It's highly unlikely it will bite you. As Janec says and if it is a live capture trap keep your fingers and hands out of the way when opening the trap and it will go its own way.

Welcome to WAB. Let us know the outcome please.

[Dogghound]

Try not to handle it if you can, tip it out/or release the catch somewhere sheltered, would be the best thing to do and it should scoot off. If you do need to pick it up then a thick glove would be needed, however this is not recommended unless you are used to handling mustelids as they are very quick and maneuverable. I have been bit by a stoat (and a weasel on more than one occassion) and I can assure you it is extremely painful, they lock on and take quite a bit of getting off. They also spay fowl smelling liquid (a mix between strong BO and urine) all over you. Not that I am trying to scare, but care is needed.

[vole-woman]

Hope the release goes quickly and smoothly and that both of you are OK!

[faz]

It will be more scared of you as others have Said keep fingers out the way or better still wear gloves any way. I have released many in my time never been bitten yet.


welcome to WAB