Let’s address the elephant in the room first: glue traps are just one of many methods people use to try to control rodents—but they are not humane, and we do not recommend them. Animals caught in sticky traps often suffer for hours or even days, exhausting themselves, dehydrating, or starving before they die. These traps also cause significant bycatch, meaning animals other than the intended target—such as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other small mammals—are frequently harmed.
That said, many people simply aren’t aware of the risks glue traps pose, or they may come across a trap that someone else has set. If you find an animal stuck in a glue trap or another sticky substance, here’s what to do—and just as importantly, what not to do.
Do Not Try to Remove the Animal Yourself
This may feel counterintuitive, especially when an animal is visibly struggling, but do not attempt to remove the animal from the sticky substance. Panicked or well-intentioned attempts to help often cause far more harm than leaving the animal temporarily stuck until it can reach a rehabilitator.
We regularly see animals arrive in significantly worse condition because of common but misguided rescue attempts. Some frequent mistakes include:
- Using oil, water, or soap to remove the glue
This can lead to hypothermia and, in many cases, aspiration (fluid entering the lungs). Bathing an animal without proper training or equipment is stressful, dangerous, and often prolongs suffering. - Cutting the animal free
Without detailed knowledge of an animal’s anatomy, it’s easy to accidentally cut tissue or damage structures that are not easily replaced—such as flight feathers in birds. This often results in much longer rehabilitation stays, which not all species can tolerate. - Pulling on the animal or the sticky material
This can tear skin, strain muscles, break limbs, and cause extreme pain. In rehabilitation, animals are removed from glue traps with extreme care, pain management, and sometimes anesthesia to minimize injury and distress.
What You Should Do Instead
If you find an animal stuck to a glue trap or other sticky substance, follow these steps:
- Cover exposed glue
Prevent the animal from becoming more stuck by gently covering any exposed adhesive around them. Dry rice, cornmeal, or paper towels work well. Do not use flour or other fine powders, as these can be inhaled and cause respiratory problems. - Contain the animal safely
If possible, place the animal with the trap still attached into a box with air holes. If a box isn’t available, lightly cover the animal with a thin, breathable fabric such as a sheet or pillowcase. Creating darkness helps calm the animal, reduces struggling, and limits further injury. - Leave the animal alone and contact a wildlife rehabilitator
Once contained, allow the animal to rest while you contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Avoid peeking, touching, or checking on the animal unnecessarily. Animals caught in sticky substances are under extreme stress, and too much human interaction—even when well-meaning—can push them beyond what their bodies can handle. Stress alone can be fatal, especially for small animals.
A Final Word
When it comes to wildlife, good intentions aren’t always enough—knowing when not to intervene is just as important as knowing when to act. If you ever encounter an animal stuck in glue or another sticky substance, your calm response and restraint can make the difference between life and death.
If you have encountered this situation, or have otherwise found an injured, sick, or orphaned animal, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator right away. If you’re considering pest control options, we encourage exploring humane alternatives that protect both people and wildlife.
Thank you for caring—and for taking the time to help wildlife the right way. If we, Dane County Humane Society’s Wildlife Center, are your closest wildlife rehabilitator, please keep our number on hand: 608-287-3235. Leave us a message, and we will return your call as soon as we are able.
Sarah Karls is the Wildlife Rehabilitation Coordinator at DCHS's WIldlife Center
