Hello, this is my first time posting here. I have been using Bridger bodygripper traps to quell the considerable rabbit population around my property. This is purely pest control because these animals have no predators in the area and nothing to worry about except getting into gardens and destroying flowerbeds. I enjoyed quite a bit of success initially and over the course of two months had eliminated over 25 cottontail rabbits. But for the last month or so I've only gotten three. And though the population has decreased noticeably there's are still a decent number out there as kits grow independent and strike out on their own. I've occasionally observed with my own eyes a young rabbit sitting right next to a freshly baited trap but not even take a nibble. I've found fresh bunny trails and set up traps nearby but don't catch anything. Is it possible for rabbits to develop some kind of sense for the inherent danger associated with the traps? Can rabbits that have seen a sprung trap take out one of their buddies pass a warning along to other rabbits? FYI, my traps are dyed and I use carrots as bait. I did try to vary the bait and use apple slices and brussel sprouts but those seemed to be more attractive to squirrels and birds, unfortunately for them. The only other thing I changed recently was applying some lubricant grease to the dog and trigger parts because sometimes a rabbit could eat the bait right off of the pins and not set off the trap. And though I have gotten a couple with the lube I wonder if there is a better method to increasing the sensitivity. Thank you for reading.
