Introduction
The Havahart Large 2-Door Animal Trap 1045SR is designed for the humane capture and release of nuisance animals. Constructed with durable, rust-resistant galvanized steel, this trap features two spring-loaded doors and a sensitive trigger mechanism to ensure safe, quick, and effective captures. Its design prioritizes both animal welfare and user safety, making it suitable for a variety of large animals.
Safety Information
Always handle the trap with care. Wear protective gloves when setting, baiting, or moving the trap to prevent transferring human scent and for personal safety. The trap features a handle guard to protect you from contact with the animal during transport. Ensure the trap is placed in a stable location to prevent accidental tipping. Always check local regulations and laws regarding trapping and releasing nuisance animals in your area before use.
Product Features
- Humanely Captures Animals: Ideal for armadillos, beavers, cats, small dogs, small foxes, groundhogs, opossums, and raccoons.
- Innovative Safety Features: Smooth internal edges prevent injuries to animals while inside, and a handle guard protects you from contact with the animal.
- 2-Door Design: Two spring-loaded doors create a clear path, encouraging animal interaction and increasing catch rates.
- Designed by Professionals: The fine-tuned trip mechanism targets heavier critters, eliminating false triggers, while the powerful door ensures secure captures.
- Built to Last: Made with galvanized, one-piece wire mesh for maximum resistance to rust and corrosion. The solid steel door adds to the durability.
Dimensions

The trap measures 36 inches in length, 10 inches in width, and 12 inches in height, providing ample space for target animals.
Target Animals

This trap is effective for capturing a range of animals including armadillos, beavers, bobcats, small dogs, cats, foxes, groundhogs, nutria, opossums, and raccoons.
Setup Instructions
- Lift up the door lock at the top of the trap.
- Press the door lock frame in, pulling the door up to open the trap.
- To keep open, rotate the trigger rod, and the door will lock into place.
- You may set 1 or 2 of the doors on the trap depending on placement location.

This image illustrates the four key steps to properly set up your Havahart trap, from lifting the door lock to securing the trigger rod, allowing for either one or two doors to be active.
Video: Setting the Trap
This video demonstrates the correct procedure for setting up the Havahart trap, ensuring it is ready for operation.
Baiting the Trap
- Select a bait that's attractive to the target animal.
- Wear gloves to avoid transferring your scent to the bait.
- Carefully position the bait 2-3 inches from the back of the trap. Do not place bait directly on the trigger plate.
- Place bait in ways that force animals to interact with it, such as under the trigger plate or in a PVC pipe.
- Create a trail of bait from the outside of the trap leading inwards.
- Introduce the trap by baiting and propping the door open to help animals get comfortable with it before fully setting.

This visual guide provides detailed steps for effective baiting, from selecting the right food to strategically placing it within and around the trap.
Suggested Baits

Specific bait recommendations for common nuisance animals: Cat food or sardines for cats; bananas, apples, or lettuce for groundhogs; and bacon, cat food, sardines, or marshmallows for raccoons and opossums.
Video: Baiting Techniques
This video offers practical advice on how to effectively bait your trap to attract target animals and ensure successful capture.
Trap Placement
Place the trap in an area where the target animal frequently travels or where signs of activity are present. The two-door design allows for flexible placement options, either as a pass-through trap with both doors open or against a wall with one door closed. Consider placing the trap in shaded areas to protect captured animals from extreme weather conditions.

This image demonstrates the versatility of the trap, showing both a two-door setup for a clear path and a one-door setup when placed against a barrier.
Video: Selecting a Trap and Placement
This video provides guidance on selecting the appropriate trap size and optimal placement strategies for various animals.
Operating the Trap
Once the trap is set and baited, the sensitive trigger mechanism is designed to activate when an animal steps on the plate inside the trap. This causes both spring-loaded doors to quickly and securely close, humanely capturing the animal. The fine-tuned trip mechanism is designed to target heavier critters, minimizing false triggers.
Video: Raccoon Capture Demonstration
Observe a raccoon being successfully and humanely captured by the Havahart trap in this demonstration video.
Safe Release
After capturing an animal, approach the trap calmly. Use the handle guard to safely transport the animal to a suitable release location, ideally several miles away from your property and in a natural habitat. The trap's design, including a one-hand release mechanism, allows you to maintain distance from the animal during release, ensuring safety for both you and the animal. Open the door(s) carefully and allow the animal to exit at its own pace.

This image shows a person safely transporting a captured opossum using the trap's handle guard, highlighting the importance of user protection during animal relocation.
Maintenance
The Havahart 1045SR trap is constructed from galvanized, one-piece wire mesh, providing maximum resistance to rust and corrosion. To maintain its effectiveness and longevity, regularly inspect the trap for any damage or wear. Clean the trap after each use with a mild detergent and water, ensuring all bait residue and animal scent are removed. This helps prevent the spread of disease and makes the trap more appealing to future captures.

This image emphasizes the durable, rust-resistant construction of the Havahart trap, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
Troubleshooting
- Animal not entering the trap: Ensure the trap is clean and free of human scent. Try different baits known to attract the target animal. Consider propping the doors open for a few days with bait inside to allow the animal to become comfortable.
- False triggers: The trap features a fine-tuned trip mechanism designed to prevent false triggers. Ensure the trap is on a level surface and not disturbed by wind or other environmental factors.
- Animal escaping: The trap has small mesh openings to help prevent escapes. Ensure the doors close completely and securely when triggered.
- Animal injury: The internal edges of the trap are smoothed to prevent injury. If an animal appears injured, contact local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator.
Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | HAVAHART |
| Model Number | 1045SR |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Product Dimensions | 36"L x 10"W x 12"H |
| Item Weight | 12.8 Pounds |
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Target Species | Groundhog, Armadillo, Cat, Raccoon, Opossum |
Additional Resources
For more detailed setting and baiting instructions, and to explore other Havahart products and solutions, please visit our official channels:

This image directs users to Havahart's official YouTube channel and website for comprehensive guides and product information.
- YouTube: youtube.com/havahartbrand
- Website: havahart.com




