How to Build a Figure Four Mangle Snare

This is called a Figure Four Mangle Snare Trap. It is used to trap small rodents in a survival situation.

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Steps

1. 1
   Procure a three foot long stick that is about 3/4 to an inch long.
2. 2
   Cut the stick in three parts, with a knife or a sharp object.
   • First stick is 12 inches long (Upright Piece)
   • Second stick is also 12 inches long (Diagonal Piece)
   • Third stick is 3 to 6 inches long (Trigger Piece)
3. 3
   

   The stick used for the upright position, should have a 45 degree cut at the top, and a square notch 3-4 inches from the bottom.
   The stick used for the upright position, should have a 45 degree cut at the top, and a square notch 3-4 inches from the bottom.
   • The square notch towards the bottom should be a quarter turn or perpendicular in relation to the 45 degree cut at the top.
4. 4
   

   The stick used for the Diagonal Piece will also have a 45 degree cut at the bottom with a 45 degree taper 2 inches from the top.
   The stick used for the Diagonal Piece will also have a 45 degree cut at the bottom with a 45 degree taper 2 inches from the top.
   • Both cuts will be performed on the same side of the stick or parallel.
5. 5
   Procure a large flat rock that should way enough when allowed to fall should cover the whole area around the trap. Place close by to be used later.
6. 6
   Place the Upright Piece into the ground, pushing the stick until the square notch is 1-2inches from the ground.
7. 7
   Assemble the Diagonal Piece at the top of the Upright Piece, setting the 45 degree notch of the Diagonal Piece at the top of the Upright Piece. Hold in place so that the figure look like the number "4".
8. 8
   

   Obtain the Trigger stick and place it at the square notch of the Upright Piece.
   Obtain the Trigger stick and place it at the square notch of the Upright Piece. Mark the trigger stick at two place:
   • First mark is where the Trigger Piece is perpendicular to the Upright Piece.
   • Second mark is where the 45 degree cut of the Diagonal Piece will set into the Trigger Piece.
9. 9
   Remove the Trigger Piece and cut an angled cut into the Trigger Piece where it was measured for the Diagonal Piece.
10. 10
    The last cut will be performed in the same manner as the Upright Piece, perpendicular side of the stick or a quarter turn. Cut into the stick a square notch.
11. 11
    If bait is being used, then place it on the inside of the the Trigger Piece.
12. 12
    Assemble the sticks together where it forms the figure "4". The notches will sit inside each other, hold the stick together at the point where the Diagonal Piece intersects with the Trigger Piece.
13. 13
    Place the large rock at an angle on the top of the Diagonal Piece.
14. 14
    Place plant material around the trap so that a funnel is created on both sides to guide the animal towards the trap.
15. 15
    Remove yourself from the surrounding area, and check on the trap next day. Be Patient.

Tips

• If the Piece have trouble staying together, then make the notches more defined, for example, make it a true square notch.
• If the Upright Piece is to far into the ground the Trigger Piece wont function properly.
• If the Upright Piece is to long it will just stick into the ground holding the heavy rock up while the animal takes the bait. 
• Set several traps up in one night to increase the odds.
• Choose a path where there is a natural funnel for small animals to move through (game trail).

Warnings

• Be careful not to crush your hands.
• Do not do this in your back yard. Perform this trap only if you are in a survival situation.
• Please respect every living creature.