Rocket Net

A rocket net is a kind of animal trap used to trap a large number of live animals, usually birds. It consists of an accordion folded rectangular net with one edge attached to the ground. The corners of the opposite edge at the top of the folded heap are attached to heavy tubes with one closed end. These tubes are placed over stakes set at an angle. The stakes have a hollow in the end where an electrically activated shell is placed. When the shells are activated the heavy tubes shoot up at an angle and the net is spread across an area that was previously baited to attract the desired animals.

Rocket nets, as well as the very similar cannon nets, are used in conservation programs where a large number of live animals need to be captured for analysis, veterinary care or relocation.