FAQs

Short answers for the questions customers ask most. For deeper how-tos, follow the links.

Does OcuTrap require a subscription?

Yes. Each trap needs an active subscription to stay connected over cellular and use the cloud app (remote control, captures, notifications, image history, GPS).

  • Cellular data is included in the subscription; there is no separate SIM plan to buy.
  • If a trap's subscription is suspended, canceled or paused, Close, Arm, and image commands are off. Open door, Disarm & release, and Ping still work. While a payment is past due, every command still works.
  • Each trap gets one 30-day free trial, on its first subscription. A trap that has had a subscription before gets no new trial, even after it is transferred to a new owner. The checkout button then reads "Subscribe" with the plan you chose, and the line under it reads "You will be charged today."
  • A manual trap needs no subscription. A manual trap is one you add with Add manual trap to keep a trap that has no OcuTrap unit on your map. Its billing page reads "No subscription needed".

See Your OcuTrap subscription and Managing your subscription.

What are the ongoing costs?

After purchase, the main ongoing costs are:

  • Per-trap subscription (monthly or annual), required for cellular + cloud features.
  • Battery charging / replacement as packs age. See Battery overview.
Can OcuTrap tell species apart (raccoon vs skunk vs opossum)?

The trap itself does not choose by species. Any animal that enters can trigger a capture. The app does add an automatic species label to many photos, but it is an estimate and can be wrong, so always check the photo yourself. Use Disarm & release in the app to let a non-target animal go, and tune placement and Capture Distance. See Images, What animals is the OcuTrap designed for?, and Trap control.

What size is the OcuTrap?

About 10" wide × 12" tall. Cage alone (door closed, without POD) is ~36" long on the R2 and ~32" on the R1. The POD adds about 5"; with the door fully open, add about 4" more, so about 45" total on the R2 and 41" on the R1. Full specs: Technical specifications.

How do I change my name or email?

Sign in at base.ocutrap.com → Account → edit your details → Save.

How do I share a trap with someone else?

Open the trap → Sharing tab → enter their email → choose manager level (owner only) → send invite. Details: Sharing Traps and User levels.

Can I control the trap remotely?

Yes. With an active subscription and cellular coverage, open/close, arm modes, and settings work from the web or mobile app. See Trap control.

How do notifications work?

Capture and device alerts can go to push and/or email depending on your preferences. On the web app, open Settings and find Notifications. In the mobile app, open the Settings tab and tap Notification settings. The switches there apply to all your traps at once. In the mobile app, each switch saves as soon as you flip it. Details: Notification settings.

Outdoor temperature alerts are set on each trap and are off until you turn them on.

Scout-mode activity stays in the trap feed only (no push/email). See Scouting mode.

Why am I not getting push notifications?
  • Allow notifications for OcuTrap in phone Settings.
  • Confirm Push Notifications is on in the app: open the Settings tab and tap Notification settings.
  • If they still fail, delete and reinstall the app, then sign in again so push can re-register.

Step-by-step: Resetting the mobile app.

Does it need Wi-Fi?

No. OcuTrap uses 4G LTE cellular only, not Wi-Fi. Coverage must be available at the deploy site. See Connectivity and cellular coverage.

Is it weather-resistant? What about cold weather?

The trap is built for outdoor field use. For extremes and winter tips, see Weather and environmental guidelines and Cold weather.

How long does the battery last?

Runtime depends on temperature, photo cadence, and cellular conditions. Charging and pack basics: Battery overview.

Is there an iOS and Android app?

Yes, both platforms. Web: base.ocutrap.com. Mobile overview: Using the mobile app.

What if the trap is offline or commands fail?

Start here:

I can't sign in / forgot my password
How do I reduce false triggers?

Tune placement and bait, review pre-capture / capture photos, and adjust Capture Distance and related door/sensor settings. See Distance limits, sensor alerts and errors and Pre-capture notification.

Where can I buy an OcuTrap?

Purchase through ocutrap.com (and authorized partners listed there). For second-hand units, see Selling or transferring a trap.