Fear trumps empty belly....

Yesterday afternoon, I opened the trap and secured it in the open position. I placed the cardboard pieces that he had been dining on for the past few weeks inside the cage covering the entire floor. He was early again this morning and the terriers spooked him initially, but he returned very quickly after I left his area. I watched from the balcony as he worked the trail of treats, this time I brought him closer to our fenced in yard. He then made his way to his main dining area and longingly looked at the food I placed barely 8 inches inside the open cage. He stretched, and jumped. Grabbed a few morsels and jumped back. He so much wanted the food but was not about to set foot inside that cage. It was very emotional to watch as I know how hungry he is but yet his fear over rides any hunger. After quite some time he gave up and slowly began to ascend the mountain. I couldn't stand it so I quickly went up to bring the food out of the cage, hoping he would see me and return. It's been 30 minutes and he hasn't come back yet. This is what I always hoped would not happen, and obviously this is what happened before when others tried to trap him, he is too afraid. The trap is narrow, so he is quite aware that he is entering something. I've been looking for larger traps to no avail. I was absolutely crushed when I saw his reaction as I thought I was taking it all slow enough that he would adjust, but I was wrong. I won't give up, I just need to rethink things again. Keep us both in your prayers and thoughts for a viable solution to present itself and bring him to safety. Thanks!