Anytime I've 'let' anything out of the trap that still moves, I haven't had it turn on me. They will be making tracks fast outta there. You can keep the trap between you and 'it' when you release it.
If concerned, then use a wire or rope to fashion a pull, that will open the gate while you are at a distance (personally, I think being close to the trap is the best distance, as you would have to guess which way they will run if you are at some distant location, and you don't want them thinking your leg is a tree /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ).
I've released some cats, if they have a collar and appear to be the neighbors. Squirrels are usually pretty frantic when you approach the trap. Skunks don't seem to be too upset or afraid, but I approach them with greater caution. They are probably one's worst nightmare.