Final answer:
The verb tense in the sentence is the past simple tense, indicating a completed action in the past.
Step-by-step explanation:
The verb tense in the sentence "The men had to capture the animal before examining it" is the past simple tense. This tense is used to describe actions that were completed in the past and do not continue into the present. In this context, 'had to capture' indicates that the action was necessary and was completed prior to examining the animal. It describes an obligation or requirement that is situated in the past.