The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. However, trapping and relocation for wildlife control is not an effective long-term solution and is not humane. | In Ontario, relocating squirrels is against the law as in most cases it leads to the death of the squirrel. Repellents provide a temporary solution at best. The Humane Societys Dave Pauli told a story we can learn from. If you can find the entry/exit holes, an easy way to determine if the den has been vacated is to loosely cover or fill it with a light material, such as newspaper or insulation. Most of the time, they don't survive. Raccoons or squirrels nesting in your property might cause damage to structures, wiring, or your garden. Learn more about living with wildlife and Washington State trapping laws on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlifes website. According to section 1-230 of the Code of Virginia, it is illegal to place, distribute, or allow the placement of food, minerals, carrion, trash, or similar substances when it attracts any species of wildlife in such numbers or circumstances to cause property damage, endanger any person or wildlife, or create a public health concern. Animal-friendly wildlife control can resolve these conflicts. If you use someone else to remove the animal, they must meet at least 1 of these criteria: Wildlife agents can only act, if the landowner of the property asks them to. Injured or orphaned wild animals If you capture sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, take the animal to someone who is authorized to rehabilitate it. In Ontario, it is illegal to trap and relocate animals 1km from where they were captured according to the Ministry of Natural Resources' Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. But the real story is different. State law stipulates that trapped nuisance wildlife such as skunks and raccoons must be released at the site of capture. In fact, the odds are heavily stacked against any animal who is dumped in a strange park, woodland or other natural area. These rules range from the type of squirrels that can be killed, tools that can be used for trapping and killing to how to carry out such. within their municipal boundaries. Remember, during the spring and summer months, it is extremely likely that the animal denning under your steps or elsewhere around your home is a female with dependent young. Also, if you relocate a parent squirrel, this separates them from their young who rely on them for survival. Photo by Michael Smith. It is illegal. So, if you have an unwelcome visitor frequenting your property, what do you do? She had been through a frightening abduction and is now disoriented and confused. Check out our online database of adoptable animals and find a fuzzy buddy today! If the attractants on the property where the animal was removed are still in place, it may only be a matter of time before another animal moves into the area. Toronto Wildlife Centre receives hundreds of calls a year about baby raccoons, squirrels, and other wild animals who have been "orphaned" because someone trapped and relocated a "nuisance" animal. Like in the human world, there are only so many jobs available. To avoid the potential spread of rabies, the Texas Department of State Health Services states that it is illegal for a person to transport animals such as fox, skunk, coyote or raccoon within Texas. Take it from the animals' point of view: In the meantime, their helpless young are slowly dying. They may desperately search for babies that they are now separated from. We recommend using rags soaked in a strong smelling substance such as cider vinegar (not ammonia), lights and a blaring radio during nighttime hours to convert an attractive space (quiet, dark and protected) into one that is inhospitable. You cannot live trap an animal and release it in a park, on State land or anywhere other than on the property where it was captured. These factors make them more vulnerable to disease or predation. Buildings: Raccoons cause damage when they try to enter attics, crawl spaces or chimneys. Between March and August, raccoons, skunks, woodchucks and other animals may choose shelter in, around and under a home because they need a safe place to bear and rear their young. Much depends on the species involved, the time of year, the area into which relocation occurs and other factorstoo many to write a general prescription. As a result, nonnative animals, such as feral hogs, often eat local wildlife or their foods and consume or destroy their habitat. Live trapping is not the answer. This is a summary of the provincial laws. August 14, 2017. Animals face the dangers of unknown territories. For example, relocating an opossum, an animal that tends to wander all its life and often has no fixed home range (and carries their babies with them), could be seen as more acceptable than relocating a squirrel in mid-winter. We are located in Lynnwood, Washington, with a satellite cat adoption center in Seattles University District. Green Source DFWis an award-winning digital publication covering environmental news in North Texas. When considering a trap and relocation solution, you need to consider practical solutions to remove the targeted problem, if the timing is appropriate, and if this is an emergency situation. For opossums, skunks and other fur-bearing animals, the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department says that trapping and relocation may occur if the person has received authorization from theTPWD department and the owner of the property where the release will occur. They further state that a monthly report must be submitted showing the number and kind of fur-bearers captured, location of release site, name and address of person authorized to release.. Although Chipmunks are cute, they easily fall into the category of pests due to their burrowing and digging habits. Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Wild animal control: information for municipalities, Download municipal information fact sheet (, actions they can take to resolve ongoing conflict situations, hires or employs the licensed hunter or trapper, sets the terms of arrangements with the hunter or trapper, comply with the conditions of their licence, follow hunting and trapping rules (for example, use of pelts), follow any local by-laws (for example, when/where firearms can be used), a member of a landowners immediate family acting on behalf of the landowner, a person whose business is primarily removing problem wildlife, municipal employees with specific responsibilities for wildlife control (for example, Animal Services), weasel (least, long-tailed, short-tailed or ermine). The Ottawa Humane Society achieved prestigious accreditation from Humane Canadas Accreditation Program in April 2021. If the animals are not causing damage or harm, you can be assured that once the young are big enough to be out and about, the birth den will have served its purpose. The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under license by the Ottawa Humane Society. You or someone acting on your behalf cannot harass, capture or kill a moose or woodland caribou to protect your property from damage. Much depends on the species involved, the time of year, the area into which relocation occurs and other factorstoo many to write a general prescription. It is great that you have the heart to help. Domestic animals and other wildlife may harass the trapped animal causing further stress or injury. Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. That way, the coyotes did not have to chew the lines to get water, and they provided the farmer with all the rodent control he could want. Domestic animals and other wildlife may harass the trapped animal causing further stress, injury or death. We were sad to see an animal in such a state of distress. There are several very good reasons why relocating a nuisance animal is not a good ideaand is illegal. It sounds like a good idea, but the sad truth is that live-trapping and relocation rarely ends well for wildlife, nor is it a permanent solution. Improper use of a live trap, which results in animal suffering, could lead to animal cruelty charges. Wild animal babies are unintentionally orphaned and too often die of starvation, because their mother is trapped and removed. After a bumpy ride, the two-legged thing got her again and she went swinging and flying down a path. Alternative places of refuge are part of that knowledge or cognitive map. If you capture sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, take the animal to someone who is authorized to rehabilitate it. If you kill a black bear anywhere in Ontario you need to report the dead bear to the ministry. You can find a complete set of rules related to this activity in: Ontario Fur Managers FederationTelephone: 705-254-3338Email: furmanagers@gmail.com. Thats why, whenever you enlist the help of a wildlife trapping company, make sure theyre licensed to do so. Follow us onFacebook andTwitter. Relocated animals are at an extreme disadvantage in a new environment. When mama raccoon gets abducted and never heard from again, her job is now open and there are other raccoons eager to take her place and live on her turf. Think of it this way: nature, or in this case your neighborhood, offers jobs occupied by animals. Donate Now Thats why you must only work with licensed trappers who know the law. Squirrel removal professionals in Mississauga evict the animals humanely and ensure that the babies are reunited with their mother. Likely she also failed to consider potential health risks to herself (this could have been rabies) and her own pets as the distemper virus is highly contagious and potentially fatal to dogs. Once you trap them, they become scared and try to look for ways to escape the trap. When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. Secure garbage can lids with rubber straps and hooks (remove them before garbage collection) Clean garbage cans with ammonia or bleach to reduce odours that may attract pests. Your gift today will give critical care to abandoned, injured and orphaned animals right now, in their time of need. Every trap used must bear a trap number issued by and registered with the state department. There is a good chance that the animal will find its way back if released in close vicinity to your home. K2E 1A6, TTelephone: 613-725-3166 Join our team of more than 5,000 dedicated volunteers across the province. To be licensed as a wildlife trapper, one must take a written examination designed to test the applicants knowledge of the California Laws and Regulations on trapping. Any animal found in a trap must be released on the spot. Animals get injured trying to escape and might die. Then, remove and/or repair the sources of attraction. It is Inhumane: Trapping is not nearly as humane as most people purport it to be. According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife: The relocated animal may try to return to its original area and be hit by a vehicle. Homeowners with bird problems beyond the scope of barriers, repellents or scare tactics should consult Wildlife Services (223-6832). A smart animal that knows how to avoid you is better than a newcomer who will become a nuisance. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. As well as being illegal to relocate adult wild animals more than 1 km of where you found them, there are many drawbacks to trapping and relocating them: The animal does not usually survive the relocation. With this provision, the squirrel can still find its way back to your property thereby wasting your initial effort. Message and data rates may apply. The trapped animal is exposed to the elements and can suffer from painful cases of frostbite and heat stroke. Trained and licensed wildlife rehabilitators, who have passed a federal and/or state-administered test, are the only persons authorized by the state to care for . The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge has worked with the citys animal control staff so that they no longer release wildlife at the refuge, says Rob Denkhaus, Nature Center Manager. In 2019, California became the first state to enact a law that makes commercial fur trapping illegal. Make sure that mother and young are able to remain together to prevent any of them from dying cruel deaths. The only exceptions are non-native speciesHouse Sparrows, European Starlings, and Rock Pigeons. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Dont leave pet food out overnightand dont let seed from a bird feeder accumulate on the ground. Terms and conditions. Petroleum-based oil is not permitted. You can find a complete set of rules related to this activity in: Special rules apply for species listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act, 2007. Wildlife relocation is illegal in California, as well as in many other states in the United States. The good news is that the expert from Outfoxed did arrive and removed the raccoon. Map: Wildlife Management Units in Ontario. With a little understanding, patience and a few precautions and common sense steps, we can all enjoy the wonderfully interesting wild animals who share our backyards and cities. Truly humane wildlife removal services such as 911 Wildlife, know how to humanelyexclude animals from homes without relocating them, using one-way doors or releasing animals on-site after closing entry holes. I cant imagine the terrible situations that you see every day. It may also encounter hostility and territorial disputes from resident wildlife. In many cases, conflicts between wildlife and people can be prevented. In the morning, an enormous two-legged animal walked right up, but didnt attack her as she expected. Wild animals should not be raised as pets or kept in your home. She said that there is a massive problem with homeowners and trappers releasing squirrels, opossums, raccoonsand other animals into green spaces like White Rock Lake in Dallas. It is for these reasons that in some Canadian jurisdictions it is illegal to relocate wild animals outside their immediate territory, making it impossible to effectively remove problematic animals. We express our gratitude to all Indigenous communities - First Nations, Mtis and Inuit for stewarding and sharing this land.