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People often think that squirrel traps are a good way to remove squirrels from your property. However, there are many reasons why trapping squirrels is not an effective method to remove them or deter them from re-entering your property. Humane Wildlife Control uses hands-on techniques and baby boxes to squirrel-proof your buildings and encourage them to relocate.
Ontario regulations restrict trapping and relocation
Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources regulations state that if you trap a squirrel, it must be released close to where it was trapped. If relocated more than a kilometre away, in contravention of the regulations, statistics show that the death rates are quite high because the squirrel has a hard time adapting to an unfamiliar environment. If relocated less than a kilometre away, it is very likely that the squirrel will return to its familiar territory (i.e. your house). If you use a trap that results in animal suffering, it could lead to animal cruelty charges through the Ontario SPCA Act.
Separating a mother squirrel from her babies will cause them to die
If a mother squirrel is trapped or relocated and separated from her babies, it is likely that the babies will die from starvation or dehydration. Or they will be forced to leave the nest early and become injured or eaten by predators. Humane Wildlife Control pioneered specially-designed "baby boxes" that allow the mother squirrel to pick up her babies and relocate them to another nesting site.
Live trapping causes major stress on the squirrels
Live squirrel traps (i.e. cage traps) cause major stress on the animal, and they may seriously injure themselves trying to escape. If the trap is located outside, the squirrel may be exposed to the elements (sun or cold) for a long period of time and may die of exposure, starvation or dehydration. Neighbourhood pets may also further stress the squirrel. Body gripping squirrel traps are illegal unless you have a provincially-issued trapping licence.
Trapping alone is not the solution
Trapping a single squirrel will only mean that you have opened the territory for other squirrels to enter. Studies indicate that there are 50 to 100 squirrels within a square kilometre in urban areas. Squirrels are well-adapted to urban environments and will look for food and shelter wherever possible. Humane Wildlife Control uses proven removal techniques and guaranteed wildlife proofing to ensure that the squirrels are removed safely and your house or other building is sealed completely to prevent re-entry.
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