Relocating predators rant!

[jqs birds]

I see people posting saying they just reloacte there trapped predators. You need to be aware this is ILLEGAL!

You are taking the risk of spreading disease. You are making them someone elses problem for awhile. They aill head home as soon as possible. When they are dumped in another animals territory they will be attacked for trespassing and driven out. Thus forcing them to head home. They do not know where to find food, water or shelter where ever you dumped them.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

The laws are different everywhere.

It's important to know the laws in your area before trapping and relocating.

Your state DNR or Animal Control can help you with learning the laws that apply to you.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The laws are not only different in different states, they can vary by animal. In some states, it is illegal to kill certain animals while others can legally be managed that way. Sometimes relocation is illegal. Sometimes it is not. Sometimes your local animal control will take the animal and dispose of it properly for you. In some places, it is entirely up to you to manage this. I am aware of sss (shoot, shovel, shut up) but consider each situation needs to be decided on its own merits.

With most animals I consider predators that have decided to commit suicide by entering my traps, I have willingly assisted them in this choice. However, it depends on the animal and circumstances. For example, in a different location and different circumstances, I found I needed to reduce the squirrel population in my area to reduce damage to my house. I did the research and it seems if you relocate squirrels more than 7 miles, they will not find their way back. Instead of killing the over 50 squirrels I trapped in my back yard in less than a month, I improved the squirrel hunting in certain areas and helped keep the foxes, hawks, and owls located there well fed. In my opinion, how you manage it depends on the animal and the circumstances.

I do think you bring up some very valid points that need to be taken into consideration.

 

[Boyd]

so far, the states I've researched where it is LEGAL to relocate are Missouri and Oregon. I know of a few where it is illegal, but the legal list is definately the short one

It is up to every BYC member to know the laws in their own area. There are Federal, state, and local laws to take into consideration before you make the decision one way or another on how you are going to deal with predators.

AC as well as licensed animal rescue groups can (for a fee I'm sure) make sure the predators are legally relocated within your state.

It's always worthwhile to read up on your laws, contact your local DNR, and your county extension office before you decide a course of action. That way you are covered 5 ways to heck and back.

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

There can be no blanket statements about relocation or euthanasia of critters you trap. It's up to you to check you local laws, and that should be done before you set the trap!

As stated in some areas it's wrong to relocate, in some areas it's wrong not to, and always the species of the critter matters. Then on top of that you have to take in the condition or health of the critter trapped (if it's unhealthy it's not suitable for relocation even if that is what's right for the area) and should be turned in to a rehab.

Further if your going to put the critter down you have to use an approved way, and if your relocating it the right area, not just what is a nice drive for you into someone else's back yard.

It's a huge responsibility either way, please take it seriously.

 

[blbgp]

There are a handful of states where relocation is legal, but is it humane? Generally speaking, you're sentencing that critter to a slow death from starvation, and you're introducing new diseases into the area.

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

'Relocation' is the proper term for a researched release of a critter in an area where they are know to be successful and have all the right environmental factors and are needed in the local eco-system. It is used in wildlife management as a tool to rebalance areas and to save individuals of threatened species. Properly done the critters can and do make a new life.

Dumping or abandonment are the terms used by wildlife for anyone just going out and dropping off something they don't want in there area somewhere else without consultation or consideration of the environment or eco-system or the needs of the critter.

Big difference.

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Quote:
Again, it probably depends on the animal (along with things like what its habits are, how resourceful it is, and what the location of release will be). Animal rehabilitation facilities are often able to release healed animals back into the wild (it depends on the type of facility).

What we're hoping everyone will do is a lot of research before planning a capture and release -- research with local, state and federal authorities -- above and beyond the research done here on BYC. Research will help a person determine whether or not relocation would be a humane choice for the captured animal.

 

[Buster52]

Quote:
Very well said.

 

[deerman]

Lot of good points on this thread. Agree know your laws, and do your research.

Think you will find the raccoon is one predator that doesnt need relocated. They are over populated in most areas, this due to lack of fur trapping.

More harm is done by people relocating them. Reason most states have now may it illegal.

But always check your LAWS.