How Far Away to Relocate a Squirrel
If your property is attracting gray, red, or flying squirrels, you may be wondering how far away to relocate them. These animals are not uncommon in cities and are found throughout the United States. To relocate them successfully, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some tips. First, determine which species of squirrel is in your area. Red squirrels are a popular choice. However, you should be aware of the differences between them.
Gray squirrels
If you’ve been caught trapping and releasing grey squirrels, you’ll want to know how far away you can relocate them to a safe location. While releasing animals is illegal, relocation is the best solution for many reasons. Not only can they survive far from human populations, but they’ll also be better adapted to the natural world. You may be able to find an underdeveloped area with water sources where you can relocate them.
If you can’t relocate the gray squirrels yourself, a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator can help. These professionals can help you manage your gray squirrel problem and repair any damage they cause. While you may have gotten them to relocate to a different location, you still have to use extreme caution and avoid a bite from the live animal. Ultimately, you should use a combination of humane methods and animal control methods to effectively deal with your squirrel problem.
If you can’t relocate them immediately, you might want to wait a few weeks or months. Remember that baby gray squirrels don’t know the territory they’re going to live in, so it’s best to relocate them as far away as possible. It may take a few days for them to find their new territory, but you can’t force them to leave. In the meantime, they’ll need somewhere safe to sleep and breed.
Red squirrels
When you’re considering relocating Red squirrels from their native habitat, you must consider the range size of each species. Red squirrels have a home range that is similar in size to ours, between two and ten hectares (four to 17 acres). These home ranges can be smaller or larger than ours, depending on the social status of the Red squirrels in the area. Jessica Holm of the Isle of Wight found that dominant male Reds had smaller ranges than subordinates. She suggested that this difference might be due to the dominant males’ superior ability to hold down food sources. However, other European studies suggest that red squirrels have larger home ranges than their subordinates. In Belgium, for example, dominant males had larger home ranges than subordinate Reds.
However, some people don’t recommend relocating the squirrels to public lands, as these may be protected by local laws. Instead, they recommend releasing the animals to a less developed area that has water sources. In the case of urbanized areas, some people believe that the animal will survive better in the urban environment. In reality, the animal is likely to face the same problems if it’s released in a suburban area.
Flying squirrels
When you are caught red-handed trapping a flying squirrel, you must decide how far away you want to relocate the animal. Ideally, you should relocate the animal at least five miles from where it is being trapped. However, if you can’t find another suitable place, you can try trapping the animal in a thick blanket. Wearing gloves is recommended when handling the animal. Also, it is best to move the flying squirrels away from homes.
You can use a spray of color or water on the squirrels. If the squirrels are near water, they will be able to swim if they are released near the water. However, if they’re more than 10 miles away from your home, you must take steps to relocate them as soon as possible. The best way to relocate flying squirrels is to wait at least five to ten miles and release them near a water source.
If you’ve already relocated a flying squirrel to another location, you may still have to deal with a problem with infestation. These rodents are prone to carrying diseases and leaving droppings and urine behind. These diseases can affect humans and pets. If you’re unable to do so, consider contacting a wildlife control company to help you relocate the squirrels. They will come to a new location and can be difficult to remove.
How close do you have to be to a squirrel to relocate it?
You must be within 10 feet of the squirrel.
What are the best times of day to attempt to relocate a squirrel?
The best times are early morning or late evening.
Does a squirrel have to be sick or injured to be relocated?
No any squirrel can be relocated.
What is the best way to transport a squirrel after it has been caught?
The squirrel should be placed in a cardboard box or cage.
How long does it take to relocate a squirrel?
The entire process from catch to release should take no more than two hours.
How far away should the release site be from the capture site?
The release site should be at least five miles from the capture site.
What are some of the things that you should do to prepare the release site?
You should clear away any debris cover the cage with leaves or branches and make sure there is a food and water source nearby.
What should you do if the squirrel is uncooperative?
You can try to place a towel over the cage to calm it down.
What should you do if you can’t find a suitable release site?
You can contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or a local animal control officer.
What are some of the things that you should not do when trying to relocate a squirrel?
You should not try to relocate a squirrel if you are not comfortable handling them if it is illegal in your area or if you do not have a suitable release site.
What are some of the risks associated with relocating a squirrel?
The squirrel could escape or be injured during the relocation process.
What should you do if the squirrel escapes?
You should try to find it and secure it in the cage.
If you can’t find it you should contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or a local animal control officer.
What should you do if the squirrel is injured during the relocation process?
You should take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center or a local veterinarian.
What happens to relocated squirrels?
They typically do not fare well and often die within the first year.
Is there a better alternative to relocating a squirrel?
Yes it is better to leave squirrels where they are.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
