Before you start trying to capture a squirrel, it is important to determine how far it has to travel. You should plan on relocating it at least 25 miles from where it is currently living. This distance is too far for most squirrels, and if you have to relocate it much further, you should consider using traps and a dark release. However, you should keep in mind that it may be stressful for the animal, so you should avoid doing this for a long period of time.
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Getting rid of gray squirrels with traps
There are various legal ways to get rid of gray squirrels in your yard, including traps and lethal methods. If you’re not sure how to use a trap properly, you should first check with your local law enforcement office. Many areas have specific laws regarding wildlife, including killing and trapping gray squirrels. It’s also important to remember that rodenticides are highly regulated, so using a nontoxic alternative is strongly recommended.
The most humane way to kill a grey squirrel is to use approved spring or live-catch cage traps, which should be checked regularly. The traps should be placed in strategic locations, such as the tree branches where squirrels spend most of their time. Professionals can check them often to ensure they’re working, but you’ll need to be patient with these methods. They can take a few days to work, and if you leave them out for a long time, the squirrels may die in an unreachable spot, leaving you with a smelly mess.
Bringing squirrels 25 miles away from your home
When trapping a flying squirrel, humane handling is important. When possible, release the squirrel several miles away from your home, but not near your home, nest, or other structures. The easiest way to do this is by bringing it out of your yard into the woods. You can also use a humane trap to lure the squirrel into your home. If this doesn’t work, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
When relocating a squirrel, keep in mind that a female will typically return to her nest more than a male, even if it means chasing him or her. You can also try calling the squirrel’s name from a distance, but make sure you use a loud voice to get the squirrel’s attention. Remember that bringing squirrels 25 miles away from your home is illegal without a permit, so be sure to follow all guidelines and procedures before attempting to relocate a squirrel.
Leaving a squirrel in a cage for extended period of time will subject it to stress
Squirrels, like other pets, have a natural instinct to defend their territory against newcomers. When released, they will attack, chase, and even die. Unfortunately, most freed squirrels suffer painful deaths from stress and starvation. They often return to their home underdeveloped, or with missing parts. While they may be a great addition to your pet collection, leaving a squirrel in a cage for prolonged periods of time will put it under stress.
Squirrels communicate through vocalizations. A click or teeth chatter indicates a threat. The ear pinning signal is a sign of fear and caution. The tail flagging and Kuk’s are signs of danger, while a loud noise or smell can set a squirrel off. It is best to keep a squirrel in a cage for a limited time.
While they are not very fast movers, squirrels can go up to two miles from their nest to feed and water. The distance they travel is based on how long they live and their gender. Female squirrels travel less than half that distance and males can travel up to five miles. Although squirrels rarely travel more than 10 miles from their nest, they can travel up to two miles to find a suitable habitat.
If you want to release a squirrel, be sure to leave it at a distance that is at least two miles away. Squirrels can travel a few miles before they return to their nest, so releasing them closer to water or near a pond will not deter them. However, if you are releasing a squirrel farther than two miles away from its nest, you must make sure that you release it somewhere far enough to give the squirrel a place to stay and a food and water source.
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.
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