How Far Should You Relocate a Squirrel?
You may be wondering how far should you relocate a squirrel. While relocating a squirrel is inhumane, it may be necessary to relocate a squirrel for its own health. It may be more humane to relocate a squirrel in midwinter, when it is not as susceptible to injury from self-inflicted trapping. In most states, however, relocating a squirrel is prohibited. You may need a permit to shoot or trap a squirrel.
Trapping and relocating squirrels is inhumane
While many people believe they are doing a good deed by trapping and relocating squirrels, they are doing them a great disservice. Many times, these “humane” methods actually cause more harm to the animals than other means, and can be considered animal cruelty. The truth is that squirrels need a safe haven to survive and can’t be expected to thrive in a residential area.
Relocating a squirrel is inhumane and inflicts severe trauma on the animal. Not only does it separate the parent from their young, but it can also result in the death of the young, leaving you with an orphaned animal. Furthermore, relocating a squirrel may lead to animal cruelty charges and other legal ramifications. And if your trapping efforts do not result in a successful rescue, the animal may be returned to the same area it was captured from.
While relocating a squirrel can be done with the help of traps, it is still inhumane because it results in the death of many animals. The animals are unlikely to survive the winter in their new location, as they must forage for food and drink. Moreover, relocating a squirrel to an unfamiliar area is likely to result in the baby’s starvation. Sadly, 97% of the animals that are relocated after trapping them died in their new home.
Relocating a squirrel can lead to self-inflicted injuries
A squirrel’s life depends on its cache of food, so trying to relocate one in the middle of winter isn’t a good idea. Squirrels will often suffocate to death and are very stressed when trapped. The baby squirrels they leave behind may be unable to survive without the parent squirrel. The move can also result in animal cruelty charges.
Relocating a squirrel in mid-winter is more acceptable than relocating a squirrel in mid-winter
Relocating a squirrel in mid-wheat is more humane than relocating a squirrel in midsummer because relocation is the more humane option. Relocating a squirrel in mid-winter means that the animal will not be forced to move into another area, which is an almost guaranteed death sentence. The animal is still relatively young and is likely to be surrounded by many other animals, including other squirrels.
When is the best time to relocate a squirrel? Generally, squirrels are most active during the morning and evening hours, when the sun is the brightest. They wake up about half an hour after sunrise and are rarely active in the middle of the day. In the winter, squirrels spend most of their time in their burrows and use food stored in their nests.
Squirrels often choose homes in the fall and winter, which means that they are actively searching for a place to raise their young. In some cases, they may choose homes, sheds, decks, and even neighbors’ attics as their new home. Using poison, such as acetic acid, is not recommended since it will burn the animal. If baiting does not work, you may also want to remove the cap on your chimney or exhaust fan, which will scare the animal away.
How close to a house can you relocate a squirrel?
Answer: It is best to release squirrels within 100 feet of where they were found.
What is the best time of year to relocate a squirrel?
Answer: The best time to release a squirrel is in the late fall or early winter.
How deep should the hole be that you relocate the squirrel to?
Answer: The hole should be at least 18 inches deep.
How big around should the hole be that you relocate the squirrel to?
Answer: The hole should be 4 inches in diameter.
How many squirrels can you put in one hole?
Answer: Only one squirrel should be released per hole.
What do you need to put in the hole with the squirrel?
Answer: You should put bedding material in the hole with the squirrel.
This can include leaves straw or grass.
How do you need to cover the hole?
Answer: The hole should be covered with hardware cloth or chicken wire.
What else do you need to do?
Answer: You should attach the hardware cloth or chicken wire to a tree or other object so that it does not blow away.
How long does the squirrel need to stay in the hole?
Answer: The squirrel needs to stay in the hole for at least 30 days.
What should you do if the hole is disturbed?
Answer: If the hole is disturbed you should check it daily and repair it if necessary.
What should you do if the squirrel appears to be sick or injured?
Answer: If the squirrel appears to be sick or injured you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
What should you do if the squirrel is orphaned?
Answer: If the squirrel is orphaned you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
What should you do if you find a dead squirrel?
Answer: If you find a dead squirrel you should dispose of it in a trash bag.
How can you prevent squirrels from entering your home?
Answer: You can prevent squirrels from entering your home by sealing any openings larger than a half-inch.
What should you do if you have a squirrel in your home?
Answer: If you have a squirrel in your home you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator or a pest control company.
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.
