What to Do With Live Caught Squirrel 
There are two ways to dispose of a live caught squirrel. You can choose between humane traps that catch only one squirrel at a time or Conibear kill traps that kill a live animal. Both methods will cause more suffering for the squirrel, and one option involves euthanizing it. If the squirrel has been caught in your house, hand capture is the best option. In most cases, it will not return.
Traps catch only one squirrel at a time
Squirrels are incredibly clever animals. Although humans are infinitely smarter than them, squirrels are very adaptable. They are used to entering small, closed spaces and see right through a trap set for them. Then, once trapped, the rodents will return to the same nesting area. This makes the process of trapping them much easier. Here are some tips to make your squirrel trapping a success:
o Get a trap designed for catching one squirrel at a time. The best way to catch a squirrel is to set up a trap within the territory of the squirrels you want to catch. Most traps are designed to catch only one animal at a time, so you’ll need to get a lot of practice before you try it. But if you do trap one squirrel at a time, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll catch another one later.
Humane traps cause more suffering
Many people use “humane” traps to kill squirrels, but these practices may actually cause more suffering for the animals. Most people think they are doing a good deed by catching the animals and releasing them elsewhere, but these practices actually cause more pain to the squirrels and could be considered animal cruelty. In fact, many studies have shown that humane traps lead to more suffering for live caught squirrels than any other method of capturing them.
The standard for humane traps requires researchers to necropsy at least twenty animals to determine whether they caused more pain and suffering. In addition, more severe injuries can disqualify a trap from the BMP. The average injury score must be less than 55 to be considered humane. However, this doesn’t mean all traps are equally cruel and cause more suffering. Researchers have been studying animal cruelty using humane traps for the last 25 years to determine whether these methods are humane.
Conibear kill traps involve euthanizing a live animal
The Conibear squirrel kill trap was invented in Canada, and involves the euthanasia of a live squirrel. This method has been used successfully in Canada for more than twenty years. Its design remains the same, though: a live squirrel is caught in the trap and euthanized. While a non-target animal may survive a Conibear trap, the added suffering is not worth the humane euthanasia. In addition, non-target animals can swim through the traps set for beavers and other animals.
While a Conibear kill trap involves euthanizing a live animal, box and cage traps are less prone to being stumbled upon. However, unlike the Conibear, a box or cage trap still exposes the animal to the elements. Trapping should be carried out by a responsible trapper who minimizes the animal’s stress and avoids releasing non-target animals.
Hand capture
Before handling a live-caught squirrel, always wear protective gloves. Squirrels are not aggressive creatures, but they can still bite. If you get too close, the squirrel will try to bite you. Keep your distance and use heavy-duty gloves to protect yourself. Then, release the squirrel in your yard. Afterward, contact local authorities and get proper instructions on how to release it. You can also purchase a trap that has an opening for releasing the squirrel.
You can also hand-capture a squirrel by setting it in a snare trap. You will need a live trap or a bucket with a lid and gloves. The live trap should be set at a perpendicular angle to the floor. The trap will tighten and the squirrel will be entangled. The noose will eventually snap shut on the squirrel’s neck or head and die quickly.
Poisoning
Among the common ways to get rid of a squirrel problem, poisoning is one of the most popular methods. However, poisoning is not an ethical solution and rarely works as effectively as hoped. Not only are rodent poisons unsuitable for squirrels, but squirrels can also become sick after ingesting poison. In addition to this, poisoning produces a foul smell, and it’s impractical to use poison in an attic.
To control the squirrel population, the best method is to use baits. Baits contain an active ingredient like anticoagulants, which are inhaled by the squirrels. The gas stays in the squirrel’s body for a short period of time, which prevents it from eating it. This method works best in the spring when ground squirrels are active on seeds. It’s also helpful to place bait near entrances and burrows.
Releasing
Release a live caught squirrel back into its natural habitat is not an easy task. Many animals cannot survive in a new territory, and they often die in the process. Additionally, trapping is inhumane. Trapped animals do not adapt well to a new environment and are likely to be chased or attacked. A 2004 study found that 97% of the gray squirrels trapped for this reason died. It is important to remember that live caught squirrels are not pets and should never be kept in a home with small children.
After catching a live squirrel, you must release it somewhere that provides ample food and is safe from predators. It is recommended that you release a squirrel in an area with dense trees and a lot of food. In addition, you should clean out bird feeders and put pet food inside as soon as possible. This is an important part of the animal welfare and will make it less likely to reoccur. Here are some tips to release a live squirrel safely:
What is the most humane way to kill a squirrel?
The most humane way to kill a squirrel is to kill it instantly with a sharp blow to the head.
Is it legal to kill squirrels in the United States?
It is legal to kill squirrels in the United States as long as it is done in a humane manner.
How many squirrels can you legally kill in the United States?
You can legally kill up to 5 squirrels per day in the United States.
What do you do with a dead squirrel?
You can either bury the squirrel or dispose of it in a trash can.
How do you catch a squirrel?
You can catch a squirrel by using a live trap or by snaring it.
How do you set a live trap for a squirrel?
You can set a live trap for a squirrel by baiting it with food and placing it in an area where squirrels are known to frequent.
How do you snare a squirrel?
You can snare a squirrel by setting a loop of wire or cord around an area where squirrels are known to travel and waiting for the squirrel to get caught in it.
What kind of food do squirrels like to eat?
Squirrels like to eat a variety of foods including nuts fruit and green vegetables.
Will a squirrel eat out of my hand?
Some squirrels may eat out of your hand if you offer them food but it is not guaranteed.
What is the average lifespan of a squirrel?
The average lifespan of a squirrel is around 6 years.
Do squirrels hibernate?
Yes squirrels hibernate during the winter months.
What is the best time of year to trap a squirrel?
The best time of year to trap a squirrel is during the fall or winter when they are looking for food to stockpile for hibernation.
How do you humanely euthanize a squirrel?
The most humane way to euthanize a squirrel is to kill it instantly with a sharp blow to the head.
What is the value of a squirrel fur?
The value of a squirrel fur depends on the quality and quantity of the fur but can range from a few dollars to over $100.
What are some of the diseases that squirrels can carry?
Some of the diseases that squirrels can carry include rabies typhus and bubonic plague.
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.
