Live Trapping and Relocation
Live Trapping and Relocation
Is NOT the answer to conflicts with wildlife
Live trapping may seem like an immediate and easy fix to your wildlife problem, however it is only a temporary solution. The homeowner should find out what attracted the animal to their property and remove and remove the sources of attraction. Otherwise, another animal will take up residence once the other animal has been removed, which can turn into a frustrating, reoccurring problem. Wildlife-proofing your home and property is a long-term, preventative and humane solution.
Why can’t I trap wildlife and move the animals to another area?
Many people think that live trapping is a humane option because it does not result in the animal’s immediate death. In reality, live trapping and relocation is inhumane, cruel and ill-advised for the following reasons:
- Live trapping causes great stress for the trapped animal, and they may seriously injure themselves as they desperately attempt to escape.
- The trapped animal is exposed to the elements and can suffer from painful cases of frostbite and heat stroke. If an animal is left in the trap, it will suffer for days and will eventually die of exposure or starvation.
- Domestic animals and other wildlife may harass the trapped animal causing further stress, injury or death.
- Trapped and relocated animals may be separated from their young, and the dependent young left behind will die an inhumane death.
- Relocated animals are at an extreme disadvantage in a new environment. They have to find food, water and shelter in an unfamiliar territory. There may be territorial disputes between the relocated animal and resident animals that can lead to injury and even death. Relocated animals may also spread disease to the resident wildlife population, therefore causing other animals to become ill or die.
- In Ontario, it is illegal to trap and relocate animals 1km from where they were captured according to the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.
- Improper use of a live trap, which results in animal suffering, could lead to animal cruelty charges through the Ontario PAWS Act.
Although people’s initial reaction may be to get rid of wild animals, trapping will not solve the problem. As long as an inviting habitat exists, wild animals will use it.
The Ottawa Humane Society does not rent or sell humane traps for the purpose of trapping and relocating wild animals.
Source: Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General, the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre and the Humane Society of the United States.
For more information on wildlife, contact the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 223, or send us an email.