Contrary to popular belief, live-trapping a raccoon and relocating it is not a good way to solve the problem. Keep reading to discover why this method falls short and what alternative solutions can effectively address your raccoon intrusions.
Is It Legal To Trap Raccoons?
In Ontario, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act prohibits trapping and relocating animals more than one kilometre from their capture site, as specified by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Moreover, the use of live traps can lead to injury and suffering, which may result in animal cruelty charges under the Ontario SPCA Act.
Should I Trap Raccoons?
Trapping raccoons is not just ineffective; it can also pose significant risks and be inhumane. One major concern is that raccoons can carry a disease known as raccoon roundworm. The eggs of this parasite can easily transfer from the trap into your vehicle, potentially putting you and others at risk.
Additionally, handling a raccoon in a trap can be dangerous. These animals can become frightened and aggressive, leading to the possibility of bites or scratches. Overall, the risks associated with trapping raccoons far outweigh any potential benefits.
Will A Raccoon Come Back After Being Trapped?
Raccoons have a strong homing instinct and frequently try to return to their original territory after being relocated. Studies show that even when moved several miles away, raccoons often navigate back to familiar areas. This behaviour underscores the challenges of trapping and relocating them, as they are likely to return, creating ongoing issues on your property.
4 Reasons Trapping Raccoons Cause A Problem
Contrary to popular belief, live trapping is not necessarily more humane than kill traps. The most common removal method—live trapping followed by relocation—has come under scrutiny for several reasons:
1. Injury and Stress
Animals trapped in cages can injure themselves while trying to escape, especially if they are confined for an extended period. The stress of captivity can lead to severe physical and psychological harm. Additionally, trapped animals may suffer from dehydration, exposure to extreme temperatures, and decreased immune function. In some cases, this stress can even lead to fatal conditions. Furthermore, handling and transportation stress can exacerbate existing health issues.
2. Unfamiliar Territory
Relocating animals to unfamiliar environments can be catastrophic. The stress of being moved increases the risk of disease transmission and leads to conflicts with other local wildlife. Animals are likely to struggle to adapt, and their chances of survival in a new habitat are diminished. Moreover, relocated animals may not find suitable food sources, shelter, or potential mates, making survival even more challenging. This displacement can also disrupt local ecosystems, potentially harming native species.
3. Population Dynamics
Removing adult animals from an area without addressing the underlying causes of their presence can lead to a population rebound. The remaining animals may thrive, reproduce more prolifically, and fill the void left by their relocated counterparts. This phenomenon is known as the “vacuum effect.” Furthermore, removing dominant animals can create power vacuums, leading to increased competition and aggression among remaining individuals. Effective management strategies must consider the ecological and behavioral implications.
4. Separation of Mothers and Young
Trapping adult animals, particularly during spring and summer, can result in the tragic separation of mothers from their dependent offspring, often leading to the death of young animals left behind. If the babies are older, this orphaning can still have long-term consequences for the young animals’ survival and development. Moreover, separated mothers may experience significant stress and emotional distress, potentially altering their behaviour and reproductive success. The timing of removal efforts is crucial to minimizing harm to families.
Working Towards a More Sustainable Solution
In light of these challenges, the need for a justifiable and humane approach to wildlife management has never been clearer. Instead of relying on outdated methods such as trapping and relocation, we can embrace strategies that prioritize the welfare of both animals and humans.
How Do I Get Raccoons To Move?
In light of these challenges, the need for a justifiable and humane approach to wildlife management has never been clearer. Instead of relying on outdated methods such as trapping and relocation, we can embrace strategies that prioritize the welfare of both animals and humans.
Modern approaches focus on passive removal techniques that enable wildlife to exit an area without being trapped. One effective solution is the installation of one-way door devices at entry points, allowing animals to leave while preventing their return. While this method may seem straightforward, it requires a thorough understanding of the specific wildlife species involved, including their behaviours, dietary habits, and seasonal patterns.
It’s important to note that a one-way door can unintentionally separate a mother from her babies. This can lead to the mother causing significant damage to roofs or other structures in her frantic attempts to return, as well as putting her young at risk of starvation if they are left behind. It is important to hire a reputable and humane wildlife control company that understands the biology and behaviours of raccoons during mating and breeding seasons.
What Happens To The Baby Raccoons?
Raccoon babies are humanely removed from the attic and placed in a heated reunion box, allowing them to stay warm until the mother can return for them. Once the mother is evicted from the attic, she can retrieve her young one by one. For example, placing the babies in a heated reunion box helps the mother relocate her offspring to an alternative den site nearby. Raccoons have multiple den sites available in the neighbourhood, which facilitates a smooth transition for the mother to take her babies to another safe location.
How Can I Keep Raccoons Out?
Long-term solutions must include measures to prevent future wildlife encounters. This involves securing potential entry points, maintaining properties, and managing food sources effectively. Simple steps—like trimming tree branches, screening chimneys and roof vents, and properly securing garbage—can significantly reduce the likelihood of unwanted wildlife visits.
Adopting non-trapping methods and implementing preventive measures fosters a positive coexistence with urban wildlife while minimizing potential conflicts. These strategies are gaining traction among wildlife removal companies and conservation groups across Canada.
In the end, the humane treatment of animals is an essential objective in wildlife management. By understanding the complexities of human-wildlife interactions, we can work towards solutions that benefit everyone involved. Let’s embrace a future where wildlife is treated with respect and compassion, ensuring a harmonious balance in our shared environment.
Contact a Wildlife Professional
Gates Wildlife Control specializes in safe and humane raccoon removal, sealing entry points, and offering long-term prevention solutions. Our experienced wildlife technicians will evaluate your property, repair any damage, and ensure that raccoons cannot invade again. Contact Gates Wildlife today to safeguard your home and prevent future raccoon issues.
