Wildlife Traps are Inhumane and Ineffective

Across North America, trapping and relocating wildlife has become a widespread issue. In recent weeks, three traps were found in the Kitchener Waterloo area that caused serious injuries to the animals involved. Many of those who set these traps are simply trying to get rid of nuisance animals on their property, they do not consider the inhumane consequences that could occur. Whether they are placed in an urban area or in a small rural backyard, traps can cause a lot of harm to local animals. 

Why is Trapping Dangerous? 

When people set traps, they usually imagine the animal they are targeting to be the only animal that gets caught. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Traps indiscriminately catch many different kinds of animals, including pets in some cases. Small children may even become injured if they do not spot the trap while playing outside. Trapping may also separate mothers from their young litters, leaving the babies with very low chances of survival.

Once an animal has been trapped, it can be left alone for hours or even days in some cases. Not only does this create a distressful and inhumane situation for the trapped animal, it leaves them susceptible to predators, and harsh weather conditions, as well as starvation and dehydration. Most of the animals that do escape a trap suffer or die from their injuries.  

What Happens When You Relocate Wildlife? 

Although you may believe that dropping an animal in a field a few miles from your home gives them a fresh start to a new life, in reality it leaves them stranded without food, water or shelter. In our communities, wildlife establish multiple den sites to rest in and are always aware of where food and water can be found. A relocated animal cannot easily navigate its surroundings, and may be unable to find substance or a safe place away from predators. 

Often the animals that have been relocated have suffered injuries from the trap they were caught in, or have gone too long without water and food. This means the animal is already in a state of distress or starvation, leaving them susceptible to predators with very little energy to begin exploring their new surroundings. 

Is Trapping and Relocating Effective? 

Trapping and relocating can be best described as a band-aid solution to a wildlife problem. Since there is a variety of urban species that have thriving populations in our cities and residential areas, there will always be a new animal to take the place of the one that has been relocated. In other words, a wildlife problem will always return when it is not handled the right way. 

Just as the relocated animals suffer, so does the ecosystem they were taken from. Ecosystems rely on each species to do their part in order to create a healthy balance. Every single species plays an important part in this. Raccoons clean our neighbourhoods of bacteria, and squirrels work as great gardeners as they spread nuts and seeds. Without these thriving populations, our communities would look a lot different.

How Can You Prevent Trapping? 

Inhumane practices often neglect to fix the root of the problem, which is how wildlife is accessing your property. The best way that you can prevent trapping or other inhumane situations is to keep local wildlife away from your home, and prevent the need for removal. By deterring wildlife from your home you are creating a peaceful co-existence that encourages them to find shelter and food away from a property. This stops any future headaches of a wildlife infestation and allows animals to pass through your property unharmed. 

Wildlife are attracted to homes that offer them food and shelter. Be sure to repair damaged materials along your home and store food from your trash and gardens safely. If a wildlife problem arises on your property, it's time to call the professionals. Humane wildlife control technicians are trained to safely remove family units together from a home, and release them back into their own community to thrive. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is the industry leader in humane wildlife removal, and has been working to protect urban wildlife in Kitchener for over three decades, providing the safest options for wildlife, and the most effective options for homeowners.