Animals exist in a world with rules and boundaries that humans can’t begin to understand. When animal control agents attempt to relocate an animal for causing a disturbance to humans, they are often initiating a series of unintended consequences. The process of relocation is hazardous for both the animals and the greater biodiversity of an area. Here is why effective exclusion is a much better option to prevent animal intrusions than relocation.
Relocated Animals Often Have to Fight with Local Animals to Survive
Moving an animal from its home territory to a patch of land miles away is a bit like taking a person and placing them in a stranger’s house in a strange city. Few humans would be particularly happy to wake up and find a stranger living on their couch. Relocation often results in fights between animals who may kill one another over resources or territories. Mother animals with pups or kits are especially unlikely to survive relocation, as their attention must be divided between caring for their young and defending themselves effectively. In addition, mothers may be separated from their young during relocation, which is often fatal for the young.
In some cases, relocation may introduce species into areas they wouldn’t normally inhabit. This can impact local wildlife by allowing the relocated animal to prey upon critically endangered species. Simply transporting a problem animal away may give people a false sense that their issue has been solved, but in reality, all that relocation does is force someone — or something — else to deal with their problem.
Uncautious Wildlife Removal Spreads Disease
Because wild animals don’t have the luxury of visiting frequently with veterinarians, they often host diseases that can be spread to humans or other animals. During the process of relocation, animals kept in cages beside one another can easily spread pathogens. This can introduce contagious infections to other populations as animals are released into new areas. Relocation not only harms local ecosystems but threatens neighbouring human populations who risk close contact or exposure.
Relocation Doesn’t Prevent Animals From Intruding on Your Property
Perhaps the most practical reason not to relocate an animal is that it is unlikely to solve your problem. If you have a breach in your home large enough that a single animal has found their way in, it is almost certain that others will exploit the same weakness. In any neighbourhood in North America, there are plenty of other creatures awaiting the chance to take advantage of such a secure, warm, and secluded living space as a residential human home.
Coordinated Removal and Exclusion Ensures that Animals Stay Outdoors
The best way to deal with unwelcome species on your property is to make your property as unappealing to a passing animal as possible. As far as preventative measures go, this can mean tightening garbage lids, removing pet or bird food, and sealing off small entrance points. Some urban and suburban residents may feel that they are helping animals by providing them with food, water, or shelter. Make sure to convey that such unnecessary aid can actually harm wildlife by causing animals to become overly comfortable with human contact. Once an animal has been removed, professional screening and exclusion is necessary to prevent the issue from recurring.
You should never attempt to remove an animal from your property on your own. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we can find entry and exit points on your home and seal them from unwanted wildlife intrusions. Rather than relocating animals to distant, unfamiliar regions, we allow animals the opportunity to reoccupy local den spaces where they can raise their young in peace and safety. Contact Skedaddle today.
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