Where should I relocate a trapped squirrel?

If you want to relocate a trapped squirrel, you should know it may not be legal to do this in the area where you live. However, if it is legal and you would like to relocate it, you have to keep a few things in mind. You should take the squirrel at least five miles away from the area where it has been captured, but it is best to take it ten miles. If you relocate it near the home, it may come back and the problem will continue. You should not let the animal stay in the cage for a long period. This can be stressful and the animal can become dehydrated. You should give it water with a hose if the animal has been trapped for some time. You should not bother giving it food since it will not be that interested in eating. You should handle the cage carefully, and you should not stick your fingers inside. You have to be careful when it comes to releasing the animal, but it is not likely to attack you since the main concern is getting away from you as fast as possible. However, you should not put yourself at risk by trying to corner the animal since it can bite you. This will be done in self-defense.



In most areas, the law prohibits people from releasing squirrels on public land. Many people agree that the squirrel should be relocated in the woods. Some people say you can take the animal to an undeveloped area that has a water source. However, there are others that say that a squirrel that lived in a suburban or urban area may not survive in the wild. If there are babies, you should release the babies first and then the mother. When the mother is nowhere to be found, you should leave the babies in the yard and wait for the mother to come for them. Keep in mind that the babies should be kept warm since the mother will not touch them if they are cold. It is advised to do the relocation during summer and not to try it during winter. It is likely that after the relocation the animal may come back to your place, and some squirrels have returned even after being taken over 25 miles away. Males are more likely to return to their den compared to the females. You should always remember that it is possible for the squirrel to perish even when they are relocated to a good looking place.

Go back to the Squirrels in the Attic home page.

Where should I relocate a trapped squirrel?