Consequences of traps

Re: Westboro's plan for squirrels: Deport them to Quebec

Dear Editor, 

Humane traps are never humane. That's because in the majority of cases when an adult animal is trapped and relocated, orphan young are left behind. The few wildlife rehabilitation centres that exist are overwhelmed each spring with hundreds of "created" orphans, having to turn many away, and leaving humane societies with the unpleasant task of euthanizing healthy young animals.

Female animals seek out covered shelter in eaves, chimneys, garden sheds and under steps as a safe spot to have their young, away from predators, when their newborn babies are most vulnerable. It is a temporary situation.

Once the young are weaned, the family moves to a more natural area, in the case of squirrels, to a leaf nest or drey in a tree. That is when the spot by which they gained access should be animal-proofed so it doesn't happen again. As the person quoted in the story said, "I think the easiest thing would be to fix your house."

You would hope that few people would gain pleasure from trapping and killing things, particularly when there are humane solutions available at wildlifeinfo.ca or ottawahumane.ca. We found that most people just do not realize the consequences of their actions and are very upset when faced with these consequences.

It is why the City of Ottawa finally needs to get on with putting a progressive wildlife strategy in place.
 
Donna DuBreuil, Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre