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Careers: Police/Wildlife--- squirrel feeding

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Expert: - 3/7/2009


Question
Hi,
The law in my area allows limited squirrel feeding. People however are violating that law and the food is ending up in my yard as well as others. It's putting my friend's dog in danger as the dog cannot eat people's food. I made a promise to her, I will find out who is feeding the squirrels. As for enforcing the law and getting them a fine, I am not sure if it's needed. I like squirrels, yet don't like the food in our yard or theirs.

So I have the problem. I cannot post fliers in the area for information as this violates the law. I walked the area and seen no one directly feeding them. Homes are close together and I cannot see behind the homes well. I contacted the public works area and they won't offer me any help without a name of the person doing such. Nor will the police. I am wondering how to find out who or whom are feeding the squirrels. How do you think I should go about this? Any ideas? If none, I understand, I just need to ask.

Thanks,
Dan

Answer
Hi Dan,

We call them tree rats in our neck of the woods. :) Well I do not see a legal way for you to discover who, but you could make it easy by live trapping the squirrels and then relocating them at least 5 miles away.

I have a problem with squirrels ruining my gardens. So I bought a live trap (about 50$) and baited it with peanut butter,they love it, I caught 25 squirrels in a week. I then took them to a nearby forested area and set them free. My 10 year old son loved this whole process.

After that, no more squirrels to bother the garden. Thats was 4 years ago, now I am getting ready to do it all over again as the squirrel population has increased again.

So I would say if you remove the squirrels then there is no reason for them to feed something thats not there. Just my idea.

Here is the one I use: http://www.havahart.com/store/live-animal-traps/1084  

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