Capturing a wild animal and releasing it in another
area is prohibited by Massachusetts law. (Ch 131 S. 19A) Rabies in raccoons
is now found throughout the eastern United States. Moving animals from
area to another can spread this and other diseases to new areas.
To protect people and wildlife, please
do not relocate problem wildlife !
Wild animals sometimes damage homes, gardens and lawns.
Often homeowners or businesses want to catch those animals and release
them someplace else. Massachusetts law prohibits moving any live wild
animal from one area to another. This law has been in effect for many
years, protecting both people and wildlife.
Here are some reasons wild animals
should not be relocated:
- Capturing a wild animal and releasing it somewhere else may spread
disease into populations of animals (including pets) that did not
have the disease previously. Diseases such as Rabies and Canine Distemper
have been spread by people who captured an animal in one area and released
it somewhere else.
- Wild animals already live where you release animals. Wherever
you plan to release a wild animal, there are already resident animals
with established territories competing among themselves for food and
denning sites. When a new animal is introduced, competition for these
limited resources is intensified, causing increased stress and conflict
within the resident population as well as hardship or death for the
introduced animal.
- Relocated animals often return. Squirrels, raccoons and other
wildlife can return from translocations of 5, 10 or even 15 miles. Such
animals are more likely to be killed by automobiles or succumb to other
accidents as they cross unfamiliar area while attempting to return to
their original territories.
- Relocation only transfers your problems to someone else. In
an unfamiliar territory, an animal accustomed to living near people
may seek out human habitations and damage someone else's property.
- Moving an animal does not solve the problem. Within a short
period of time, other individuals of the same or another species will
move in, unless food (garbage, pet food, grain) is removed, and access
to garden , chimneys or attics is blocked. Prevention is the key.
If you have a wildlife nuisance situation at your
home, or business... Check this link for suggestions on how to deal
with the situation on your own and to a list of licensed agents who, for
a fee, can also assist you.
MGL Chapter 131 Section 19A and CMR 215 are the statute and regulation
which deal with the above topic.
|
