squirrels

[mdenning]

our neighbour had a squirrel problem in her loft and had to get someone in - almost caught fire where he had chewed through the wires - they failed to catch him although they tried for weeks - we have seen him again today and think he has gone into her roof again - is there any way we can catch him and save him and take him to the woods? Any suggestions greatly appreciated

[carmalee]

I admit it's unlikely you will get nabbed if you do it but it is illegal to release a captured squirrel back into the wild.

[carmalee]

sorry, that should read grey squirrel - not sure about the Reds.

[paddywak]

Greys are vermin and should be treated as such, Reds on the other hand are our native species and protected not to be trapped or interfered with. Unfortunately all we've got round here are thousands of the tree rats, I've never seen a Red in the wild

[woofgang]

If she doesn't squirrel proof the roof, there is no point in removing the one that is getting in there as others will follow.

[RATTER15]

Squirrels are soooo easy to catch in a cage trap, I would nearly always catch them the first day I put the trap down if you know what your are doing and use the right bait.

The method of destruction recommended by MAFF (now DEFRA) was to empty caged squirrel int a hessian sack, using your foot force the squirrel into a corner then beat it to death with a stick.

I would normally release them miles from the capture site or shoot it.

[hc4361]

Ratter, it is illegal to release grey squirrels.
There is more than one squirrel, mdenning. I'd bet my last penny on it.
Get an air rifle and shoot them - perfectly legal, on your own land, if they are grey and not red.

[mdenning]

thanks everyone but I just cannot harm any animal - please tell me they are not cruelly treated once they are caught - I seem to remember someone being prosecuted for drowning a squirrel once and that was a grey one

[mdenning]

I now know that it is illegal to release grey squirrels into the wild, but how can anyone kill anything - I can't not even a snail - I know silly me but that's the way I am I see good in everything (almost) perhaps not mosquitos or wasps!!!

[RATTER15]

hc4361, yes I know it is illegal to release them, what the hell!!

I have read the Countryside and Wildlife Act from cover to cover I assure you, as a pest control officer one needs to know these things.

[mdenning]

Thanks for that Ratter - I agree, what the hell - if you want to release them miles away then fair play - and yes, shooting them sound far more humane that beating the poor things to death with a stick

[Zeuhl]

Catch it in a humane cage - Find a nice patch of woodland and let it go

[Answerprancer]

I totally empathise with you mdenning, ignore all the "tree rats"/death hungry posts, f*ck the law - release it into the woods and enjoy seeing the little beastie running off free.

[paddywak]

It appears the law is changing not that it will bother me,while I am generally in favour of conservation I hate the little grey bastards especially since one bit while I was releasing it from a snare
http://business.times...aw/article3378581.ece

[mdenning]

I am sorry one bit you Paddywak but it must have been terrified - just look at the size of it to you - wouldn't you bite if you were scared to death