Trapping

broken bones, claws, wings or teeth in an attempt to escape the trap.

Trapping creates orphans. If the animal you capture is a mother with a nest or den nearby, her offspring will starve and die when she doesn’t return.

Relocated animals do not know where sources of food and water are, resulting in starvation and eventually death.

Relocation disrupts existing wildlife. Wild animals don’t just settle in wherever they end up. A new animal that has appeared on another’s turf will spark territorial disputes in which the animals can sustain injuries or even death.

If the animal you capture is ill, relocating it may spread disease.

Some species will attempt to return to their home and familiar territory, dying by traffic or predators along the way.

If you don’t remove or remedy what is attracting the animal in the first place, wild animals will continue to show up.

If that’s not incentive enough to dissuade you, trapping and relocating wildlife without a license is illegal in many states. The best way to protect your flock from unwanted advances by local wildlife is to implement the protective measures listed in this article.