10/25/2025
Trapping and relocating wildlife is often advertised as the most humane solution to wildlife-human conflicts. Unfortunately, this can be detrimental to the animals, is a short-term solution, and in some cases, it's illegal.
It’s that time of year again when people start trapping and relocating wildlife but despite good intentions, this practice is harmful and ineffective.
In the past two weeks alone, we’ve received multiple calls about opossums, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, and armadillos being trapped for relocation. Unfortunately, this often leads to suffering and death for the animals, and new ones simply move in to take their place- this is called the “vacuum effect.”
What's the big deal?
- These traps can cause severe injury to wildlife. In our rehab experience, opossums can get their teeth stuck, tails and limbs get stuck, and depending on the trap, the animal may attempt to escape but get stuck further complicating their injuries.
- Relocation is extremely hard on animals. They struggle to survive in unfamiliar circumstances, have to compete against established animals for resources like food and dens, and may die trying to return home or to their babies.
- You may create unintentional orphans. This year alone, we took in at least a dozen raccoons that were orphaned when their mothers were removed. After removal, babies were discovered and brought to us for rehab. These were the lucky ones- as many times they starve to death.
- You may introduce zoonotic diseases to new areas.
- The vacuum effect comes into play. When an animal is removed but the attractant isn't, more animals will move in. The only way to prevent the problem from continuing is to remove the attractant and deter the animals away.
Instead of trapping, focus on removing attractants and securing entry points. Coexistence and prevention are the most humane, lasting solutions.
If you are in DFW and looking for effective solutions, 911 Wildlife is humane and can assist with wildlife conflicts.
