Release of Trapped Wildlife is Illegal

DID YOU KNOW THE RELEASE OF TRAPPED WILDLIFE IS ILLEGAL IN CALIFORNIA?

Here at High Desert Wildlife Control LLC, we care deeply about animals, and as wildlife control professionals, we are often asked about the laws and regulations related to  trapping nuisance, game and non-game mammals, as well as the legalities of release of trapped wildlife within the state. 

California Code of Regulations
Title 14: CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF fiSH AND GAME

§465.5 (1) Immediate Dispatch or Release. All fur-bearing and nongame mammals that are legal to trap must be immediately killed or released. Unless released, trapped animals shall be killed by shooting where local ordinances, landowners, and safety permit. (Immediately released is defined as release at the same location where trapped.)  This regulation does not prohibit employees of federal, state, or local government from using chemical euthanasia to dispatch trapped animals.

Homeowners, please note:  It is illegal to set or maintain traps that do not bear a number or other identifying mark registered with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. This includes a property owner or property representative who wishes to set a trap for a wild animal on his/her private property.  Before setting a trap, all homeowners are required to get an identifying number from the Department and must permanently affix the assigned number to the trap. The only exceptions to this law are mouse, rat, and gopher traps. The code is below.

California Code of Regulations: Chapter 14

§4004. Unlawful Methods of Taking

(c) Set or maintain traps that do not bear a number or other identifying mark registered to the department…No registration fee shall be charged pursuant to this subdivision.

Release of Trapped Wildlife

If you see someone releasing trapped wildlife, get as much identifying information as possible (vehicle make, color, license plate number, description of person(s) and call the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s CalTip Hotline immediately at: 1-888-334-CalTIP   (888-334-2258)

While some may view these laws as inhumane, there are important-and specific reasons for these laws.

Biological studies show that the release of wildlife away FROM ITS “home range” is MOST often a slow death sentence.  

An animal in its home range knows where to find the three necessities of sustaining life: food, water, and shelter.  When released elsewhere, they often don’t know where to find what is needed, and more often than not, suffer a slow, cruel death by starvation, dehydration, or exposure.  They may also encounter other animals of the same species with territorial instincts, resulting in fights that cause severe injuries, or even death.   The “new” animal is viewed as an intruder and a threat.  Many animals spend the rest of their short lives frightened and frantic, trying to find their way home. 

Trapped animals may have youngsters nearby.  

By relocating a female animal elsewhere that has a litter safely tucked away, dependent young are sentenced to a cruel death by starvation, exposure, or predators.   A seasoned wildlife control professional understands the biology, breeding patterns, and visible signs of an animal that might have a litter.  Many animals found inhabiting homes are females, seeking safe places to rear their young.  In the event that trapping is necessary, we formulate a plan that best addresses the humane treatment of both female and her litter.  We have never left a wild animal orphaned.

It is always possible that a trapped and subsequently released animal is a disease carrier.  

Wild animals often do not show outward signs of illness until they are very sick or are dying.  Others are carrying parasites and viruses that spread serious diseases such as distemper, parvo, rabies.  Almost all raccoons in our region test positive for raccoon roundworm which can be spread to dogs, and even people. When released to another location, sick animals can infect populations of healthy animals.

Trapped and released animals go on to cause more damage.

Imagine being the homeowner of a property that’s being overrun with raccoons causing serious property damage, only to find out the animals causing damage have been trapped and released previously.  This is a very difficult problem to solve. 

Finally, releasing wildlife also risks the transmission of serious diseases and parasites to people and pets.  

 In the event of an animal disease outbreak, it is critical that the origin of the disease is identified. If a sick wild animal has been released away from its home range, there is no way to determine the initial location of an outbreak.  A good example of why this is important is a disease called Bubonic Plague, which is primarily spread by ground squirrels carrying plague-infected fleas.

Together, Californians can help to protect our diverse wildlife species.

Please visit the Wildlife Diseases and Public Health page for more information about diseases that affect wildlife, and often, humans.