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Got squirrels?

Topic Type: 
Problem

Our orchard is overrun with squirrels who are chewing on bark and roots and doing severe damage. The orchard is fenced which means few predators. There's a bobcat but s/he can't keep up and squirrels are overpopulating. We're having trouble live trapping them and, even if we're successful, aren't sure what to do with them. Catch and release is illegal and we can't find any humane ways of killing them. Thoughts?

jbd's picture

Do you have any hunters in the area? They can probably brief you on how to quickly kill a squirrel (I've just stepped on the head and pulled - but the definitions of "humane" differ depending on the jurisdiction). They may also be able to rid you of a few squirrels - they really just need pellet guns.