If you have a problem with a wild animal in your home or property (e.g. chimney, attic, under decks or sheds, etc.) you must contact a licensed Problem Animal Control agent (PAC) or exterminator.
State law prohibits trapping or relocating wild animals without a license because:
- Capturing and releasing wild animals may spread disease(s) to new populations of animals;
- Introducing a new animal to a populated environment often results in conflict and stress within the existing animal population, as well as hardship or death to the new animal;
- Relocated animals often return in any event – squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife may reappear after translocations of 5, 10 or even 15 miles;
- Relocation only transfers the problem to another area, particularly in the case of an animal accustomed to living in close proximity to humans;
- Removing the animal is a temporary solution at best that does not address the root cause(s) attracting wild animals to the property.
The following links contain additional helpful information on wildlife:
Website Links
www.hsus.org
www.mspca.org
www.mass.gov/dfwele.dfw