junebug ~

You are so nice to be concerned that the relocation is going according to law. I understand your horror at hearing the screeching of the squirrels at their demise.

You spoke to the elderly homeowner and she said someone would be out to release the squirrel in the trap. Then you went on some errands and returned to find the trap empty. You assume that the release didn't take place because you said you didn't think there was time, however, you said they could be released right up the street. Perhaps there was time and the homeowner came out right after you left.

I wouldn't call animal control or the police just yet. Why not see how this progresses? Perhaps a wakeup call was all that was needed. If there is another incident that you would be able to document as to date and time and what you heard or saw then I would call authorities then.

Robyn

Ohhhh my heart goes out to you. I think you are a great neighbor and I would love to have you as my neighbor. You did the right thing by going over and letting them know you had suffered as a result of their actions. She knows now that you know they are not doing things by the book. If you have more suspicions I would offer to take the squirrels to the park myself so I could be reassured that they are being released. Mind you I would go a bit further than the park a couple of blocks down, Squirrels can travel a couple of miles in a day...FYI.
I think the offer you make to let them go yourself should make it easier for them to comply with the laws. I would wait on reporting them since you did not see or hear anything and can only assume the kid killed the last squirrel, it would be easier for you to wait then make an enemy of your neighbors. If asking them nicely and offering to drive the squirrels to a new location yourself does not work, then I would stop asking and just let them knokw point blank, I deal with the squirrels or the authorities deal with you...hope it helps.

If an animal is screaming during the killing process - it is not humane. Even a gun is considered humane. Why?? Because it's quick and painless. The Humane Society does not even think guns are inhumane if done precisely.

I would call the authorities and discuss it with them first. You can talk to them without making an official report and then decide. Poor critters.

vicky

Thank you Robyn and Mazer, for your swift and sympathetic replies. I am calming down a little and you are right...I will watch closely and see if they are complying. I can't just assume that they are not. I really wanted to take the "neighborly" approach rather than just send the cops or whatever over right away, so I will give them a chance to do the right thing. I can't imagine what kind of a person can torture an animal to death or whatever it is he is doing... it's neither swift nor kind. It puts the man in a whole different (and scary) light for me. This guy is in his fifties. Ugh. Anyway, I will keep a close eye on him and keep my camera close at hand. Thank you...

Good point, vicky. The screeching was not brief, it went on and on...I can't stand to think about it. I told my gf that at least with a gun, it is quick...not like this. Whatever "this" is. I do feel compelled to just watch and see what he does with the next squirrel. Believe me, it won't be long, we have dozens of them frolicking about. If he heads to the garage with it, I'm reporting him. This is hard, because I don't enjoy confronting people about stuff...but this is so outrageous I can't ignore it. Thanks...

I agree - watch and see what happens next before calling the police, but I would definitely call if he's not releasing them as he is required to do.

Poor squirrels! They are such a pain, we are overrun with them in our yard. We bought a small have-a-hart trap to catch chipmunks in when we first moved to our chipmunk-haven yard. We gave up after catching a few of them. We even caught a few squirrels before - they squawk up a storm! We didn't even attempt to relocate them, just let them go back in the yard.

A man in his 50's is certainly old enough to know what he is doing is very wrong. Hopefully now knowing that you know what he is doing will be enough to make him stop.

I think a lot of people would've just looked the other way - kudos to you for standing up to him!

Sher

boy that just gives me the creeps! and paranoid person that I am I would be afraid to call the cops for fear of him retaliating in some way, so please be very careful, plus if he knows it is bothering you he may do it on purpose (been there, done that) some people are really weird. just be careful with that guy.

I know Sher...we have so many squirrels here, I had to build a fortress around my tomato patch the last couple of years just to ensure that I get a few of my fruits. It just killed me however, to hear one dying in such a cruel way. Micke, you are not the only one to have these sentiments, either. A few folks at my gym were worried about any retaliatory actions this guy might take. They wanted me to go straight to the cops, but as these folks are my neighbors, I figured I would give them a chance. By the end of the day, no more squirrels ventured into the trap. In fact, I only saw one lone squirrel all day...perhaps the survivors warned their squirrelly brethren of the threat next door. Neighbor dude packed up his trap for the night (something he has not done before)and I hope he is heading back home to Duluth tomorrow. I don't even think any squirrels have gotten back into her attic. I volunteered to remove my tree last spring and did so...I haven't seen any of them running around on her house like I used to. That's what sucks so much about this...I feel like he just saw how many varmints are running around out here and decided to dispatch a few for the hell of it. I hope he doesn't come back.

I hope his does not either, I would almost come up with some squirrl bait just to keep them away from their house (of course I realize this does not solve the problem) I have a ton of squirrls too, but for some reason I just think they are cute, yes sometimes they dig up my bulbs. but when I plant 100 bulbs at at a time no way are they getting them all:)

They are cute but once they get in your house they are so hard to get out! We have a 150 yr old farmhouse and we had them in the attic, which is NOT good. We put a have-a-heart trap up there and couldn't catch even one! grr! Sad to say we had to resort to a rat trap. I hated doing it but they were ruining our house and can cause a fire!! Once they make a home they are VERY difficult to get rid off. We could here them running through our walls and running over our tin ceiling during the evening. It was terrible.

We dont' have laws about squirrels though. We did find out something that works for keeping them out of the attic. You could tell your neighbor.

We bought a strobe light and mounted it in the attic. the squirrels can't stand it and will leave or not come in. Maybe you can suggest this to the neighbor. it is much easier than catching them. You can find lights that use batteries now also.

Hey folks, I have an update...
I got home today and my neighbor's son hailed me from the fence. I went over to see what he wanted and he informed me that he is now releasing the squirrels over at Schenk school, which is located about three miles from here and has a nice wooded area. He has made several trips today and I believe he is being truthful. I told him that the school sounded like a great place for them and thanked him. So...I still don't "get" how he could do what he was doing, but at least he's not doing it now. Thanks for all the kind words and good advice.

junebug ~

Wow! That is just super news! I am so glad that you did allow the neighbors the chance to do the right thing. Obiously, he appreciated it as well or he wouldn't have called you over to tell you that he is relocating then.

Robyn

That's great news Junebug. Way to go! I'm so glad you decided to get involved. Sounds like you saved some squirrels from a horrible death.