Another neighbor using snap traps

[Moneypenny4M]

My whacked-out neighbor told me that another neighbor is using snap traps in his back yard, right out in the open. Apparently something chewed his truck wires and he's blaming squirrels (what else is new?) Oh, yeah, and he parks outside. Duh!!!!

Aren't snap traps illegal? (Don't worry- I reported him):soapbox

[SammysMom]

They are definitely illegal in CT out in the open. I just spoke to the DEP about that last week. Take pics and pass them along to the wildlife division of the DEP. Geez are these people nuts or what???!!!:soapbox

[Moneypenny4M]

Someone from DEP DID go over there just a little while ago. Don't know what was discovered- since I called anonymously and I don't speak to this guy anyway, but kudos to them for coming out on a SUNDAY!

The bastard is probably livid.

I also asked DEP about feeding the wildlife in my yard. They said it is NOT illegal "but we don't encourage it." I'm in process of planting wildlife-friendly things in my yard/garden. I just certified it as a NWF Wildlife Habitat!

Soooooo.....does he now find someone else to complain to about ME? SOMEONE called the city to complain that squirrels were going in my house/my walls/my belfry/whatever- could have been him- OR my next door neighbor- or another friend he put up to it. But guess what- it's MY HOUSE!

I don't regret calling. I couldn't sleep thinking of them getting caught in snap traps. It's illegal to trap outside anyway!:soapbox

[SammysMom]

It is illegal with snap traps but DEP told me it is okay in their yard and that they can kill the if they want to. I wasn't happy about the lack of protection they get at all!
I'm so impressed that the DEP came so fast! kUDOS to ct dep and to you for being diligent! :grouphug
Out of curiosity, what was the DEP guy's name?

[Moneypenny4M]

The yard in question isn't fenced in. And if it's not illegal, why would DEP come so fast?
:shakehead

[Moneypenny4M]

It is illegal with snap traps but DEP told me it is okay in their yard and that they can kill the if they want to. I wasn't happy about the lack of protection they get at all!
I'm so impressed that the DEP came so fast! kUDOS to ct dep and to you for being diligent! :grouphug
Out of curiosity, what was the DEP guy's name?

I didn't get the name. I made an anonymous complaint (I know another neighbor of his who feeds them is mad at him too so he probably can never know for sure...):poke

[SammysMom]

Snap traps ARE illegal. If I said the opposite I erred. Live traps are legal wherever you want to use them. Snaps aren't because of danger to other animals and people.
Looked at initial post and I wasn't paying attention and I mis-typed!

[Moneypenny4M]

Snap traps ARE illegal. If I said the opposite I erred. Live traps are legal wherever you want to use them. Snaps aren't because of danger to other animals and people.
Looked at initial post and I wasn't paying attention and I mis-typed!

Actually not legal to use live traps either unless you are licensed to do so. This is what someone in local animal control told me. If one got IN this guy's house, that would be one thing but can't trap outside. I'm not sure what they found or if he might have gotten a fine but he can't be too happy. HE ASKED FOR IT! If you park outside there is a chance wires will be eaten- by something. (Especially if you're a putz! :rotfl )

Happened where I used to live but those people had working brains- they didn't trap/relocate, etc. etc.

[UDoWhat]

I missed this earlier. I can't believe they are using snap traps. I hate this. You are a hero to call the police. I wish they would put him in a snap trap. And give a fine. You have your share of whacked neighbors!:rotfl

[Moneypenny4M]

I missed this earlier. I can't believe they are using snap traps. I hate this. You are a hero to call the police. I wish they would put him in a snap trap. And give a fine. You have your share of whacked neighbors!:rotfl

Well, Marty, he's a friend of you-know-who's, what do you expect?!!

Something chewing the truck wires is NO justification. He doesn't know what did it. And it's a junk heap truck to begin with. And parked OUTSIDE! I hope he got a fine.

My next door neighbor (the pervert) said he'd do the same if they chewed HIS car wires. He told me the woman who lives next door to the guy is furious at him- so he really can't be sure who called. Watch them call another complaint about ME if they think it was me. DEP told me it is legal to feed the squirrels "but we don't encourage it."

As for squirrels in my walls/belfry/whatever, since I'm the only one living here there isn't anything they can do about it...whether they're there or not!

I'm thinking of trying to become a rehabber- won't they love THAT?!!! :jump

[crazysquirrels]

Shoot them with a BB gun. It will set them off.

[Moneypenny4M]

Shoot them with a BB gun. It will set them off.

He lives further away. Wouldn't dare go in HIS yard. I don't even speak to him (after having found out he was illegally relocating them LAST year!) Anyone who messes with my squirrels is dead to me.:thinking

I'm just hoping he got fined!

[Moneypenny4M]

I missed this earlier. I can't believe they are using snap traps. I hate this. You are a hero to call the police. I wish they would put him in a snap trap. And give a fine. You have your share of whacked neighbors!:rotfl

I actually contacted the state (Dept of Environmental Protection) I don't think they take to these things too kindly. And maybe have steeper fines. I am obviously NOT in a position to ask or try to find out.

I notice that he NEVER got a town permit for any of his renovations either. Hmmmmm.:wahoo

[UDoWhat]

I actually contacted the state (Dept of Environmental Protection) I don't think they take to these things too kindly. And maybe have steeper fines. I am obviously NOT in a position to ask or try to find out.

I notice that he NEVER got a town permit for any of his renovations either. Hmmmmm.:wahoo
:wave123 Even better you called DEP. Right don't go near these neighbors. These people are mean. Stay clear. Don't you just have to ask, "What is wrong with people". Stay waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa away from them.:rotfl

[Moneypenny4M]

:wave123 Even better you called DEP. Right don't go near these neighbors. These people are mean. Stay clear. Don't you just have to ask, "What is wrong with people". Stay waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa away from them.:rotfl

Thanks! Another of the "brain trust" (who lives further away, thank God!) actually called the city once to ask them to cut down a tree in front of his house "because squirrels were going in it." I'm not kidding!

NOT sure what DEP did or didn't do but I don't think they take to these things too kindly. I mean, they came out on a SUNDAY!

They really can't get me on anything except feeding squirrels and that's not illegal. (And lean on me too hard and I'll go through rehab training!!!) I saved four squirrels- kept them in my old apt before bringing them to a rehabber the next day. I learned a lot. I'm SURE I could pass the test. Wouldn't they love THAT around here?!!!!:crazy

I bought plants for my new wildlife garden. Neighbor said "the squirrels will kill that- (the coneflower)-right away!" And it was bent in half when I came out again- but I'll bet HE did that!!!!!:dono

[SammysMom]

I think our neighbors should all move to a neighborhood together! All the DEP did tell me was that it is okay to trap with have-a-harts if they were having damage done by them or if there was overpopulation. However he also said there is no definition of overpopulation. I would not be at all surprised if it was the same person that you spoke to. He was nice, but in my case it was actually a wildlife removal company that was licensed by CT.
He said to call immediately if he began using snap traps which he threatened to do. He may even think we are neighbors as I didn't tell him where I live...lol
I sure hope the DEP solved at least part of your problem! I am still in shock over how any were "removed" in the time that jerk was trapping. :grouphug

[LynninIN]

I've had the same problem with a neighbor. He is using hav-a-hart traps so calling anyone will not help. Makes me very angry but talking to him will only fuel the fire. In fact, I know he wants confrontation. I spray his trap with fox urine once a week & he can't seem to catch anything :)

[Mads]

I'm not familiar with snap traps? i suspect though it sounds like the mice traps???
I'm also in CT and with a neighbor who also is very upset with squirrels in their attic, even though their house is open to all wildlife as it's unfinished and has been unfinished for 20 years now, so you can imagine all that's living in the attic.

the two girls who have decided to shoot them all, both came over tonight with a baby they caught. Of course, I kept the baby, he's wild, about 3 months of age, but I'm sure he has sibblings and a mother still in their attic.

anyway, when I called DEP about the shooting of the squirrels a few weeks ago, I really thought nothing was gained by it. I felt that the girls just started shooting more, and i have several hurt squirrels here with wounds that look like they are from BB guns. But, the guy from DEP was really nice, and although he said that in CT, no case has ever been won in defense of squirrels. He said that it's just a hard thing to prove and there's no money in the state budgets to stake out and catch somebody "hunting " squirrels out of season. He said that he would come and check out the area here and the distance of our houses, ec. Whether he did or not, I'm not aware of it, BUT, I was surprised to see these two young girls who came to me with a baby squirrel tonight. Perhaps he did speak with them about the state law, that is barely enforced, but still a law. Anyway, I appreciate the girls at least having some sympathy for this baby, that's huge progress . I was so very worked up about the shooting of the squirrels 3 weeks ago. Perhaps now with the babies almost ready to go on their own, they will vacate the attic. ? And the neighbors will calm down.

[Moneypenny4M]

I'm not familiar with snap traps? i suspect though it sounds like the mice traps???
I'm also in CT and with a neighbor who also is very upset with squirrels in their attic, even though their house is open to all wildlife as it's unfinished and has been unfinished for 20 years now, so you can imagine all that's living in the attic.

the two girls who have decided to shoot them all, both came over tonight with a baby they caught. Of course, I kept the baby, he's wild, about 3 months of age, but I'm sure he has sibblings and a mother still in their attic.

anyway, when I called DEP about the shooting of the squirrels a few weeks ago, I really thought nothing was gained by it. I felt that the girls just started shooting more, and i have several hurt squirrels here with wounds that look like they are from BB guns. But, the guy from DEP was really nice, and although he said that in CT, no case has ever been won in defense of squirrels. He said that it's just a hard thing to prove and there's no money in the state budgets to stake out and catch somebody "hunting " squirrels out of season. He said that he would come and check out the area here and the distance of our houses, ec. ... Perhaps now with the babies almost ready to go on their own, they will vacate the attic. ? And the neighbors will calm down.

When I called, they actually came out to investigate ( saw them!) and it was a Sunday! I don't live next door to this jerk (I live next door to another jerk!) and I think he'll probably suspect the person who DOES live next door to him as she feeds squirrels too and I was told she was really mad at him.

Somebody complained about ME - said I had squirrels in my house, and I got a call asking about that. I guess if you don't kill the minute you hear a critter, there's something wrong with you? Anyway- it's my house, right? I can't control what anyone else does if they get unwanted "company" inside (as long as it's inside) and likewise they can't control what I DON'T do! There are nonlethal ways to discourage them that doesn't include trapping! And feeding them is legal. Period!

I was told by a couple of sources (animal control) that trapping outdoors, even with Hav-A-Hearts-is not legal, only licensed professionals can trap and only inside but there are a lot of shady companies out there. But I hope the idiot here got slammed with a fine at least!

There should be laws against shooting as well! :osnap

[Moneypenny4M]

I've had the same problem with a neighbor. He is using hav-a-hart traps so calling anyone will not help. Makes me very angry but talking to him will only fuel the fire. In fact, I know he wants confrontation. I spray his trap with fox urine once a week & he can't seem to catch anything :)

Only those who are licensed are supposed to be able to trap and only inside (if they are in a building) so maybe you can call around. But at least it sounds like you're helping to keep them out of trouble. I heard SKUNK smell really keeps them out too. :shakehead

[Moneypenny4M]

I think our neighbors should all move to a neighborhood together! All the DEP did tell me was that it is okay to trap with have-a-harts if they were having damage done by them or if there was overpopulation. However he also said there is no definition of overpopulation. I would not be at all surprised if it was the same person that you spoke to. He was nice, but in my case it was actually a wildlife removal company that was licensed by CT.
He said to call immediately if he began using snap traps which he threatened to do. He may even think we are neighbors as I didn't tell him where I live...lol
I sure hope the DEP solved at least part of your problem! I am still in shock over how any were "removed" in the time that jerk was trapping. :grouphug

I say let's send them all to Australia (where there are no squirrels) and let a pack of dingos have their way with them! :alright.gif

[Mads]

Yeah, neighbors can be a constant battle. And, even though there are laws concerning squirrels and what you can and cannot do., it is a hard case to prove without actual film, which even film could still be questioned as well.

My neighbor has one whole section of her house undone, so the squirrels can climb up the garage doors to the eves of the house and go right in to the attic. You would think that if you can't take the squirrels, you should fix your house. People are so stupid!

[SammysMom]

Amen to that Mads!!! And we all know you can't fix STUPID.:osnap

[Moneypenny4M]

Yeah, neighbors can be a constant battle. And, even though there are laws concerning squirrels and what you can and cannot do., it is a hard case to prove without actual film, which even film could still be questioned as well.

My neighbor has one whole section of her house undone, so the squirrels can climb up the garage doors to the eves of the house and go right in to the attic. You would think that if you can't take the squirrels, you should fix your house. People are so stupid!

Feeding squirrels, etc. is not illegal, even DEP told me that. And has anyone complained to this neighbor about her house, I wonder? Again- it's HER business if she doesn't finish/fix it, but she should also realize the squirrels are going to be there anyway!:dono

[Mads]

I tried telling her that she needs to button up the house otherwise, she will continue having either squirrels, or mice or raccoons even moving in. She claims her husband left her and she has no money for it. I told her she can even use wire to put over the point of entry to the attic, or use loud music and strobe lights...some people have a stupid idea that if they just kill all the squirrels, the problem will be gone and there's nothing you can say that will change their minds. Although, the girls did bring over a baby, so obviously, they couldn't kill the baby.

I think she also had a company come out after I spoke with her about it being illegal to shoot the squirrels...it was a wildlife truck that will trap and relocate problem wildlife, BUT, you have to pay for this service, so I think they may have given an estimate and it was more than she could deal with.

Drives me crazy!

[SquirrelsinSingapore]

Aren't snap traps illegal? (Don't worry- I reported him)

GOOD JOBBB tinfoil
:thumbsup

[Moneypenny4M]

I tried telling her that she needs to button up the house otherwise, she will continue having either squirrels, or mice or raccoons even moving in. She claims her husband left her and she has no money for it. I told her she can even use wire to put over the point of entry to the attic, or use loud music and strobe lights...some people have a stupid idea that if they just kill all the squirrels, the problem will be gone and there's nothing you can say that will change their minds. Although, the girls did bring over a baby, so obviously, they couldn't kill the baby.

I think she also had a company come out after I spoke with her about it being illegal to shoot the squirrels...it was a wildlife truck that will trap and relocate problem wildlife, BUT, you have to pay for this service, so I think they may have given an estimate and it was more than she could deal with.

Drives me crazy!

People's stupidity never ceases to amaze me! Anyway- even if you relocate, MORE COME TO TAKE THE PLACE OF THOSE RELOCATED. The solution if you CAN'T live with it is just fix the roof/eaves/attic/whatever. And of course we could all learn to peacefully co-exist with wildlife but that seems unthinkable to most!:poke

Me, I'd rather live with the wildlife than the neighbors!!!!

[Moneypenny4M]

Coincidentally found a link to this in an email. I write for Patch (not this one) Note that it specifically says that OUTDOOR SQUIRRELS ARE NOT TO BE TRAPPED. This is in Ohio, I think, but that was the impression I got from other places as well.

http://cuyahogafalls.patch.com/articles/be-prepared-to-help-animals-in-need

[Moneypenny4M]

Coincidentally found a link to this in an email. I write for Patch (not this one) Note that it specifically says that OUTDOOR SQUIRRELS ARE NOT TO BE TRAPPED. This is in Ohio, I think, but that was the impression I got from other places as well.

http://cuyahogafalls.patch.com/articles/be-prepared-to-help-animals-in-need

If the URL doesn't work for article, just type 'wildlife' where it says search. It'll pop up.:peace

[missPixy]

I live in Rhode Island, and our DEM specifically notes that trapping/ killing/ harming ANY squirrels in this state is illegal, because the squirrels are considered "fur-bearing" and thus one needs a special license/ permit to to anything.

[Moneypenny4M]

I live in Rhode Island, and our DEM specifically notes that trapping/ killing/ harming ANY squirrels in this state is illegal, because the squirrels are considered "fur-bearing" and thus one needs a special license/ permit to to anything.

That's good to know! I think similar laws apply here- which is why DEP came out on a Sunday to investigate! I'm not sure what kind of fine someone is slapped with. Since I called anonymously I can't exactly follow up. But they DID go there.

I have to keep an eye on things the best I can. I wouldn't put it past my neighbor to do the same thing- or try! Maybe what happened to the jerk across the street will serve as a cautionary tale (?)

:flash3

[UDoWhat]

:wave123 You are doing a great job watching these wacky neighbors and standing up for creatures who need you. :thankyou Since the DEP people came out, hopefully it will "catch on" in the neighborhood to leave the wildlife alone. You never know who is watching!!! :rotfl

[Moneypenny4M]

:wave123 You are doing a great job watching these wacky neighbors and standing up for creatures who need you. :thankyou Since the DEP people came out, hopefully it will "catch on" in the neighborhood to leave the wildlife alone. You never know who is watching!!! :rotfl

Thanks, but I wonder if the neighborhood idiots will start some kind of stupid petition against feeding wildlife in the neighborhood. You never know. Of course since DEP said it is legal to feed I don't think that would carry much weight! I intend to keep an eye on things. I don't even want to TALK to those idiots!

I bought a new coneflower plant for my garden yesterday and my neighbor said "That won't last long with THEM around." And today the head- JUST the head- of the flower was picked off. Looked like a human job to me. I suppose he can wreak revenge by making sure nothing of MINE will grow! But there are other buds on that plant. I wish I got sun where it doesn't face his house. Ugh!

I have two squirrels sleeping in my window right now! And again- there is NOTHING illegal about them being there- or anywhere I want them on my property! I'd sure rather have them here than the people in my neighborhood!:rotfl

[Mads]

I have seen where there are states that do prohibit the feeding of wild animals, and it could happen here as well. I think it is a state law in Ct that you have got to turn over all wild animals to "wildlife rehabbers" that no one can possess any wild animal. so these idiot neighbors could make a case if they wanted to against many of us who are trying to save little animals when they appear in life.

Even when the cop came here after I called them about the neighbor shooting squirrels, the cop went over there and I'm sure they said, "she's crazy and she feeds and raises squirrels for pets...blah blah...which is not true, but when the cop came here, he probably noticed my "squirrel boxes " in the trees, along with the sign on the porch with a squirrel on it, and the cages in the yard as well. I probably in his mind came up looking pretty NUTSO... and certainly keeping "wild" animals on the property.

[UDoWhat]

I have lots of coneflowers in my gardens and lots and lots of squirrels. Never have seen 1 squirrel touch my coneflowers. Now the gold finch that is another story.:rotfl I bet your neighbor did that for sure. I wish you could get one of those water sprayer things that is triggered by motion... it would spray whoever is doing it. Some people are just so stupid. :rotfl

[Moneypenny4M]

I have lots of coneflowers in my gardens and lots and lots of squirrels. Never have seen 1 squirrel touch my coneflowers. Now the gold finch that is another story.:rotfl I bet your neighbor did that for sure. I wish you could get one of those water sprayer things that is triggered by motion... it would spray whoever is doing it. Some people are just so stupid. :rotfl

I'm not sure what else I CAN do. Saw neighbor bringing stuff in his back yard last night but don't know what- more plants, perhaps? I can see his garden when I drive up the hill AND from an upstairs window. It's growing. So he should STFU! Hope HE'S done with trapping, but- who knows with a loose cannon?:nono And he can just respond with another complaint-

I can't control where the squirrels go and- THEY DIG! He said they've never done this (to this extent) before. I guess weather, etc. has a lot to do with it but HIS "genius analysis" is- they're doing it to piss him off. Yeah, right!:thinking

[Moneypenny4M]

I have seen where there are states that do prohibit the feeding of wild animals, and it could happen here as well. I think it is a state law in Ct that you have got to turn over all wild animals to "wildlife rehabbers" that no one can possess any wild animal. so these idiot neighbors could make a case if they wanted to against many of us who are trying to save little animals when they appear in life.

Even when the cop came here after I called them about the neighbor shooting squirrels, the cop went over there and I'm sure they said, "she's crazy and she feeds and raises squirrels for pets...blah blah...which is not true, but when the cop came here, he probably noticed my "squirrel boxes " in the trees, along with the sign on the porch with a squirrel on it, and the cages in the yard as well. I probably in his mind came up looking pretty NUTSO... and certainly keeping "wild" animals on the property.

I don't possess wild animals, they possess ME! :crazy

I don't have any nesting boxes- yet- though would like to. As long as they are outside being wild there's nothing anyone can say! Those that I HAVE rescued in the past I DID turn over to rehabbers. I think the state has bigger priorities than worrying about who's feeding what (unless it's bears or something like that!) Even DEP said it was okay.:soapbox

[UDoWhat]

I'm not sure what else I CAN do. Saw neighbor bringing stuff in his back yard last night but don't know what- more plants, perhaps? I can see his garden when I drive up the hill AND from an upstairs window. It's growing. So he should STFU! Hope HE'S done with trapping, but- who knows with a loose cannon?:nono And he can just respond with another complaint-

I can't control where the squirrels go and- THEY DIG! He said they've never done this (to this extent) before. I guess weather, etc. has a lot to do with it but HIS "genius analysis" is- they're doing it to piss him off. Yeah, right!:thinking
:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl Of course they are doing it just to him, Right? Loose cannon... Loose screws, I'd say. I know you have behave and act nice but these people can drive you crazy. I don't know if someone already said this but if you feed nuts out of the shell, they might not dig so much. But why do you have to accomodate them? Poor squirrels, how bad can it be to dig in a garden... IDIOT... Poor sweet squirrels digging... oh no. :shakehead

[Moneypenny4M]

:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl Of course they are doing it just to him, Right? Loose cannon... Loose screws, I'd say. I know you have behave and act nice but these people can drive you crazy. I don't know if someone already said this but if you feed nuts out of the shell, they might not dig so much. But why do you have to accomodate them? Poor squirrels, how bad can it be to dig in a garden... IDIOT... Poor sweet squirrels digging... oh no. :shakehead

I'm not accommodating those idiots- him or anyone else! I have right to feed. They do NOT have right to trap. End of story!

But how can I keep an eye on others to make sure they're not up to no good?:thinking

[Moneypenny4M]

I missed this earlier. I can't believe they are using snap traps. I hate this. You are a hero to call the police. I wish they would put him in a snap trap. And give a fine. You have your share of whacked neighbors!:rotfl

How can I determine that no more trapping is going on? I obviously CAN'T go in any yards (wouldn't anyway- any more than I'd want anyone else coming in MINE!) and my neighbor hasn't been talking to me (mixed blessing?)

I don't SEE any - and before I could- but he may just be hiding them.:nono

[SquirrelsinSingapore]

I was told by a couple of sources (animal control) that trapping outdoors, even with Hav-A-Hearts-is not legal, only licensed professionals can trap and only inside but there are a lot of shady companies out there. But I hope the idiot here got slammed with a fine at least!

There should be laws against shooting as well! :osnap

Exactly!!