The BC SPCA is warning the public of the dangers of DIY pest control after a B.C. resident was reported for having made their own electrified raccoon trap.
On Nov. 15, the BC SPCA Animal Helpline received a call from a member of the public in the Arbutus Ridge area of Vancouver after finding a racoon trapped in a homemade electrified cage trap.
The caller reportedly heard a young raccoon crying throughout the night and found the raccoon in the trap on an adjacent property. The trap was connected to an extension cord, causing an electric current to run through it.
The BC SPCA says that the caller immediately unplugged the trap and freed the raccoon.
“While trapping raccoons is legal (with restrictions), it’s illegal to use electrocution on raccoons,” the BC SPCA said in a statement. “The incident also highlights the dangers of DIY pest control. The trap was set in the open, where it could have easily captured a cat or other animal, and the home-made electric modifications could easily fail, or harm an unsuspecting child or other person.”
They add that they do not recommend trapping and relocating wildlife as it is often not a “permanent or humane solution.” Animals will often get injured and may die trying to escape the trap. There is also a risk of separating a mother from her young.
“Relocated animals have to set up a new home, and may starve trying to find food or get into fights with other animals over territory,” the organization explains.
Instead, they recommend first removing attractants and humane harassment to discourage raccoons. If a raccoon enters a home or shed, they suggest calling an AnimalKind company which specializes in effective and humane removal of wild animals.
