When wildlife/human interactions occur, people generally resort to trapping and relocating to “fix” the issue. Trapping should be considered a last resort, as it is generally not beneficial to the public or the animals. Trapping does not discriminate and non-target animals get caught more often than not.
In other words, you may set a trap for an opossum and catch a skunk. The trapper is then required to release the animal themselves, as there is no service for this, and he/she is forced to interact with a potentially dangerous wild animal. Also, the statistics for survival after trapping and removing an animal are very low; sometimes up to 90% do not survive. Once removed, other animals of that species will move into the area to fill that spot, as the resources that drew the first animal to that location are still present.
The most ideal situation is when animals move themselves and their young, thereby giving them a chance to find their own new den and home. There are humane techniques to try before resorting to trapping that can reduce the chance of interaction between wildlife and people and give the animals a better chance at survival. Please contact Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge’s wildlife hospital at 856-983-3329, ext. 106 for advice on your particular situation.