I Have Been Feeding the Squirrels in my Backyard with Corn, and They've Suddenly Stopped Showing Up?
Well, first, as a wildlife professional it is my duty to say that you should not be feeding squirrels corn or anything else for that matter. They really should get their food from nature. That being said, if you like your squirrels (and I confess my mom feeds and names squirrels too) please feed them food that is more naturally sourced, such as raw tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, etc. Their bodies often cannot handle rich food such as corn. The corn that we (and our domestic animals)
eat has been genetically modified to be high in starch, which is great for our energy but not natural.
So - what might have happened to your squirrels? Well, I suspect that this year is a great acorn year. Squirrels look to your corn as a supplement to the food that they can find in the environment. When there is a lot of natural food, that is what they eat, and your corn would then just be considered a snack.
Well, first, as a wildlife professional it is my duty to say that you should not be feeding squirrels corn or anything else for that matter. They really should get their food from nature. That being said, if you like your squirrels (and I confess my mom feeds and names squirrels too) please feed them food that is more naturally sourced, such as raw tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, etc. Their bodies often cannot handle rich food such as corn. The corn that we (and our domestic animals)
eat has been genetically modified to be high in starch, which is great for our energy but not natural.
So - what might have happened to your squirrels? Well, I suspect that this year is a great acorn year. Squirrels look to your corn as a supplement to the food that they can find in the environment. When there is a lot of natural food, that is what they eat, and your corn would then just be considered a snack.
How to Safely Trap Fox Squirrels
I have a sizable new population of Fox Squirrels living in trees in and around my property [in Utah] that I'd like to control via lethal traps. Do you have any recommendations regarding the most effective trap? I had considered a large reusable rat trap (like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Tomcat-0361710-Rat-Snap-Trap/dp/B012RGM7BO) , but I'm not sure squirrels would "take the bait" on the ground, and what bait would be best to use, for that matter. Most of the true / dedicated squirrel traps I've seen listed for sale are wire traps / cages for live trapping. I'd appreciate any recommendations you can make for lethal squirrel traps.
Thanks for your inquiry. First, I need to point out that live trapping fox squirrels is not recommended in Utah. Fox squirrels are not native, and may carry diseases that could harm our native species. By relocating them, you could spread these diseases as well as help to increase the distribution of fox squirrels in Utah. If you have decided that lethal trapping is your best option (rather than exclusion, etc.), than I would recommend a spring action trap that is specifically designed for fox squirrels. A 'humane' kill is one that quickly kills the squirrel with little risk of maiming it or allowing it to suffer for any period of time. A rat snap trap would not be powerful enough to quickly kill a fox squirrel; it could mortally wound it which would not be humane. I recommend trap tubes because they are easy to set and they exclude animals you wouldn't want to kill. There are tube traps commercially available that are specifically designed for mounting on a house or tree, such as the Kania 2000™ and the Ouell 10™. (Not an endorsement, just citing as an example). Here are some photos of a Ouell 10 trap correctly mounted. I often use apples with a little peanut butter on them for bait. The instructions provided with these traps will give your additional guidance on humane trapping. However, it is most important to remember to keep these traps off the ground and away from children and pets.
Check your traps regularly, at minimum once a day. Remove any dead animals immediately; wearing gloves, place animal in a plastic grocery bag and knot it closed. Place that bag in a plastic grocery bag and knot it closed. Place in outside garbage can. Wash your hands.
Thanks for your inquiry. First, I need to point out that live trapping fox squirrels is not recommended in Utah. Fox squirrels are not native, and may carry diseases that could harm our native species. By relocating them, you could spread these diseases as well as help to increase the distribution of fox squirrels in Utah. If you have decided that lethal trapping is your best option (rather than exclusion, etc.), than I would recommend a spring action trap that is specifically designed for fox squirrels. A 'humane' kill is one that quickly kills the squirrel with little risk of maiming it or allowing it to suffer for any period of time. A rat snap trap would not be powerful enough to quickly kill a fox squirrel; it could mortally wound it which would not be humane. I recommend trap tubes because they are easy to set and they exclude animals you wouldn't want to kill. There are tube traps commercially available that are specifically designed for mounting on a house or tree, such as the Kania 2000™ and the Ouell 10™. (Not an endorsement, just citing as an example). Here are some photos of a Ouell 10 trap correctly mounted. I often use apples with a little peanut butter on them for bait. The instructions provided with these traps will give your additional guidance on humane trapping. However, it is most important to remember to keep these traps off the ground and away from children and pets.
Check your traps regularly, at minimum once a day. Remove any dead animals immediately; wearing gloves, place animal in a plastic grocery bag and knot it closed. Place that bag in a plastic grocery bag and knot it closed. Place in outside garbage can. Wash your hands.
