On Sun, 20 Dec 2015 08:16:36 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:


Good news is: They're gone.


I discovered how they were getting in.

I would still keep looking. These guys are pretty resourceful about
exploiting the smallest hole and enlarging it.


Now, here's some info I found interesting and unbelievable:

In Massachusetts and a few other states, it is illegal to trap
squirrels, even if on your property. I think they are referring to grey
squirrels, but the statute doesn't distinguish what squirrel they are
talking about. You can hunt squirrels ... but only during squirrel
hunting season (twice a year). It requires a hunting license and you
can shoot them or hunt them with bow and arrow. Trapping is *not* allowed.


I am not sure about now but when I was in Maryland, the red squirrels
were protected and you couldn't take them at all.

But, get this:

It is also illegal to transport and relocate squirrels or any other wild
animal in this and many other states. Two primary reasons.
First, squirrels are smart little *******s. Once they associate lights
with the potential of a warm, dry attic they like to invade. Relocating
them, regardless of the distance, only serves to transfer your squirrel
problem to someone else. The second reason comes from
tree hugging, animal rights organizations. They claim that squirrels
are very territorial and will attack and kill an immigrant to their
area. The animal rights people are concerned about the stress put on
the poor little creatures. There is actually a licensed animal rights
group who will attempt to "relocate" squirrels under controlled, minimal
stress conditions.


The 3d reason is the spread of diseases. That is the main reason why
we can't move Gopher Tortoises.


Drowning: This is the recommended and most humane way to euthanize
them. Once trapped, put the entire trap in a big bucket of water. Only
takes about 15-20 seconds and it's all over. Give it a full minute or
two in order to be absolutely sure.

I drown a few of my rats and it took a surprising length of time. I
decided shooting was more humane. For sure 30 seconds did not do the
trick. Up around a minute, they were just wet.

Rats may be tougher than squirrels tho.