Written by Jeff Mackey
When PETA learned that a Florida man was trapping (and perhaps killing) squirrels directly under a bird feeder, a PETA cruelty caseworker jumped into action. While the trapping was legal under state law—which meant that Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials couldn't help—the squirrels suffered for hours from the intense Florida heat and from anxiety, especially since squirrels prefer to burrow and minimize their exposure to humans and other potential dangers.
In addition to asking Fish and Wildlife to confront the man trapping the squirrels, the caseworker called and e-mailed the man and encouraged one of the man's neighbors to speak to the trapper, who ultimately agreed to stop capturing the squirrels. The neighbor was also urged to stop feeding squirrels, which attracted more of them to the area.
There's no need to resort to drastic measures: Learn how to live in harmony with our wild-animal neighbors. Even if you enjoy wildlife, please think carefully before feeding them, as doing so can expose them to predators and other dangers.
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If you have a general question for PETA and would like a response, please e-mail Info@peta.org. If you need to report cruelty to an animal, please click here. If you are reporting an animal in imminent danger and know where to find the animal and if the abuse is taking place right now, please call your local police department. If the police are unresponsive, please call PETA immediately at 757-622-7382 and press 2.
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