Relocating wildlife is a perfectly good
management action when there is a need to
establish or enhance a local population of that
species. WS relocates animals and disperses
numerous birds each year, but only when
practical and advisable. Many States are
concerned about the spread of wildlife-borne
diseases, such as rabies and distemper, and have
laws prohibiting the relocation of wildlife.
California Department of Fish and Game
regulations prohibit relocation of nuisance
wildlife unless authorized by the Department.
In addition, relocation is not always in the
animal’s best interests. Relocated animals
become vulnerable in unfamiliar habitat and are
more likely to fall victim to predators. They
may even be seen as interlopers and killed by
members of their own species. Their
unfamiliarity with new surroundings can also
result in severe stress or even death if they
are unable to find adequate sources of food and
water. In many cases, such as with bears, a
relocated animal will simply return to the area
from which it was removed. Additionally,
handling and transporting wildlife is very
stressful to the animals involved and frequently
hazardous to the biologists and technicians
involved.
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