Being that California is a euthanize or release on site state, I am constantly finding myself in tough situations. Surprisingly, most clients lean toward euthanasia to avoid reruns. But in istances where that may not be necessary, is it even a good idea to release an animal in an urban area during the day?

Probably not. I recall one coon I cut loose that took off like a bat out of hades followed by a screech of brakes and thump thump. I quickly ducked behind the bushes.

I doubt what time of day you release an animal matters. I question the wisdom of releasing an animal "on site" far more.

I thought the same, but I hear there are several companies that do it.

Releasing wildlife on-site can have multiple definitions.

Previously, Ohio had it defined as kicking the trap over where the animal was caught, now it is defined as being released anywhere on the contiguous property where caught. So if you're working an area that has 400 acres, you can take it a distance away from the capture site and release it, but if you're working a 1/8 acre urban lot your choices are much more limited. So the first part of this is to define what it means to release the animal.

As for releasing the animal I can see both sides, but my first question is why was it caught in the first place. Just setting a cage trap on the ground by a bird feeder will produce different results than having it as a positive set on the building. I have a hard time accepting this method in the first place so I'm much more open to releasing an animal here than in other situations.

My second question is was it a target or non-target animal that was caught. Sometimes, stuff happens so I don't see any issues releasing a non-target (opossum caught while trying to remove grubbing skunks) or an animal that isn't related to the problem you're there to resolve (whether to charge or don't charge for that animal is not part of this discussion). Again, releasing a non-target is easier for me than a target animal.

Third, if it is the target animal or one that could be related to the problem (raccoon caught instead of skunk for grubbing problem), it ultimately boils down to the client's wishes regardless if it is the right thing to do. This is where I have the biggest issue, but if I didn't negotiate the contract by understanding the client's desires to start with, then I'm the one to blame.

Bottom line is if you don't want to release anything on-site, don't take the job. I routinely don't give this option for target and like species and those that don't like it hire someone else. By the same token, if it is a non-target not related in my mind to the problem, I've no problem letting it go.

And that makes a difference in what state you are working in. In my state (Illinois), all skunks must be put down. Coons must be (1) put down, or (2) released on the same property where it was caught and within 100 ft of where caught. Or (3) turned over to a vet./rehabber, of which I am told there are 5 in the state. All other animals can be released at least 10 miles but not more than 40 miles from where caught. And only with permission of the property owner. Parks belong to the city or county or state. Road sides belong to some government group. Did not say I agree with it all, just what the law says.

if you have to release on site or kill and the customer does not want it killed why trap at all? do a one way door, would be my thoughts.

Just like warrior, some years back, I got euthanasia confused with relocation also. And again it happened to be a raccoon and the

same thump, thump. Releasing on site is the absolute dumbest thing I've ever heard of. Nearly all animals have multiple homes. So now

you've turned this trap-smart animal loose on the rest of the neighborhood and when someone else calls, he will be twice as hard to

catch! Jonesie has the only idea that makes sense. With a little luck you could spend the entire summer excluding the same raccoon

from an entire subdivision!