Police in North Yorkshire have described reports of squirrel poisonings in Burton Leonard as “worrying.” Six or seven dead squirrels have been found in the area, and checks with vets have not identified any diseases or illnesses that are likely to cause the deaths. The police have warned residents that it is illegal to set poison for squirrels, and any control attempts should be requested through the council or approved pest control.
North Yorkshire Police said that, although it is illegal to set poison for squirrels, it is legal to use traps. However, any trap must be checked frequently to minimise the risk of suffering. As squirrels will enter any kind of nook or cranny, including loft spaces, and are very agile, it is recommended that traps be used inside a box. The use of squirrel repellents and deterrents may be effective, as can sealing any entries to a building.
According to a spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police, the penalties for breaking wildlife legislation can be severe. Whilst it has not been confirmed that the poisonings in Burton Leonard were intentional, anyone found to be responsible for poisoning wildlife could face an unlimited fine and/or six months’ imprisonment.
North Yorkshire is not the only county to have concerns over squirrel poisonings. Earlier this year, residents of Ashford in Kent were warned of the dangers of feeding birds with peanuts, as it was resulting in squirrels consuming the peanuts and dying from a lethal toxin. The Kent Wildlife Trust is working with local authorities to find a solution to the problem
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