I feel pretty bad...
 

I just caught a squirrel in my attic that has been VERY difficult to catch. I decided I had to shoot it, as I want to make sure it does not come back. They are an absolute monster to wires. I've never intentionally killed anything bigger than a snake. I guess I'm just a big wimp, but I felt so bad with it looking right at me before I shot it, and of course the gun jammed. I reset the trap, as there are probably a few more. I will also be covering up the suspected entry hole. Does anyone else feel terrible killing something as insignificant as a squirrel?

Not until afterwards.

I trap chipmunks in the house and squirrels as well in a have a hart, then they go for a swim in the trap to see how long they can hold their breath, not long.

I don't feel a thing!

Nope, doesn't bother me a bit...

Looks like some of them can swim a long time
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1327629923.jpg

Animals do what they are programed for: seek food, shelter, and survive the cold winter.
Don't take it personally.

If they are getting into the house, there is a problem with the house.

Fix the problem now to prevent thousands of dollars in future damage. I had to replace my roof(at great cost) because chimpmunks/squirrels had gotten in and destroyed most of the insulation.

Just like turning off a light...

I have been infested with pocket gophers, I never heard of them either till I got 'em. Leave big mounds in yard. Contribute to much chin music from wife. Have finally figured out how to poison them. Not only does it not bother me-I'd love to actually see one of them croak!

Nope. Trapped and killed 15 of the little pests last year. They are very destructive.

only if they don't die quickly. one shot ..one kill. I had to kill a baby raccoon once as it was sick. That was hard.
John70t is spot on.

it was probably a female. right now it's babies are crying out for their mom. but they'll starve soon.

then they will stink in the spring too.

Does a lawyer count?

Nope, if the little bastard was doing damage, or intent on doing damage to me or my property, he is paid for....


I know, I'm a cold blooded bastard....

Plug up the holes.
That way you dont need to kill them.

A sqirrel is not insignificant.
Thats just an idea most people have.
What a shame. :(

You need help.

last week i found a red squirrel sitting ontop of my chicken coop. i nervously opened the door to let the birds out. that rodent was about 3 feet from my head. it wouldnt move. it would just sit up and watch me. i had visions of that monty python rabbit chewing my head off..i left it alone. i kept checking on it. sometimes it would look dead, and i would try to sweep it up into a shovel for a quick disposal. it would always sit up and stare at me. i dont own a pellet rifle yet. so it was a waiting game.

finally, i came out and it was laying on the ground. i guess it had an injury. i had to hit in in the head with a piece of rebar. it was difficult to do. but i had to put it out of whatever injury/misery it had. wow.

i would kill one out of my house with little regret. but outside..they get a pass. and all my birdseed apparently.

I shot a young buck this year. I quickly got out of my blind, and he was still struggling a bit when I got to him. I took aim and shot him right through the heart. I don't feel bad. Killing, with reason, is a natural as the sunrise. Every usable scrap of the deer with be eaten.

Those that kill for sport? I find that disturbing.

I don't think you should feel bad about killing a squirrel thats in your house, but I'm not so sure about firing a gun in your attic. Even if you live in the country, and no one is home, that could go way wrong if the bullet hit something solid and ricocheted.

Look, my dad taught me this as a young lad. Get a salt shaker, sprinkle a little salt on the squirrel's tail and you will be able to catch him humainly and set him free outside.

I would never fire a gun in my attic! I caught the squirrel in a live trap and shot it outside...