What is one major risk associated with relocating wildlife?

Relocating wildlife poses significant risks, and one of the most critical is the potential for spreading diseases to new populations. When animals are moved from one area to another, they can carry pathogens that may be harmful to the local wildlife. Since many species have different immune responses and exposure histories, the introduction of a new illness can lead to outbreaks that affect not only the relocated animals but also the existing inhabitants of the new environment. This can result in severe population declines and disrupt local ecosystems.

In wildlife management, it's essential to preserve the health of both the relocated individuals and the populations already existing in the new habitat. This risk is often cited as a primary reason for choosing alternative methods for managing nuisance wildlife, as the long-term ecological consequences of disease spread can be profound and difficult to mitigate.