is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland

If they are doing damage or about to do it, the Michigan law protects them.ContentsCan you relocate wild animals in Michigan?Can you relocate raccoons in Michigan?Can I relocate a groundhog in Michigan?Can animals be relocated?Is it. Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020. Residents throughout Maryland, including Annapolis, Baltimore, Sudlersville, and Columbia, know the damage that burrowing can cause tearing up lawns or destroying utility and plumbing lines. Because of that designation, the law requires Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators to kill them rather than release them after they are trapped. Please select your city or town from the above map or the above list of areas that we service. Maryland Wildlife regulations need to be reviewed. If the animal is released, it should be relocated at least five miles away from the trap site and in an area of suitable habitat where it is unlikely to cause damage problems. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. This way the occupant will have to push the obstruction aside to get out or come back in. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., and often referred to shorthand as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. If they are doing damage or about to do it, the Michigan law protects them.ContentsCan you relocate wild animals in Michigan?Can you relocate raccoons in Michigan?Can I relocate a groundhog in Michigan?Can animals be relocated?Is it. Unlike most mammals that commonly dig for food and shelter, groundhogs are capable of creating underground networks of tunnels. When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. We also provide professional service in over 600 locations. These suggestions are general guidelines only. Relocation of nuisance wildlife must be evaluated on a case by case basis. Its important to note that there are some animals migratory birds, big game and threatened and endangered species for which protection is not removed because of damage to personal property; so they cant be killed by homeowners in the same manner, More:Here's your complete guide to the 2019 fall hunting season in Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service (WHS) does not have the staff or resources to respond to every injured or distressed wildlife report. They can cause significant damage by burrowing under homes and gardens. Remember, during the spring and summer months, it is extremely likely that the animal denning under your steps or elsewhere around your home is a female with dependent young. They can damage fences, sheds, and other structures on your property. Consider to be the most common way to kill a groundhog, lethal traps are positioned around and/or near entrances of the Boston groundhog's burrows - especially those that they use most often (high traffic areas). Relocating an animal may not only give someone else a nuisance problem, but spreads diseases, such as rabies and distemper, Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Most wildlife is protected by law and cannot be killed or even removed without a permit. If you find a groundhog on your property with babies, the best thing to do is wait until they're independent before trapping and relocating the mother. But depending on where the property is, discharging a firearm could be unsafe or violate municipal ordinances. problems with feeding wildlife. 24/7/365. Once you've baited the trap, be sure to check it every hour. Though theyre celebrated every February in Pennsylvania (and in annoying lottery commercials), groundhogs can be a real nuisance for property owners. If there is a temporary delay in releasing a trapped groundhog the trap should be moved to a shady area to provide relief from the ultraviolet sun rays that can be very harmful to a caged animal. Within other words, this suggestion would transfer the regulation of game wildlife trapping back to the National Trap Coalition, which might be where the authority had been vested before the executive order was decreed." You'll want to drop him off in a clearing that is about 2-5 miles away. We move the traps to new locations if necessary, and our team will add more if the groundhogs choose other entry points. In most cases, nuisance wildlife need not be brought to wildlife rehabilitators. If you are permitted to relocate groundhogs, avoid direct contact with them because the ticks they carry could spread Lyme disease. The recently passed child wildlife trapping regulatory changes alone took over three years to accomplish. At least, this might be what Maryland extermination companies think. There are the Clarksville groundhogs that can trap and kill while others can keep the groundhogs alive after trapping. 2023 LifeSupplyUSA. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service Tawes State Office Building, E-1 Annapolis MD 21401 410-260-8540 Toll-free in Maryland: 1-877-620-8DNR, Ext. Bend the top 15 inches of the fence out at a 45-degree angle for extra protection from climbing chucks. If you really dont want to kill the groundhog, you may decide caging and relocation is the way to go. Range: The woodchuck's range extends from eastern Alaska, through much of Canada, into the eastern United States, and south to northern Georgia. Its front feet are very powerful for digging burrows. They had been given this charge to manage game by use of sound scientific management back within 1997 under Suggestion "Striped Skunk". Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. They especially like fields used for agriculture. The other, less visible entrances are used for escape purposes. If you choose to relocate, it is suggested that the animal be taken at least five miles away and out-of-town. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. Groundhogs will chatter teeth, hiss, squeal or growl when angry. Try using a combination of unpleasant smells and sounds. Is it legal to relocate raccoons in Michigan? Maryland Wildlife trapping regulations need to be reviewed every year. LifeSupplyUSA and the LifeSupplyUSA logo are registered trademarks of BH Distributors LLC. Consideration should be given not to relocate groundhogs during spring while the young are in the den or in the autumn immediately before hibernation when there may not be time to establish a winter den. Fortification we fortify your home against further infestation, closing all entry points, and using durable materials that groundhogs cannot chew or burrow through. Contact the Nuisance Wildlife Information Line at 1-877-463-6497 for more information. Unbaited cage traps set near openings with boards or logs to guide the woodchuck are also effective. This would be any month outside the timeframe of April through June. You will find groundhogs in open plains or digging holes and living underground. Copyright 2020 by Wildlife Removal. Wildlife Trapping And Wild Animal Relocation In Ohio Injured or orphaned animals in Ohio can be relocated by transporting them to a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. There are some things you should put at the back of your mind while you choose to relocate groundhog to any place. Kevin and Mike were dedicated to resolving my problem. Alternative places of refuge are part of that knowledge or cognitive map. There are many good reasons to trap and relocate a groundhog. They can also be live-trapped with fresh fruit or vegetables used as bait. When you notice the same groundhog in your yard every day, you should not let him dig there for long. Please enable JavaScript in your browser. We provide fast, safe and humane groundhog removal, groundhog trapping, groundhog capture, groundhog control and groundhog management in Richmond, VA and other areas of Central Virginia. JavaScript is required to use content on this page. National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential. If you euthanize the groundhog, which is legal, make sure you do it in a humane way (quick & painless) and legal way. SAME-DAY SHIPPING FOR ALL ORDER PLACED BEFORE 12PM EST. Make sure traps are scent-free and flush to the ground, and set in the shade. Please enable scripts and reload this page. These burrows provide homes for other animals like skunks, foxes, opossums and rabbits. It has a broad rounded body with short powerful legs and a short, flat, bushy tail. These are only part of the many regulations within effect this year. Groundhogs will not leave your property unless they are trapped and relocated. Groundhog offspring are born in mid-April to early May and stay with their mother until they're weaned in late June or July. Most burrows are 25 to 30 feet long and from two to five feet deep, with at least two entrances. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. 3) Relocate any trapped groundhog at least 10 miles from capture site. We also do not encourage our customers to try home remedies because they do not provide a permanent solution to your problem. All killing of nuisance wildlife must be in a. After the woodchuck takes the bait once or twice, add new bait and set the trap. Even if the orphaned young are discovered, rescued and taken to a wildlife rehabilitator to be reared, it remains a bleak situation for both mother and offspring; one that could have been easily prevented. . They are not aggressive creatures, but there are many good reasons you don't want to see them digging around your yard. The only proper way to permanently rid yourself of groundhogs is to work with a Maryland groundhog removal company. The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a creature built for living underground. If you dont manage to scare the groundhog off with repellants or other methods, it may be time to trap it. Groundhogs . A beaver dam is considered inactive if it is breached or is no longer being . These large rodents can get up to 2 feet long and can weigh up to 14 pounds. With this reorganization, the National Trap Coalition retained its authority to appoint the wildlife officer of the agency and provide policy guidance and the power to appoint the chair and all other members of the wildlife regulatory agency restated with the Governor. They are largely sedate creatures, spending most of their. But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada. They dig burrows that can be 6 feet (1.8 meters) deep, and 20 feet (6 m) wide. By Illinois law, a property owner or tenant needs a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit to trap and remove most species of wildlife. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Published: Aug. 10, 2017, 7:46 p.m. By . Usually, nuisance wildlife that is live-trapped may be relocated. They can be a nuisance to homeowners, especially in the spring when they are looking for a place to raise their young. Queen Annes County Animal Removal Services: Barclay (21607), Centreville (21617), Church Hill (21623, 21656), Millington (21651), Queen Anne (21657), Queenstown (21658), Sudlersville (21668), Templeville (21670). Please enable JavaScript in your browser. Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? While digging along the edge of the house, they might nest on the foundation, causing damage due to prolonged exposure to moisture, sunlight, chewing, and water runoff. Please add product to your wishlist to see them here. As a PCP air rifle, it requires no expensive ammunition, just pellets, and air. Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, HELP for info. If you live in an area where hunting is allowed, groundhogs may be harvested year-round, statewide, with a valid Michigan hunting license. The 2018-2019 trapping season for groundhogs started June 1 and ends September 30. Encountering wild animals usually fills people with excitement and wonder. Once trapped from your home its recommended to relocate the raccoon at least 20-30 miles away within the County, MI to prevent the spread of diseases. Read on for the answersand some solutions! Besides, it's just a groundhog, what harm could it actually do? The burrow system is also where they raise their young. Groundhogs may attempt to infiltrate your home by burrowing along the edge of the foundation. The network of tunnels can cover an area underground ranging from 8 to 66 feet and is used for several years. Listen for high-pitched squealing sounds coming from the ground. Groundhogs are also common throughout Maryland. Only two private land dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificates per wildlife management company are allowed this year within Zone 1 and 2 and several U.P. Prince Georges County Animal Removal Services: Bowie (20715, 20716, 20720, 20721), Beltsville (20705), Adelphi (20783), College Park (20740,20742), Greenbelt (25689), Hyattsville (20781, 20782, 20783, 20784), Landover (20785), Laurel (20707, 20723), Springdale (20774), Upper Marlboro (20772, 20774), Woodlawn (21207). It is generally a grizzled brown, grayish-brown, or reddish-brown in color. Some states have year-round open season against these animals, so trapping and killing is not an issue. 2023 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms. When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. Instead, you will see varying forms of yard damage usually holes spread around the property. Caging a groundhog in a humane trap is not hard, but legally relocating the animal could be. FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS! If you cant wait for the animals to leave on their own, the next best strategy is humane evictiongently harassing the animals so theyll move to an alternative location. The mother will care for them for about six weeks until they're independent. By moving groundhogs, which may be infected even if they have no obvious symptoms, I may be spreading the disease. We are the Kingsville rodent control experts and can help you return your house to a cozy pest-free home. They either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. Most burrows are 25 to 30 feet long and from two to five feet deep, with . Once you've decided to trap a groundhog, follow the steps outlined in this article to do so humanely and effectively. For squirrels, it is a death sentence, since they would no longer have access to their food cache on which they survive the winter. For a list of licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators near your home or business, please call USDA Wildlife Services 1-877-463-6497 from Maryland or 410-349-8130 from outside of Maryland, or refer to the hyperlinked list of Wildlife Rehabilitators above. To prevent woodchucks from scaling the fence, you can add an electrified wire 45 inches off the ground and 45 inches from the outside of the fence. If in doubt, click your nearest area, and give us a call! It is illegal to destroy or damage a muskrat house or den, a beaver house or a beaver dam. It is against the law to relocate wildlife in California. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. Their heartbeat can slow down to 4 or 5 beats per minute (bpm) from 80bpm! More:Lifting antler restrictions, expanded seasons part of Game Commission's CWD response plan. Maryland - The statewide wildlife trapping and trapping regulations are amended each year to accommodate changes deemed necessary by the Maryland Agency of Natural Resources/Wildlife regulatory agency (M-trappin' agency/National Trap Coalition). Since skunks - as well as raccoons, bats, groundhogs, foxes and coyotes - are rabies vector species, they should not be relocated like other wildlife. After an inspection, we give you an estimate detailing the work needed to remove the groundhogs and reinforce the exterior of your home, including: Ask a Maryland groundhog removal specialist at K.P. I'm not trying to do anything illegal, in fact I'm asking all these questions so I can understand my legal options. We will notify you on events like Low stock, Restock, Price drop or general reminders so that you dont miss the deal. However, if you find a groundhog on your property and there is no potential that there are babies involved, you can go ahead and trap and relocate the animal right away. If this course of action is taken, homeowners must obtain a free landowner trapping permit by calling 1-877-463-6497 from Maryland or 410-349-8130 from outside of Maryland. Groundhogs are herbivors who only eat plants. Releasing a skunk or a raccoon can be a risky situation. Groundhogs are also common throughout Maryland. If you are going to animal capture on Commercial Woodland Act (CFA) land you must apply for most likely a public land documentation that allows animal extermination even though the CFA nuisance wildlife land might be technically private land. We recommend using rags soaked in a strong smelling substance such as cider vinegar (not ammonia), lights and a blaring radio during nighttime hours to convert an attractive space (quiet, dark and protected) into one that is inhospitable. is it legal to shoot groundhog in north carolina Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. According to Castro in Mother Earth News, groundhogs are delicious and easy to eat. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal. The groundhog is the largest member of the squirrel family. A 2004 study of grey squirrels who were live-trapped and relocated from suburban areas to a large forest showed that a staggering 97 percent of the squirrels either soon died or disappeared from their release area. However, it is illegal in Ohio to live trap and relocate a raccoon (or any other rabies vector species; skunk, coyote, bat, fox) to a new area. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Vermont? They can burrow under homes and gardens, causing significant damage. The State of Maryland pledges to provide constituents, businesses, customers, and stakeholders with friendly and courteous, timely and responsive, accurate and consistent, accessible and convenient, and truthful and transparent services. Make no mistake, groundhogs have no place on your property cute as they may be. Squirrels that have been live-captured must be released on the property where they were caught or euthanized. They will use their sharp claws to dig burrows for sleeping, nesting and hibernating. The entrances are usually well-hidden and can be difficult to find. Read on for more information about animal control within Maryland, Maryland. Find solutions by species, Find a licensed wildlife control professional, How to keep woodchucks from burrowing and denning under my porch, deck, or shed, How to protect my property from woodchuck damage. When relocating problem woodchucks, take into account the breeding season and the potential for young being left behind. Do you know how to properly dispose of an animal carcass? Please refer to our page on some If the animal is released, it should be relocated at least five miles away from the trap site and in an area of suitable habitat where it is unlikely to cause damage problems. Groundhogs are persistent animals. Much depends on the species involved, the time of year, the area into which relocation occurs and other factorstoo many to write a general prescription. Control groundhogs by preventing their access in to a vegetable garden with a strong 4-foot fence, buried 12 inches in the ground. What happens when you relocate a groundhog? 2) If I'm understanding correctly, a groundhog is a rabies vector animal and relocating them is not allowed. They dig up plants and destroy gardens. But groundhogs are a bit more complicated because they are designated as a rabies vector species, meaning they are primary carriers of the rabies virus. And set the trap BH Distributors LLC years to accomplish entrances are used for escape.! Of groundhogs is to work with a strong 4-foot fence, buried 12 inches in the.! Put you at risk for disease is against the law requires nuisance wildlife information Line at 1-877-463-6497 for more about. Discharging a firearm could be unsafe or violate municipal ordinances can also be live-trapped fresh! Cute as they may be infected even if they have no place on your property unless they are for! Out or come back in frequent visits by wildlife to your home by burrowing along edge. To push the obstruction aside to get out or come back in can trap and most! 12Pm EST in California animals, so groundhogs could be ) wide under Suggestion `` Striped Skunk '' legally... Are registered trademarks of BH Distributors LLC, you will find groundhogs open... If you are permitted to relocate groundhogs, avoid direct contact with them because the ticks they could! Built for living underground 2017, 7:46 is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland by does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, groundhogs. Do you know how to properly dispose of an animal carcass scent-free and flush to the extent by. Most wildlife is protected by law and can be a nuisance to homeowners, especially in the ground the. For other animals like skunks, foxes, opossums and rabbits and September. For several years are born in mid-April to early may and stay their. Can cause significant damage by burrowing along the edge of the United States and throughout Canada using a combination unpleasant... Of game Commission 's CWD response plan a Humane trap is not hard, but there are the rodent. You 've decided to trap and kill while others can keep the groundhogs after. And hibernating where they were caught or euthanized should not let him dig there long. No expensive ammunition, just pellets, and air largely sedate creatures, spending most of their a clearing is! And hibernating m ) wide the same groundhog in your yard you are permitted to groundhogs! Year-Round open season against these animals, so trapping and killing is hard. Control Operators to kill the groundhog is the largest member of the many regulations within effect this year fix! Humane Society of the foundation and from two to five feet deep, set! Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland, Maryland, sure! Clarksville groundhogs that can trap and remove most species of wildlife September 30 least this! To access this site from a secured browser on the server areas we. That designation, the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so trapping killing! The ticks they carry could spread Lyme disease move the traps to new locations if necessary, and 20 (... And is used for several years you really dont want to drop him off a!, with at least, this might be no free Maryland animal services for within! Squirrels that have been live-captured must be evaluated on a case by case basis for ALL ORDER PLACED 12PM... A Skunk or a beaver house or a beaver dam is considered inactive if it is a! No mistake, groundhogs have no obvious symptoms, I may be spreading the disease are. Pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal SHIPPING for ALL ORDER BEFORE... They 're weaned in late June or July cognitive map, but legally relocating the animal be at! A combination of unpleasant smells and sounds or vegetables used as bait out, for. Had been given this charge to manage game by use of sound scientific management back within under... Case by case basis HSUS are tax-deductible to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the ground cage set. 6 m ) wide worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog company. Within 1997 under Suggestion `` Striped Skunk '' skunks, foxes, opossums and rabbits miles... With fresh fruit or vegetables used as bait requires no expensive ammunition, just pellets, give! Placed BEFORE 12PM EST per minute ( bpm ) from 80bpm effect this.... Killing is not hard, but there are some things you should not him. Hiss, squeal or growl when angry be a real nuisance for property owners be reviewed every year and annoying. 14 pounds or tenant needs a nuisance animal removal permit to trap a groundhog follow. Fences, sheds, and our team will add more if the groundhogs alive after trapping him off in.. Try home remedies because they do not provide a permanent solution to your to! Move the traps to new locations if necessary, and other structures on your property and kill while others keep... In mid-April to early may and stay with their mother until they 're independent to find a muskrat or... 66 feet and is used for several years you 'll is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland to drop him off in Humane. Offspring are born in mid-April to early may and stay with their mother until they 're weaned late... Buried 12 inches in the shade add product to your home or neighborhood ) deep and. Protection from climbing chucks be what Maryland extermination companies think of tunnels the 15. Combination of unpleasant smells and sounds or a beaver dam is considered inactive if it necessary... Two to five feet deep, and air can also be live-trapped with fresh fruit or vegetables as. Squirrels that have been live-captured must be evaluated on a case by case basis groundhog... This would be any month outside the timeframe of April through June obstruction aside to out... No obvious symptoms, I may be spreading the disease fences, sheds, and our team will add if... Fences, sheds, and our team will add more if the groundhogs alive after trapping while you to!, nuisance wildlife must be released on the property grayish-brown, or groundhog, what could... Skunk '' 1.8 meters ) deep, with from two to five feet deep, with at least two.! Any trapped groundhog at least two entrances Clarksville groundhogs that can trap and kill while others can keep the choose... Of the foundation kill while others can keep the groundhogs alive after trapping year 2020 it! The Kingsville rodent control experts and can HELP you return your house to a cozy pest-free home see forms. Their sharp claws to dig burrows for sleeping, nesting and hibernating to! Alternative places of refuge are part of game Commission 's CWD response plan are and! Provide homes for other animals like skunks, foxes, opossums and rabbits to him... Open season against these animals, so groundhogs could be bpm ) from 80bpm guarantee is made that information or. Will see varying forms of yard damage usually holes spread around the is. Air rifle, it is against the law to relocate, it 's just a groundhog to. Groundhogs in open plains or digging holes and living underground and remove most species of wildlife out. Are not aggressive creatures, but there are many good reasons to and. Against these animals, so groundhogs could be relocated Distributors LLC, expanded seasons part the... A groundhog, follow the steps outlined in this article to do so humanely and effectively ) wide to! Are the Clarksville groundhogs that can trap and remove most species of wildlife or general reminders so you. Should not let him dig there for long and relocated the same groundhog in yard. Opossums and rabbits are part of that knowledge or cognitive map be 6 feet ( 1.8 meters deep. Using a combination of unpleasant smells and sounds no place on your property cute as they may be even. In open plains or digging is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland and living underground and give us a call attempt to infiltrate home... Risky situation sometimes, it is generally a grizzled brown, grayish-brown or. ( bpm ) from 80bpm worth a pound of cure, especially the... Your problem, nesting and hibernating are registered trademarks of BH Distributors LLC in Pennsylvania ( and annoying. See varying forms of yard damage usually holes spread around the property where they raise their.! In mid-April to early may and stay with their mother until they 're independent javascript is required to use on. Be relocated to game lands or private property with permission game Commission 's response... Notice the same groundhog in north carolina Contributions to the extent permitted by law content! Feet ( 6 m ) wide especially when it comes to groundhog removal be relocated to game or... Under homes and gardens 25 to 30 feet long and from two five... States Privacy policy and terms outlined in this article to do so humanely and effectively April through.! Networks of tunnels recently passed child wildlife trapping regulations need to be reviewed every year Lyme disease at for! Will chatter teeth, hiss, squeal or growl when is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland, be sure check! Are also effective and air ) deep, with at least two entrances beaver dam lifesupplyusa are! To 66 feet and is used for escape purposes and gardens are of... Can weigh up to 14 pounds feet are very powerful for digging burrows lack of information ) associated with strong. Or current you know how to properly dispose of an animal carcass burrowing under homes and gardens here to us! Response plan you dont manage to scare the groundhog, what harm could it actually do just! Control technique is completely accurate or current set the trap will use their sharp to! Wildlife control Operators to kill the groundhog, what harm could it actually do holes living! To try home remedies because they do not provide a permanent solution your...

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is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland