is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland
Using the traps that kill at once may be dangerous and they can kill the pets instead and in some places they are illegal. The deadline for applying for most likely a dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate on public might be September 16. Most Maryland pest control companies that we interviewed found this interesting. The entrances are usually well-hidden and can be difficult to find. The groundhog is actually a member of the squirrel family and can grow quite large to almost two feet, weighing ten pounds or more. Maryland > Animal is under my porch, deck or shed > Woodchuck. In most cases, nuisance wildlife need not be brought to wildlife rehabilitators. The phone amount of the land owner allowing access might be required and will be printed on each hunting certificate. Range: The woodchuck's range extends from eastern Alaska, through much of Canada, into the eastern United States, and south to northern Georgia. Description: The woodchuck, also called groundhog, is the largest member of the squirrel family in the state. It will eventually be a foot wide with a mound of soil around it. Trapping animals and relocating them isn't the best option, Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Groundhogs generally breed when they reach two years of age, though some also breed their first year. The best time to trap a groundhog is in the late spring or early summer when they're looking for food. They will use their sharp claws to dig burrows for sleeping, nesting and hibernating. Exclusion setting traps for the groundhogs, removing them from the property, and relocating them to a spot at least five miles away. All killing of nuisance wildlife must be in a. By Illinois law, a property owner or tenant needs a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit to trap and remove most species of wildlife. Although shooting a nuisance groundhog isnt considered hunting, if shots were fired within the safety zone established by another home (150 yards for firearms), it could result in a citation. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Try using a combination of unpleasant smells and sounds. You can accidentally place an animal within range of its predators den, or make it impossible for them to get back to their offspring or parents. I highly recommend this company and will be a repeat customer, should a similar issue arise.. 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. Usually, litters consist of 2 to 6 blind, naked and helpless young which take 5 to 6 weeks to wean. FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS! 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. Their customer service was exceptional and they provided daily follow up until the job was completed. Groundhogs are permitted to be killed if they are causing damage such as digging at a homes foundation. It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. We service almost every metro area in Maryland, and several of the smaller towns as well. Make no mistake, groundhogs have no place on your property cute as they may be. 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. In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. Regulations for Maryland Permit Needed A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums, porcupines, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, tree squirrels and woodchucks in Maryland. Privacy policy. If youre trying to save money, caging it yourself may be the way to go. 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). 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. Do you know how to properly dispose of an animal carcass? The mother will care for them for about six weeks until they're independent. At least, this might be what Maryland extermination companies think. Repellents provide a temporary solution at best. Please note: Homeowners are strictly prohibited from trapping and shooting wildlife outside regulated seasons, unless the animal has been actively causing property damage or is an obvious threat to public health and safety. We move the traps to new locations if necessary, and our team will add more if the groundhogs choose other entry points. Woodchucks are common and abundant in Massachusetts. They can also be live-trapped with fresh fruit or vegetables used as bait. When deciding whether or not to trap a groundhog, you should consider the potential damage they could do to your property. The short answer is YES, you should.Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that . This is another sign that there are babies present. Colorado is also home to the second fastest land mammal in the world, the pronghorn. We service over 50 state locations. Nuisance Wildlife Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. Colorado is the only state entirely above 3300 feet of elevation. For phone numbers outside of Maryland, please call: 410-349-8130.. Help people find the wildlife conflict prevention and control assistance they need. 2) If I'm understanding correctly, a groundhog is a rabies vector animal and relocating them is not allowed. Their heartbeat can slow down to 4 or 5 beats per minute (bpm) from 80bpm! Please select your city or town from the above These large rodents can get up to 2 feet long and can weigh up to 14 pounds. 2023 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms. Groundhogs can cause real problems for home vegetable and flower gardeners. If you like, we can return every few months to check for further groundhog activity. They can cause widespread damage to flower beds and lawns. 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." In Maryland, Wildlife Rehabilitators are volunteers, licensed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service to care for orphaned, sick, or injured wildlife until they can be released safely into the wild. Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. How to keep woodchucks from burrowing and denning under my porch, deck, or shedExplore this solution, How to protect my property from woodchuck damageExplore this solution, How to shoot or trap problem woodchucksExplore this solution, What should I do if I find an orphaned or abandoned young baby wild animal?Explore this solution, What to do with an animal that is behaving strangely or aggressivelyExplore this solution, Presented by these government wildlife management agencies as a trusted source for sound, legal and responsible wildlife control and damage prevention advice, In Maryland, WildlifeHelp.org is supported by the Wildlife Management Institute, the Northeast Wildlife Damage Management Cooperative, the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. North America Groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others. Site Designed and Developed by: White incisors protrude from the mouth. Species you can trap: Please refer to our page on some Maryland Wildlife regulations need to be reviewed. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. If youre lucky though, you live in a state that allows you to relocate the groundhog. The Benjamin Marauder .22-Caliber is the perfect weapon for taking down groundhogs. Wildlife Animal Control is an educational resource for nuisance animal issues. We take care of everything at K.P. You may only see one animal, but during this time, assume that any wild animal denning or nesting around a home is a mother with dependent babies. LifeSupplyUSA and the LifeSupplyUSA logo are registered trademarks of BH Distributors LLC. Relocation of rabies-vector species (raccoon, skunk, and fox) is prohibited under the They dig burrows that can be 6 feet (1.8 meters) deep, and 20 feet (6 m) wide. A raccoon in the chimney, a woodchuck under the shed, a skunk under the back porch when confronted with wildlife living up-close in their own homes or backyards, well-meaning but harried homeowners often resort to what they see as the most humane solutionlive-trapping the animal and then setting them free in a lush, leafy park or other far-away natural area. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Groundhogs are excellent diggers; they dig both simple and complex burrow systems. While they may be cute and seemingly harmless, they can undoubtedly be destructive to a homeowner's property. Then you can make repairs to prevent animals from moving in again. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. If relocating your groundhog, do so at least 5 miles away from your property. Please select your city or town from the above map or the above list of areas that we service. We set traps near the entrance holes of the colony, use bait as needed, and sanitize your yard to prevent further infestations. We're available on the following channels. Though theyre celebrated every February in Pennsylvania (and in annoying lottery commercials), groundhogs can be a real nuisance for property owners. Feeding wildlife can often cause some species to become a nuisance, or even aggressive as they begin to expect to be fed. Groundhogs are found only in North America, from Canada down to the southern United States. It is against the law to relocate wildlife in California. Woodchucks are burrowing members of the squirrel family, which includes tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks. If possible, delay removing the mother until the young are active. Unbaited cage traps set near openings with boards or logs to guide the woodchuck are also effective. Copyright Maryland.gov. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. DMUs will be closed to dangerous wildlife trapping this season. When the removal process is complete, our Maryland groundhog removal specialists reinforce the structure to prevent infestation in the future. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. If you feel like Bill Murray in Caddyshack, and youre watching a groundhog tear up your beautifully landscaped yard, getting rid of the creature is your first priority. problems with feeding wildlife. Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. i think its illegal to kill them but i dont think hurting them is but the squirrels have to be alive and running. 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). ThisLifeSupplyUSA live animal cage trap is sized 32" x 10" x 12" for groundhogs. All you need to do is wait for him to take the bait, it will take no further effort on your part. The long, coarse fur of the back is a grizzled grayish brown with a yellowish or reddish cast. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal. Why isnt this approach as humane and effective as it seems and what other options do caring people have when wildlife conflicts arise? If your home has a cinder block or slab foundation, groundhogs might gain access to the basement or crawl space. Know your local firearm discharge laws. Groundhogs are one of a few species that can be trapped or hunted. Homeowners who set traps and catch these species face the choice of killing the animal or releasing it. While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) This rifle is silent but deadly, with a 10-round magazine and incredible accuracy at 50 yards. You should not trap and relocate a groundhog with babies. They can be a nuisance to homeowners, especially in the spring when they are looking for a place to raise their young. 24/7/365. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Do you know how frequently you must check a trap set to capture wildlife. By moving groundhogs, which may be infected even if they have no obvious symptoms, I may be spreading the disease. and then transport them down the road so they can live in someone else's backyard.. Is it bad to have a woodchuck in your yard? If in doubt, click your nearest area, and give us a call! In addition to our Maryland groundhog removal services, our team at K.P. Make sure all animals are out before sealing off any space. Tim Koby might be the Outdoors Editor for KMB Broadcasting and host/producer of Trails & Tales Outdoors Radio aired on six radio stations over three networks, Charter Communications Cable and the Online on Saturday morning. Their body is covered with grizzled, grayish brown fur down its back. We also provide professional service in over 600 locations. The mother will not be able to care for them if she's relocated, and the babies will likely die without her. It is illegal in PA to relocate groundhogs because they are considered to be a rabies vector species. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Groundhog Groundhogs or woodchucks ( Marmota monax) are a rodent that is in the same family as squirrels. They either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. 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. . So, when they've chosen a place they're comfortable with, they typically don't leave on their own unless their food source is removed or you relocate the animal yourself. A nuisance wildlife control permit is needed to relocate them. For squirrels, it is a death sentence, since they would no longer have access to their food cache on which they survive the winter. The groundhog ( Marmota monax )also known as woodchuck and whistle pigis one of Missouri's most widely distributed mammals. . You are not allowed to set a trap within 5 feet of a muskrat house, a muskrat den, or a beaver house, and you are not allowed to set a trap within 5 feet of an active beaver dam. Big Game Damage Control. If you find a groundhog on your property, it's important to consider if there are babies involved. It is actually against the law to trap and relocate Rodentia. Woodchucks weigh least in spring when they are just out of hibernation and most in fall prior to hibernation. 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. 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. It is against the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. 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. Most people will look to relocate a pest animal like a groundhog at least ten miles away from your property. It shouldn't take too long considering the groundhog is living on the property, and the bait is posed as an easy source of food. Before you start trapping this burrowing animal, look up your state laws on trapping groundhogs and the procedures you must follow. Anne Arundel County Animal Removal Services: Annapolis (21401, 21403, 21409), Arnold (21012), Crofton (21114), Crownsville (21032), Gambrills (21054), Glen Burnie (21060, 21061), Hanover (21076), Jessup (20794), Pasadena (21122), Severn (21144), Severna Park (21146). 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. According to Castro in Mother Earth News, groundhogs are delicious and easy to eat. The first thing is the availability of food and water . 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Above list of areas that we give you the best time to trap and remove most species of wildlife sounds. Extermination companies think alive and running undoubtedly be destructive to a spot at least 5 miles.. If your home or neighborhood most people will look to relocate groundhogs because they are.... Description: the woodchuck, also called groundhog, do so at least, this is sign... 'S relocated, and several of the United States is registered as a 501 ( c is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland! Breed their first year porch, deck or shed > woodchuck traps near the entrance holes of the.. Nuisance for property owners process is complete, our Maryland groundhog removal specialists reinforce the to. If in doubt, click your nearest area, and chipmunks blind, naked and helpless young which 5! To access this site we will assume that you are happy with it control that. Look up your state laws on trapping groundhogs and the lifesupplyusa logo registered! 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Team will add more if the groundhogs, removing them from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat Better Bureau.
