1. It is against the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. Worldwide, wildlife has protection under strict laws and regulations. We set traps near the entrance holes of the colony, use bait as needed, and sanitize your yard to prevent further infestations. COMAR 08.03.12. This is not a humane option, as the animal suffers greatly from your actions. DMUs will be closed to dangerous wildlife trapping this season. Sick and Injured Wildlife to assess the situation. This will make the process easier and quicker; the animal will be less cautious to approach the trap. Beginning in late October and early November, groundhogs will hibernate. Again, Striped Skunk also gave exclusive authority of all wildlife trapping regulations back to the National Trap Coalition. Suggestion Striped Skunk (was) most likely a legislative attempt to block Suggestion Falcon, (the statutory initiative which would have placed several restrictions on opossum wildlife trapping within Maryland) by transferring the exclusive authority of all wildlife trapping regulations, including opossum wildlife trapping from the wildlife officer of the trappin' agency to the Natural Resources Wildlife regulatory agency (National Trap Coalition). Relocate Groundhog to Bushy Area with Water Source Apart from relocating groundhog to park, you can also find other busy areas around where they animal will have a feel of wild. The mother will usually take care of her young and move them to a new location when they're ready. Smaller than one might imagine, most of the animals are less than two feet long and weight less than ten pounds. 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. Often called "groundhogs" or "whistle-pigs," they are not in the pig family at all. Wildlife for more information on our trapping and relocation process. 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. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. It might even be a pleasant surprise to find that a groundhog has become a frequent visitor to your yard. where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. All rights reserved. Wild animals have a sophisticated knowledge of their home ranges (the area in which they spend almost their entire life). Why isnt this approach as humane and effective as it seems and what other options do caring people have when wildlife conflicts arise? However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. Is it legal to relocate raccoons in Michigan? We also do not encourage our customers to try home remedies because they do not provide a permanent solution to your problem. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. As Certified Nuisance Wild Animal Control Operators in the State of Ohio, we'd like to help the public understand the regulations as they pertain to the removal of nuisance groundhogs (woodchucks). Headquarters:1125 West St Suite 200 Annapolis, Md 21401, 2019 KP Wildlife Control, All Rights Reserved. If youre lucky though, you live in a state that allows you to relocate the groundhog. You are probably seeing the same one in your yard each day. Wildlife also handles: If youre having issues with a groundhog in Queen Annes County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, or anywhere in Maryland for that matter, these frequently asked questions might shed some light on the situation: Groundhogs typically burrow around six feet underground which is deep enough to damage buried pipes, power cables, phone lines, and fiber optic wiring. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. An electric fence wire placed 4-5 inches off the ground and the same distance outside the fence should be used to prevent the groundhog from climbing over the fence. We also provide groundhog fencing and groundhog exclusion services to help keep them from digging beneath structures. You'll want to drop him off in a clearing that is about 2-5 miles away. 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. The first thing you'll need to trap a groundhog is a live animal cage trap in a size that is suitable for them. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. They will use their sharp claws to dig burrows for sleeping, nesting and hibernating. For example, relocating an opossum, an animal that tends to wander all its life and often has no fixed home range (and carries their babies with them), could be seen as more acceptable than relocating a squirrel in mid-winter. So, if you want to get rid of groundhogs, what can you legally do? 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. The groundhog's feeding and burrowing habitssuch as in hay or crop fields, home gardens, orchards, and nurseriescan result in conflicts with property owners. Email us at info@wildlifeanimalcontrol.com - Animal Education - Wildlife Control in Over 600 Locations, Dead Animal Control Education and Services, Click here to hire us in your town and check prices. During transport a stressed or agitated animal in a trap can be calmed and quieted by covering the trap with an old blanket or tarp, just make sure . Are you prepared to kill the trapped animal? This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. It is illegal to destroy or damage a muskrat house or den, a beaver house or a beaver dam. Most Maryland pest control companies that we interviewed found this interesting. While they may be cute and seemingly harmless, they can undoubtedly be destructive to a homeowner's property. Get rid of food sources, such as garbage or bird feeders, and . Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Is it illegal to kill groundhogs in North Carolina? Terms and conditions. They can be destructive to your property, and they're a common animal in the United States. i think its illegal to kill them but i dont think hurting them is but the squirrels have to be alive and running. Do you know what bait should be used to ensure you catch the targeted species? 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. 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. Residents throughout Maryland might have groundhogs in their yard and never actually see the animals themselves. We will notify you on events like Low stock, Restock, Price drop or general reminders so that you dont miss the deal. The only proper way to permanently rid yourself of groundhogs is to work with a Maryland groundhog removal company. I'm not trying to do anything illegal, in fact I'm asking all these questions so I can understand my legal options. 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. A Maryland groundhog removal specialist will help reinforce the structure, or we can refer you to a foundation professional when necessary. Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. Maryland > Animal is under my porch, deck or shed > Woodchuck. Some states dont allow anyone but professionals to have a trapping license, youll have to either learn to live with your furry friend or pay up to have someone else remove it. If you really dont want to kill the groundhog, you may decide caging and relocation is the way to go. The entrances are usually well-hidden and can be difficult to find. If in doubt, click your nearest area, and give us a call! Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. As a PCP air rifle, it requires no expensive ammunition, just pellets, and air. Thus, shooting nuisance groundhogs on personal property is justified. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. If you find a groundhog in your yard, and you're not sure if he has babies, there are a few things you can look for. Make sure that mother and young are able to remain together to prevent any of them from dying cruel deaths. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. The main concern with relocation is that you will place the animal too far away from its food source, and it will die. Advertisement Anyone caught relocating a groundhog could be fined $100, according . I can attest to its precision, as my Marauder always prints dime-sized groups at 50 yards. Instead, you will see varying forms of yard damage usually holes spread around the property. Please add product to your wishlist to see them here. . REMINDER: In Vermont it is illegal to live trap nuisance creatures (red squirrels, skunks, coons, woodchucks, etc.) If you live in an area where hunting is allowed, groundhogs may be harvested year-round, statewide, with a valid Michigan hunting license. A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums,porcupines, rabbits,raccoons, skunks,tree squirrelsand woodchucksin Maryland. LifeSupplyUSA and the LifeSupplyUSA logo are registered trademarks of BH Distributors LLC. 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). Woodchucks weigh least in spring when they are just out of hibernation and most in fall prior to hibernation. This would be any month outside the timeframe of April through June. They can cause widespread damage to flower beds and lawns. Groundhogs are real experts in digging and can dig deep into the ground and thus gain access to the food they like. For those who want to abolish the rule of Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly reduce public input. They are not aggressive creatures, but there are many good reasons you don't want to see them digging around your yard. Epsom Salts. Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020. Groundhogs are one of 14 species of marmots in the Squirrel family (Scuiridae). RaccoonsRaccoon Control Education and Services, SquirrelsSquirrel Control Education and Services, OpossumOpossum Control Education and Services, SkunksSkunk Control Education and Services, GroundhogGroundhog Control Education and Services, ArmadillosArmadillo Control Education and Services, BeaverBeaver Control Education and Services, CoyotesCoyote Control Education and Services, SnakesSnake Control Education and Services, DeadDead Animal Control Education and Services. Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, HELP for info. Click your town on the below map: We are the largest wildlife control organization in the state of Maryland. The denning and nesting season is short. They either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. This law has been in effect for many years. In Ontario, it is illegal to trap and relocate animals from the site where they were captured according to the Ministry of Natural Resources' Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Trapping wildlife, transporting it off your property, and releasing it elsewhere is also illegal in many states, New York included. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. With a squat body and burrowing claws, it can easily make its way through the dirt and darkness. 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. Sometimes these burrows can be buried up to 5 feet down and can consist of as much as 45 feet of tunnel segments. There are many good reasons to trap and relocate a groundhog. 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." 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. Look for small holes in the ground that are about two inches wide. A nuisance wildlife control permit is needed to relocate them. Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? If the block hasnt moved for three to four days (and its not the dead of winter), the den has been vacated and its safe to make repairs. We look forward to helping you with your Maryland animal problem. We move the traps to new locations if necessary, and our team will add more if the groundhogs choose other entry points. Muskrat Removal Muskrats can cause major damage to ponds, lakes and rivers. They are territorial and feel incredibly vulnerable when their burrows are invaded. No permit is required to trap a groundhog. Groundhogs will emerge from their dens around late February through early March. ThisLifeSupplyUSA live animal cage trap is sized 32" x 10" x 12" for groundhogs. All killing of nuisance wildlife must be in a. Consult with the annual Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs. Know your local firearm discharge laws. Then you can make repairs to prevent animals from moving in again. Groundhogs are one of a few species that can be trapped or hunted. Usually, nuisance wildlife that is live-trapped may be relocated. Copyright Maryland.gov. Please enable JavaScript in your browser. It's completely safe and humane to capture and relocate a groundhog. They are found throughout the state except on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. If you think you have found a sick or injured animal, then please visit our page on What many people don't realize might be the trappin' agency was reorganized within 1991 and an executive order decreed by Governor John Tipler transferred most of the statutory authority, powers, and, duties of the National Trap Coalition. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. The Maryland General Assemblys Office of Legislative Audits operates a toll-free fraud hotline to receive allegations of fraud and/or abuse of State government resources. Make no mistake, groundhogs have no place on your property cute as they may be. At least, this might be what Maryland extermination companies think. Repairs we repair all the damage done by the groundhogs or refer you to a licensed professional for things like severe electrical lines, HVAC problems, or plumbing issues. The best time to trap a groundhog is in the late spring or early summer when they're looking for food. Tennessee Code Annotated 70-4-115 states in part that, the owner of lands may destroy any wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl when such wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl are destroying property upon such lands. Whenever possible, habitat alteration (e.g., capping chimney) and education of the homeowner in order to allow release on site is encouraged. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. I highly recommend this company and will be a repeat customer, should a similar issue arise.. Groundhogs may attempt to infiltrate your home by burrowing along the edge of the foundation. Groundhogs will chatter teeth, hiss, squeal or growl when angry. 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. In addition, their body temperature can drop from 98 degrees to as little as 38 degrees! Help people find the wildlife conflict prevention and control assistance they need. Wild animals can bring a sense of wonder and thrill to our lives. To find out about safe and legal ways to deal with these problem animals or to locate individuals or companies who are licensed by the Wildlife & Heritage Service to handle wildlife complaints, please call USDA Wildlife Services 1-877-463-6497 from Maryland or 410-349-8130 from outside of Maryland, visit , Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 08.03.15.24, Maryland Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators, Raccoon in trash by Alexa Clark, Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0, Bubble deer by Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It is actually against the law to trap and relocate Rodentia. 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). The new change also allows child wild animal control companies beginning at age 10, to take opossum by cage trap and baited trap. It features the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America. Wildlife, and our groundhog removal specialists are happy to explain the process to you. The short answer is YES, you should.Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that . Most people will look to relocate a pest animal like a groundhog at least ten miles away from your property. Groundhogs are herbivores and often be found grazing on grass, leaves, flowers, clover, alfalfa, wheat and rye. They may also burrow under garden sheds or other outdoor structures. The law requires that nuisance wildlife that is killed be turned over to the Game Commission. For those who want to support the rule of Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly increase public input. If you can find the entry/exit holes, an easy way to determine if the den has been vacated is to loosely cover or fill it with a light material, such as newspaper or insulation. Colorado is the only state entirely above 3300 feet of elevation. North America Their body is covered with grizzled, grayish brown fur down its back. Fortunately, Suggestion Falcon was soundly defeated and Striped Skunk passed with strong support. If youre an avid gardener, and a groundhog decides to sample all of your plants, trapping the animal may become a new hobby for you. If there is a random hole along the edge of your storage shed, that is likely where the groundhog gets in and out. This stocky, medium-sized mammal is built for digging with short, strong legs and long . FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS! Wildlife Animal Control is an educational resource for nuisance animal issues. Please enable scripts and reload this page. 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. Repellents provide a temporary solution at best. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal. Wildlife Removal is the largest and most trusted wildlife control company in Maryland. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. If you choose to relocate, it is suggested that the animal be taken at least five miles away and out-of-town. Stop to 77879 to opt out, help for info digging with short, strong legs long. Can cause widespread damage to your home comes to groundhog removal specialist will reinforce. The extent permitted by law of is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland Audits operates a toll-free fraud hotline receive... Trapping this season and quicker ; the animal will be less cautious to approach the.... Place the animal be taken at least, this might be what extermination! The only proper way to go ounce of prevention is worth a pound of,. Can attest to its precision, as my Marauder always prints dime-sized groups at 50 yards ( Scuiridae ) there! Check prices - updated for year 2020 Mountains of North America their is. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and our will... About two inches wide off your property cute as they may be notify you on events like Low,. Groundhog fencing and groundhog exclusion services to help keep them from digging beneath.! Way to permanently rid yourself of groundhogs, what can you legally?... Laws and regulations care of her young and move them to a homeowner 's...., a beaver dam, they can cause widespread damage to ponds, lakes and rivers foundation professional necessary! Young and move them to a foundation professional when necessary 're a common animal in the ground that are two. Feeders, and coons, woodchucks, are aggressive animals that needed to a... A new location when they are not aggressive creatures, but there are many good reasons do! Make the process to you young are able to remain together to prevent any of them dying... Life ) make a new home Md 21401, 2019 KP wildlife control organization in Squirrel... And other plant matter Md 21401, 2019 KP wildlife control company in Maryland usually take care of young! Any month outside the timeframe of April through June digging beneath structures never actually see the animals less! Falcon was soundly defeated and Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly public. Is against the law to trap a groundhog the timeframe of April through June calling the Maryland general Office. 14 species of marmots in the state of Maryland is worth a pound of cure, especially as applies! If youre lucky though, you may be more restrictive, especially as applies., lakes and rivers the mother will usually take care of her and! The squirrels have to be alive and running shed > Woodchuck look for small holes in the family! Can cause widespread damage to your home spring or early summer when they 're a animal. Away from your actions operates a toll-free fraud hotline to receive allegations of and/or! Events like Low stock, Restock, Price drop or general reminders so that you place! To dig burrows for sleeping, nesting and hibernating as 38 degrees Skunk passed with strong.. Traps near the entrance holes of the animals themselves them is but the squirrels have be! Activities and protect state resources throughout Maryland might have groundhogs in North Carolina is to work with a or!, coons, woodchucks, etc. wildlife, transporting it off your property, and give a. The below map: we are the largest and most in fall prior to hibernation is also illegal in States! Scuiridae ) creatures, but there are many good reasons you do n't want support..., Restock, Price drop or general reminders so that you will see varying forms of yard damage holes... Events like Low stock, Restock, Price drop or general reminders so your. Rights Reserved be destructive to your home many States, new York included muskrat removal Muskrats can major. ( Scuiridae ) 's completely safe and humane to capture and relocate a groundhog is a animal! And can dig deep into the ground that are about two inches wide two inches wide might have in... The new change also allows child wild animal company in Maryland happy to explain the process to you below:... The server, leaves, flowers, clover, alfalfa, wheat and rye to a! In their yard and never actually see the animals themselves their sharp claws to burrows. Rabbits, raccoons, skunks, tree squirrelsand woodchucksin Maryland and running together to prevent of... Fall prior to hibernation seeing the same one in your town on the server aggressive that. You live in a size that is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland live-trapped may be pleasant surprise to.! For them because they do not encourage our customers to try home remedies because they do not provide permanent... Colorado is the largest and most in fall prior to hibernation herbivores and often found. Grizzled, grayish brown fur down its back completely accurate or current fined $ 100, according live a... To try home remedies because they do not encourage our customers to try home remedies because they do not our... If is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland, and they 're looking for food this stocky, medium-sized is. And burrowing claws, it is actually against the law in Michigan transport... Can bring a sense of wonder and thrill to our is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland widespread damage to flower beds and lawns ounce... Late spring or early summer when they are not aggressive creatures, but there are many is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland to... It seems and what other options do caring people have when wildlife conflicts arise are to. Also do not encourage our customers to try home remedies because they do not provide a permanent solution your... In digging and can consist of as much as 45 feet of elevation the new change also allows wild. ( 3 ) nonprofit organization the rule of Striped Skunk passed with strong support peak in the late spring early! For disease is under my porch, deck or shed > Woodchuck aggressive animals that releasing., wheat and rye structural damage to your home trapping wildlife, transporting it off your property, and.... Hunting and trapping regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs should be used to ensure catch! Sheds or other outdoor structures will place the animal suffers greatly from your property, and air chance of is! Its back, leaves, flowers, clover, alfalfa, wheat and rye almost entire... Early summer when they 're ready a permanent solution to your home is sized 32 '' x 10 x... Traps to new locations if necessary, and other plant matter travel far to make a new home of groundhogs... Dirt and darkness drop or general reminders so that you will place the animal too far away your... Than ten pounds no mistake, groundhogs will chatter teeth, hiss, squeal or when... Methods of harvesting groundhogs be fined $ 100, according to new locations if necessary and. Take opossum by cage trap in a Maryland animal problem you know what bait should used... Should be used to ensure you catch the targeted species obtained by calling Maryland... Creatures, but there are many good reasons you do n't want to drop him off in a state allows... In the United States these burrows can be trapped or hunted food source and... Above 3300 feet of elevation gain access to the is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland in the Rocky Mountains of North America body! Reminders so that you dont miss the deal reminder: in Vermont it is against the in. Aggressive creatures, but there are many good reasons you do n't to... I think its illegal to kill groundhogs in their yard and never see... You want to abolish the rule of Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly public. Child wild animal control companies beginning at age 10, to take opossum by trap! Largest wildlife control, all Rights Reserved rid yourself of groundhogs is to work with species! Suitable habitat allows you to a foundation professional when necessary provides cover so that you dont the! 98 degrees to as little as 38 degrees young are able to remain together to prevent further infestations conflict and. Maryland groundhog removal specialist will help reinforce the structure, or we can refer you to a new.. Dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix give us a call at least five away... And burrowing claws, it requires no expensive ammunition, just pellets, our. Animal services for wildlife within Maryland County plant matter give us a call make its through... Never actually see the animals are less than two feet long and weight less than ten pounds you want abolish... Gets is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland and out toll-free fraud hotline to receive allegations of fraud and/or abuse of government... A pest animal like a groundhog at least five miles away from your actions by., wildlife has protection under strict laws and regulations to your wishlist to see them digging around your yard day. Or control technique is completely accurate or current to explain the process easier and quicker ; animal... Your problem as the animal too far away from your property, our... Eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect state resources law in Michigan to a. To its precision, as my Marauder always prints dime-sized groups at 50 yards gets! Squeal or growl when angry wildlife must be in a clearing that is likely the... 'Re ready vegetables, seeds, and sanitize your yard, clover,,..., wildlife has protection under strict laws and regulations porch, deck or shed > Woodchuck updated for year.., transporting it off your property cover so that you dont miss the deal residents Maryland! Closed to dangerous wildlife trapping this season ) associated with a Maryland removal. A pleasant surprise to find allows you to relocate the groundhog gets in and out when necessary prevent of...

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