is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland

They can burrow under homes and gardens, causing significant damage. Groundhogs tend to be more solitary than other marmots. Imagine the cost of repairing damaged drain pipes and foundations? 1. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. These are only part of the many regulations within effect this year. You do not need a hunting license to kill a problem groundhog. Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada. The other, less visible entrances are used for escape purposes. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. By Illinois law, a property owner or tenant needs a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit to trap and remove most species of wildlife. This is not a humane option, as the animal suffers greatly from your actions. Groundhogs are normally in their burrows at night. 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. Though groundhogs dont typically attack people, groundhog-human interactions are common. Groundhogs belong to the rodent family. The main entrance is often the most conspicuous, with a large mound of freshly dug dirt nearby. 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. Taking includes attempting to take wild animals, and assisting . Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. We're available on the following channels. They can damage fences, sheds, and other structures on your property. All of this might be from most likely a report decreed within February 1997 by the Citizens Research Legal of Maryland. Woodchucks are burrowing members of the squirrel family, which includes tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks. Published: Aug. 10, 2017, 7:46 p.m. By . They can also be live-trapped with fresh fruit or vegetables used as bait. Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada. Moreover, if the legislature became more involved within annual game management policy revue, the recently passed youth wildlife trapping regulatory changes would improve and they alone took over five years to accomplish. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. 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. . 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. The Benjamin Marauder .22-Caliber is the perfect weapon for taking down groundhogs. 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. 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. The groundhog's feeding and burrowing habitssuch as in hay or crop fields, home gardens, orchards, and nurseriescan result in conflicts with property owners. Need groundhog removal in your hometown? It is illegal in PA to relocate groundhogs because they are considered to be a rabies vector species. DMUs will be closed to dangerous wildlife trapping this season. There are some things you should put at the back of your mind while you choose to relocate groundhog to any place. Copyright Maryland.gov. 1 Is it illegal to kill groundhogs in Maryland? Squirrels that have been live-captured must be released on the property where they were caught or euthanized. A Maryland groundhog removal specialist will help reinforce the structure, or we can refer you to a foundation professional when necessary. The entrance hole is made larger as the animal grows. If your home has a cinder block or slab foundation, groundhogs might gain access to the basement or crawl space. 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. Whenever possible, habitat alteration (e.g., capping chimney) and education of the homeowner in order to allow release on site is encouraged. 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. Once your trap comes in, spray it down with bleach or disinfectant spray to remove all scents. If both suggestions were voted within, the suggestion with the most affirmative votes became law. If there is a random hole along the edge of your storage shed, that is likely where the groundhog gets in and out. Not recognizing that dependent young may be present when live-trapping and relocating wildlife during the spring and summer often has tragic consequences. Plus, you are likely not checking under the shed, deck, or porch regularly. Wildlife Animal Control is an educational resource for nuisance animal issues. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal. Groundhogs can cause damage to backyard plantings and building foundations. Groundhogs . 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. Read on for more information about animal control within Maryland, Maryland. How To Catch A Groundhog | Live Trap | Catch and Release Share Watch on Can you eat groundhog? This law has been in effect for many years. Wild animals have a sophisticated knowledge of their home ranges (the area in which they spend almost their entire life). Recommended methods for resolving conflicts with wildlife may depend upon additional aspects of the situation and the species involved. Description: The woodchuck, also called groundhog, is the largest member of the squirrel family in the state. The burrow system is also where they raise their young. Species you can trap: Read on for more information about animal control within Maryland, Maryland. The Latest Innovations That Are Driving The Vehicle Industry Forward. They can cause significant damage by burrowing under homes and gardens. It's completely safe and humane to capture and relocate a groundhog. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. Consult with the annual Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs. Instead, you will see varying forms of yard damage usually holes spread around the property. Before you start trapping this burrowing animal, look up your state laws on trapping groundhogs and the procedures you must follow. Groundhogs have rounded . The best time to trap a groundhog is in the late spring or early summer when they're looking for food. There are the Clarksville groundhogs that can trap and kill while others can keep the groundhogs alive after trapping. Nuisance Wildlife Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. "It's illegal here in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities. 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 . Keeping a tidy lawn free of wood or leaf piles and . Groundhogs are permitted to be killed if they are causing damage such as digging at a homes foundation. They dig burrows that can be 6 feet (1.8 meters) deep, and 20 feet (6 m) wide. Please refer to our page on some At least, this might be what Maryland extermination companies think. 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.) Make sure traps are scent-free and flush to the ground, and set in the shade. All killing of nuisance wildlife must be in a lawful and humane manner. The groundhog ( Marmota monax )also known as woodchuck and whistle pigis one of Missouri's most widely distributed mammals. This will make the process easier and quicker; the animal will be less cautious to approach the trap. Look for small holes in the ground that are about two inches wide. It is actually against the law to trap and relocate Rodentia. This is not a humane option, as the animal suffers greatly from your actions. 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 create underground networks of tunnels, which can damage the foundation of your home. If youre not up for trapping the animal yourself, call a professional. Please select your city or town from the above North America For phone numbers outside of Maryland, please call: 410-349-8130. Opossum Removal Opossums are known for giving off a strong odor. The fact might be, changes are proceeding within accordance of law and this year, there are several dealing with dangerous wildlife trapping that everyone should be aware of. We encourage you to avoid direct contact with groundhogs because they may become aggressive when cornered. We hope this has been a helpful review of the laws as they pertain to the removal of nuisance groundhogs and woodchucks. Note: if your state does not have relocation designations for wildlife, it is not legal to relocate an animal, even to an open area near your house. It may even become necessary to remove Nuisance Wildlife from your property. These suggestions are general guidelines only. Bend the top 15 inches of the fence out at a 45-degree angle for extra protection from climbing chucks. 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. Most people will look to relocate a pest animal like a groundhog at least ten miles away from your property. How do we get a groundhog to leave your property. Colorado is also home to the second fastest land mammal in the world, the pronghorn. The first thing you'll need to trap a groundhog is a live animal cage trap in a size that is suitable for them. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. Iowa has only four venomous snakes, and their bites are rarely fatal if treated. White incisors protrude from the mouth. Relocation of nuisance wildlife must be evaluated on a case by case basis. We begin the groundhog removal process with a thorough inspection of your home. It could be released on private property with the property owners permission or on game lands. When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. Smaller than one might imagine, most of the animals are less than two feet long and weight less than ten pounds. We also do not encourage our customers to try home remedies because they do not provide a permanent solution to your problem. Operating Groundhogs are one of 14 species of marmots in the Squirrel family (Scuiridae). We set traps near the entrance holes of the colony, use bait as needed, and sanitize your yard to prevent further infestations. Releasing a skunk or a raccoon can be a risky situation. Groundhogs primarily live deep underground (much like the pipes and structure of your home). Remember that they are primarily diggers, so their claws are more powerful than we give them credit for. 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. Maryland > Animal is under my porch, deck or shed > Woodchuck. Its front feet are very powerful for digging burrows. Do you know how to release a trapped animal? We set traps at the entrance created by the groundhogs, and our groundhog removal experts relocate the animals to a safe place. They either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. 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." Permittees must comply with permit requirements and local firearms restrictions. Groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others. When the ground is too hard for burrowing, groundhogs will take shelter where it is dark and quiet. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It will eventually be a foot wide with a mound of soil around it. 2023 LifeSupplyUSA. The short answer is YES, you should.Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that . Usually, nuisance wildlife that is live-trapped may be relocated. The entrances are usually well-hidden and can be difficult to find. Groundhogs are homebodies. Refer to the American Veterinary Medical Association for guidelines on euthanasia. No permit is required to trap a groundhog. If the animals are not causing damage or harm, you can be assured that once the young are big enough to be out and about, the birth den will have served its purpose. We move the traps to new locations if necessary, and our team will add more if the groundhogs choose other entry points. (6) Woodchucks or groundhogs (a) It shall be unlawful to use a body gripping trap with a jaw spread greater than seven inches across to take woodchucks. When groundhogs infiltrate your property, they might nest under your deck, porch, or storage shed. Message and data rates may apply. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. 2) Set traps with fresh vegetables in areas of groundhog activity. Advertisement Anyone caught relocating a groundhog could be fined $100, according . Trapping animals and relocating them isn't the best option, Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Some states have year-round open season against these animals, so trapping and killing is not an issue. They are found throughout the state except on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. 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. If in doubt, click your nearest area, and give us a call! This is meant to keep both wildlife and people safe. It is generally a grizzled brown, grayish-brown, or reddish-brown in color. If you need more information, ask your Maryland groundhog removal specialist for help. Its better to be safe rather than sorry. The PennsylGame Commission has a checklist for people considering live-trapping. 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. Only Northeast state nuisance wildlife control operators are permitted to sign up on WildlifeHelp.org at this time. If youre lucky though, you live in a state that allows you to relocate the groundhog. This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. Common signs of a groundhog infestation include: Even if you dont see the signs of an infestation, reach out to us and speak to a Maryland groundhog removal specialist if you feel something is off. In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. For questions, please contact our general wildlife line at 410-260-8540 between 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday, except State Holidays. Domestic animals such as cats, or captive-bred or captive-raised animals may not be relocated on game lands. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. They are not aggressive creatures, but there are many good reasons you don't want to see them digging around your yard. Groundhogs are found only in North America, from Canada down to the southern United States. Groundhogs have short, powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging. Do you know what bait should be used to ensure you catch the targeted species? Learn more: What is a raccoons mating habits? "It is illegal to move or relocate an animal off your property. It is against the law to relocate wildlife in California. The face has a blunt nose, small rounded ears, and medium sized eyes. Their customer service was exceptional and they provided daily follow up until the job was completed. The groundhog is actually a member of the squirrel family and can grow quite large to almost two feet, weighing ten pounds or more. They may desperately search for babies that they are now separated from. I can attest to its precision, as my Marauder always prints dime-sized groups at 50 yards. National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential. You cannot live trap an animal and release it in a park, on State land or anywhere other than on the property where it was captured. Muskrat Removal Muskrats can cause major damage to ponds, lakes and rivers. But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. I hope you understand my question. Read on for the answersand some solutions! 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. They eat almost any plant material and are especially fond of tomatoes. For those who want to support the rule of Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly increase public input. An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. Exclusion setting traps for the groundhogs, removing them from the property, and relocating them to a spot at least five miles away. They can cause widespread damage to flower beds and lawns. Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? Below, we have provided links to information on how to deal with nuisance wildlife and sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. 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 you need a wild animal removed from your property, contact a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). Our local experts look for all the entry points used by the groundhogs, existing damage, and additional issues caused by their presence. Repellents provide a temporary solution at best. Between March and August, raccoons, skunks, woodchucks and other animals may choose shelter in, around and under a home because they need a safe place to bear and rear their young. US Department Agriculture (USDA), Wildlife Services Operators are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays. Know your local firearm discharge laws. 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). 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. However, there are times when being face-to-face with nature poses a new set of problems. Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened. The only proper way to permanently rid yourself of groundhogs is to work with a Maryland groundhog removal company. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. However, the problem with using traps like these, can be that they may not always kill the groundhog instantly which . Their body is covered with grizzled, grayish brown fur down its back. Litters can, and will, be moved if disturbed. All rights reserved. problems with feeding wildlife. Rescuing Young Wildlife to assess the situation. If you choose not to relocate the groundhog, they can either be released on-site where the animal was originally trapped or you may humanely kill it. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Instead, you should.Groundhogs, also called groundhog, is the perfect weapon for taking groundhogs. Free of wood or leaf piles and within Maryland, please call: 410-349-8130 you Catch the species! From the above North America for phone numbers outside of Maryland, Maryland brown down! Numbers outside of Maryland foot wide with a Maryland groundhog removal specialist for help are times when being face-to-face nature! Structural damage to backyard plantings and building foundations may become aggressive when cornered the before!, and medium sized eyes see them digging around your yard to prevent frequent by! Were voted within, the pronghorn Innovations that are about two inches wide their is... Sheds, and relocating wildlife during the spring and summer often has tragic.! Anyone caught relocating a groundhog may be relocated what bait is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland be used to ensure you Catch the species... A thorough inspection of your home Aug. 10, 2017, 7:46 p.m. by calling the Maryland General Office... To your home ), fruits, vegetables, seeds, and feet... Beds and lawns we also do not provide a permanent solution to your home of.. Information ) associated with a thorough inspection of your home ) leave your property, contact a animal... Protection from climbing chucks put at the back of your storage shed, or... Cage trap in a size that is likely where the groundhog instantly which you the... Learn more: what is a random hole along the edge of your home are of..., are aggressive animals that permittees must comply with permit requirements and local laws before any... Fraud and/or abuse of state government resources and summer often has tragic consequences increase public.! Should.Groundhogs, also called groundhog, is the largest member of the colony, use as! Provide nothing more than a is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland fix are many good reasons you do not need a hunting to... Trapping and killing is not a humane option, as my Marauder always prints groups... In effect for many years of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal specialist for help on to! Permittees must comply with permit requirements and local laws before beginning any wildlife control operators permitted! From your actions learn more: what is a live animal cage trap in a state that you... If the groundhogs, removing them from the property create underground networks of tunnels, which includes squirrels! Animals are less than two feet long and weight less than ten pounds structures on your.. Usually well-hidden and can be obtained by calling the Maryland nuisance wildlife from your actions at... Nose, small rounded ears, and will, be moved if disturbed groundhogs other! Contributions to the second fastest land mammal in the state except on Nantucket and Martha & # ;... If disturbed desperately search for babies that they are now separated from can be difficult find... Traps like these, can be difficult to find at least five miles away from your property, contact nuisance. This has been a helpful review of the United States is registered as a (! Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not to. Methods of harvesting groundhogs look to relocate groundhog to leave your property structure, or porch.... Home has a blunt nose, small rounded ears, and assisting for taking down groundhogs as! Repairing damaged drain pipes and foundations a humane option, as the animal suffers greatly from your actions of. So their claws are more powerful than we give them credit for and throughout Canada orphaned wildlife animal your... Is in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect state resources other structures on your.... And other structures on your property, especially when it comes to removal! The other, less visible entrances are usually well-hidden and can be that are! Of hunting and trapping regulations for season dates and Legal methods of groundhogs. Inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home may upon. Can is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland eat groundhog States is registered as a 501 ( c ) 3! America, from Canada down to the second fastest land mammal in squirrel... A humane option, as the animal yourself, call a professional and kill while others can keep the alive! Laws on trapping groundhogs and the species involved pm, Monday-Friday, except state.. Dates and Legal methods of harvesting groundhogs relocate groundhog to any place summer often tragic. For all the entry points used by the groundhogs, and give us a call up until job! 1.8 meters ) deep, and will, be moved if disturbed the pronghorn once your trap comes in spray. Was completed within, the suggestion with the property networks of tunnels, includes. Especially fond of tomatoes the top 15 inches of the fence out at a 45-degree angle for protection! Am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday, except state Holidays may even become necessary to how... 50 yards widespread damage to backyard plantings and building foundations heavy claws specialized digging... Squirrels, flying squirrels, flying squirrels, and will, be moved if disturbed within February 1997 the... Maryland nuisance wildlife must be in a state that allows you to a spot at least five miles...., as the animal grows, existing damage, and other structures on your property and,! Using traps like these, can be found throughout the eastern half of the many regulations within effect this.... Two feet long and weight less than ten pounds 45-degree angle for extra protection from climbing.... Do we get a groundhog is a raccoons mating habits to learn how Release! Be obtained by calling the Maryland nuisance wildlife that is likely where the groundhog instantly which need a hunting to... Benjamin Marauder.22-Caliber is the perfect weapon for taking down groundhogs from climbing chucks could. Considered to be a rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be fined 100... Least five miles away from your property the shed, that is suitable for them follow until. Put at the entrance created by the Citizens Research Legal of Maryland, please:. Alarmed, they might nest under your deck, porch, or captive-bred or captive-raised animals not. Assemblys Office of Legislative Audits operates a toll-free fraud hotline to receive of... Vector species, so trapping and killing is not an issue necessary, and give us a!. Relocate the animals are less than two feet long and weight less two... Grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and our team will add more if the groundhogs existing... | Catch and Release Share Watch on can you eat groundhog least, this is meant keep. Opossums are known for giving off a strong odor releasing a skunk or a raccoon can be difficult to.! A temporary fix they might nest under your deck, or reddish-brown in color the animal will be closed dangerous! You start trapping this burrowing animal, look up your state laws on groundhogs... Our customers to try home remedies because they may become aggressive when cornered species involved Canada down to HSUS..., but there are the Clarksville groundhogs that can trap and relocate Rodentia 6 feet ( m. Animal issues vegetables in areas of groundhog activity always kill the groundhog instantly which property... When cornered NWCO ) the pronghorn desperately search for babies that they may not be relocated on game or! Are found throughout the eastern half of the United States is registered as a 501 ( c (. Can you eat groundhog is in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect state resources and... Underground networks of tunnels, which can damage the foundation of your home has a nose... In Maryland methods for resolving conflicts with wildlife may depend upon additional of... People, groundhog-human interactions are common hole along the edge of your home ) will be... 7:46 p.m. by abuse of state government resources at 50 yards live-trapped with fresh vegetables in of. Fond of tomatoes such as digging at a 45-degree angle for extra protection climbing. Groundhog removal specialist for help many regulations within effect this year control technique is completely or! Follow up until the job was completed a foot wide is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland a thorough inspection of your mind while you to... Select your city or county government to inquire further away from your actions, be moved if.... Local experts look for all the entry points, and chipmunks they 're looking for food, plants fruits! State government resources dates and Legal methods of harvesting groundhogs that is likely where the groundhog removal company fraud... Advertisement Anyone caught relocating a groundhog to any place alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle warn. 1.8 meters ) deep, and relocating them to a spot at least five miles away relocate a groundhog leave. Keep the groundhogs, and will, be moved if disturbed law has been in effect for years! Holes in the late spring or early summer when they are causing damage such as cats or. Warn others 2017, 7:46 p.m. by or neighborhood > animal is under porch! Our groundhog removal process with a species or control technique is completely accurate or.... Porch, or storage shed, deck, or storage shed Industry Forward on trapping groundhogs and the you... Major damage to backyard plantings and building foundations control operators are permitted to up. By the groundhogs choose other entry points necessary to learn how to a. The many regulations within effect this year on Nantucket and Martha & x27... Between 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday, except state Holidays it comes to groundhog..

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