All killing of nuisance wildlife must be in a. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Maryland? 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. Need groundhog removal in your hometown? They especially like fields used for agriculture. No permit is required to trap a groundhog. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. Headquarters:1125 West St Suite 200 Annapolis, Md 21401, 2019 KP Wildlife Control, All Rights Reserved. Copyright Maryland.gov. You will find groundhogs in open plains or digging holes and living underground. Make sure traps are scent-free and flush to the ground, and set in the shade. Groundhog Groundhogs or woodchucks ( Marmota monax) are a rodent that is in the same family as squirrels. The hunting certificate may be purchased for either public or private land and youngsters 10 and 11 are restricted to nuisance wildlife control-only. The denning and nesting season is short. The PennsylGame Commission has a checklist for people considering live-trapping. They can be a nuisance to homeowners, especially in the spring when they are looking for a place to raise their young. 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. Imagine the cost of repairing damaged drain pipes and foundations? It is illegal to touch, move, or possess any part of the nest or eggs without the proper permit. 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. How do you get rid of a groundhog in Maryland? 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. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. 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. 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. 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. Get rid of food sources, such as garbage or bird feeders, and . Big Game Damage Control. 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. Often called "groundhogs" or "whistle-pigs," they are not in the pig family at all. To find a rehabilitator near you, then please refer to the linked list below. This restriction is necessary to prevent human-assisted spread of this disease and is an important component of the states nuisance wildlife control program. I highly recommend this company and will be a repeat customer, should a similar issue arise.. . Wildlife for more information on our trapping and relocation process. You can trap a woodchuck using a wire cage trap or wooden box trap with minimum dimensions of 10 x 12 x 32, either single or double door, with the double considered very effective when set as a pass through trap. The ploy of including Suggestion Striped Skunk along with Falcon would give the latter less chance of being usable if passed. They like woodland areas that bump up against more open areas. Groundhogs typically give birth to two to six young at a time, and they're born blind and helpless. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. They're in another animals territory and may be chased out or attacked. 8540 , National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential. In that case, wire the trap door and bait the trap. Then if a neighbor complains, I know I'm covered. 1. However, the problem with using traps like these, can be that they may not always kill the groundhog instantly which . 2023 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms. 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. These laws exist to aid property owners in nuisance wildlife . 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. 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. Relocation of nuisance wildlife must be evaluated on a case by case basis. Groundhogs are permitted to be killed if they are causing damage such as digging at a homes foundation. Maryland Wildlife regulations need to be reviewed. Alternative places of refuge are part of that knowledge or cognitive map. You are probably seeing the same one in your yard each day. Well-adapted to urban life, they will opt to nest in safe, quiet and dark spacessuch as an uncapped chimney or under the back porch stepsif given the opportunity. Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? We service almost every metro area in Maryland, and several of the smaller towns as well. So, if you want to get rid of groundhogs, what can you legally do? For phone numbers outside of Maryland, please call: 410-349-8130. 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. If you live in an area where hunting is allowed, groundhogs may be harvested year-round, statewide, with a valid Michigan hunting license. When groundhogs infiltrate your property, they might nest under your deck, porch, or storage shed. There are many good reasons to trap and relocate a groundhog. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a common sight in many parts of the United States. No permit is required to trap a groundhog. The face has a blunt nose, small rounded ears, and medium sized eyes. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It is generally a grizzled brown, grayish-brown, or reddish-brown in color. According to Castro in Mother Earth News, groundhogs are delicious and easy to eat. Groundhogs . To report nuisance, injured or sick wildlife, call toll-free in Maryland 1-877-463-6497. How To Catch A Groundhog | Live Trap | Catch and Release Share Watch on Can you eat groundhog? Woodchucks are burrowing members of the squirrel family, which includes tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks. The best time to trap a groundhog is in the late spring or early summer when they're looking for food. Is it legal to relocate raccoons in Michigan? 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. The recently passed child wildlife trapping regulatory changes alone took over three years to accomplish. White incisors protrude from the mouth. We encourage you to avoid direct contact with groundhogs because they may become aggressive when cornered. . But sometimes, when they get a little too "up close and personal", they can become a nuisance. We service over 50 state locations. The groundhog is the largest member of the squirrel family. A groundhog usually travels no more than 150 feet from its den to feed. The groundhog ( Marmota monax )also known as woodchuck and whistle pigis one of Missouri's most widely distributed mammals. Try using a combination of unpleasant smells and sounds. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal. 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. They may desperately search for babies that they are now separated from. It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. Groundhogs may NOT be relocated off the property they were trapped. Smaller snakes eat worms, slugs and insects, while larger snakes eat small mammals like mice and ground squirrels. 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. Groundhogs primarily live deep underground (much like the pipes and structure of your home). 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. No application fee or drawing might be required. Groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others. As a PCP air rifle, it requires no expensive ammunition, just pellets, and air. The law requires that nuisance wildlife that is killed be turned over to the Game Commission. These are rabies vector species and should not be relocated, but exterminated and properly disposed. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. Wild animal babies are unintentionally orphaned and too often die of starvation, because their mother is trapped and removed. Please add product to your wishlist to see them here. An unlicensed citizen may NOT attempt to rehabilitate an animal on their own. 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. Epsom salts sprinkled near or around the burrow entrances or exits will keep the groundhog away. A Maryland groundhog removal specialist will help reinforce the structure, or we can refer you to a foundation professional when necessary. Lethal Traps. US Department Agriculture (USDA), Wildlife Services Operators are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays. What to do with an animal that is behaving strangely or aggressively, Northeast Wildlife Damage Management Cooperative, Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, signing up for notification when your state is added. 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. Woodchucks weigh least in spring when they are just out of hibernation and most in fall prior to hibernation. Groundhogs are one of 14 species of marmots in the Squirrel family (Scuiridae). Read on for more information about animal control within Maryland, Maryland. Although "nuisance" might not have been your first thought to describe them. How long does it take green tomatoes to ripen off the vine? However, there are times when being face-to-face with nature poses a new set of problems. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. Groundhogs generally breed when they reach two years of age, though some also breed their first year. Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, HELP for info. Check with your wildlife agency or state game commission regarding relocation. 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.) Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large squirrels that are strict herbivores. They eat almost any plant material and are especially fond of tomatoes. Releasing a skunk or a raccoon can be a risky situation. I'm not trying to do anything illegal, in fact I'm asking all these questions so I can understand my legal options. If you like, we can return every few months to check for further groundhog activity. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Generally, these burrows have 2 to 5 entrances to help escape from predators. It is against the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. 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). At least, this might be what Maryland extermination companies think. We are the largest wildlife control organization in the state of Maryland. Advertisement Anyone caught relocating a groundhog could be fined $100, according . Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. This is meant to keep both wildlife and people safe. Groundhogs will chatter teeth, hiss, squeal or growl when angry. Its better to be safe rather than sorry. Smaller than one might imagine, most of the animals are less than two feet long and weight less than ten pounds. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities. 2) Set traps with fresh vegetables in areas of groundhog activity. 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. 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. All you need to do is wait for him to take the bait, it will take no further effort on your part. Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. They dig up plants and destroy gardens. They can create underground networks of tunnels, which can damage the foundation of your home. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. 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. We move the traps to new locations if necessary, and our team will add more if the groundhogs choose other entry points. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Before releasing the animal on any public or private land, obtain permission from the landowner or governing agency. Muskrat Removal Muskrats can cause major damage to ponds, lakes and rivers. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. 3) Relocate any trapped groundhog at least 10 miles from capture site. We hope this has been a helpful review of the laws as they pertain to the removal of nuisance groundhogs and woodchucks. While wildlife is generally protected under the law, protection is removed if the animal is damaging or destroying personal property. 1 Is it illegal to kill groundhogs in Maryland? 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). This is another sign that there are babies present. Any person, before destroying any big game under the conditions provided for in this section, is . 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? Operating It may even become necessary to remove Nuisance Wildlife from your property. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. If you think you have found a sick or injured animal, then please visit our page on We are the Kingsville rodent control experts and can help you return your house to a cozy pest-free home. Woodchucks are common and abundant in Massachusetts. Copyright 2020 by Wildlife Animal Control. The Maryland conservation officer feels strongly about this issue. 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. Squirrels that have been live-captured must be released on the property where they were caught or euthanized. Groundhogs will emerge from their dens around late February through early March. Its front feet are very powerful for digging burrows. They are the largest member of the squirrel family and common throughout Indiana. Unbaited cage traps set near openings with boards or logs to guide the woodchuck are also effective. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Maryland? 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. 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. However, such restrictions are relaxed if bothersome animals such as groundhogs and other varmints damage personal property. 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 you find a groundhog on your property and there is the potential that there are babies involved, the best thing to do would be to wait and see if the mother moves them. It might be also most likely a good tool for teaching new wild animal control companies the responsibilities that go with the sport. Groundhogs in Michigan are found living under decks, in rock walls, and in hills. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Vermont? If youre not up for trapping the animal yourself, call a professional. Groundhog offspring are born in mid-April to early May and stay with their mother until they're weaned in late June or July. Taking includes attempting to take wild animals, and assisting . The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a common Missouri rodent with short, powerful legs and a medium-long, bushy, and somewhat flattened tail. Links in the sidebar provide more information on what to do with certain nuisance wildlife species. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Nuisance Wildlife Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. Born in 1929, King's actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). ThisLifeSupplyUSA live animal cage trap is sized 32" x 10" x 12" for groundhogs. Groundhogs have short, powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging. Opossum Removal Opossums are known for giving off a strong odor. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Below is the latest Maryland wildlife removal news from across the state: Know your local firearm discharge laws. They are territorial and feel incredibly vulnerable when their burrows are invaded. The phone amount of the land owner allowing access might be required and will be printed on each hunting certificate. Transporting a trapped wild animal may make for an interesting car ride, so make sure youre prepared. It's completely safe and humane to capture and relocate a groundhog. It features the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America. For the record, that would probably not include packing groundhog holes with explosives, a la Bill Murray in "Caddyshack. It has a broad rounded body with short powerful legs and a short, flat, bushy tail. 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. There are a number of groundhog repellent and poison products on the market, but none of them work as advertised. "It is illegal to move or relocate an animal off your property. This way the occupant will have to push the obstruction aside to get out or come back in. The entrance hole is made larger as the animal grows. It is illegal to destroy or damage a muskrat house or den, a beaver house or a beaver dam. Horses and pets are particularly at risk, making it very important to ensure the issue is addressed right away. Consult with the annual Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs. It's difficult to visualize a little groundhog being destructive. In fact, the odds are heavily stacked against any animal who is dumped in a strange park, woodland or other natural area. USDA Wildlife Services, Southern Wisconsin: 800-433-0663 (in-state) or 920-324-4514. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. Groundhogs are permitted to be killed if they are causing damage such as digging at a homes foundation. Once your trap comes in, spray it down with bleach or disinfectant spray to remove all scents. We set traps near the entrance holes of the colony, use bait as needed, and sanitize your yard to prevent further infestations. They are among the "cute" and furry creatures we are all fans of. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. 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. If youre lucky though, you live in a state that allows you to relocate the groundhog. 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. A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums,porcupines, rabbits,raccoons, skunks,tree squirrelsand woodchucksin Maryland. Their burrows can be as deep as five feet, usually with more than one entrance. FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS! Most burrows are 25 to 30 feet long and from two to five feet deep, with at least two entrances. Using the traps that kill at once may be dangerous and they can kill the pets instead and in some places they are illegal. In addition, their body temperature can drop from 98 degrees to as little as 38 degrees! Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. Hunting season for groundhogs starts June 1 and runs . Message and data rates may apply. Groundhogs can cause damage to backyard plantings and building foundations. They are largely sedate creatures, spending most of their. 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 . Since skunks - as well as raccoons, bats, groundhogs, foxes and coyotes - are rabies vector species, they should not be relocated like other wildlife. If you dont manage to scare the groundhog off with repellants or other methods, it may be time to trap it. 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. You . In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. Control groundhogs by preventing their access in to a vegetable garden with a strong 4-foot fence, buried 12 inches in the ground. You may not notice the groundhogs because they will avoid you. The Latest Innovations That Are Driving The Vehicle Industry Forward. Published: Aug. 10, 2017, 7:46 p.m. By . 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. If in doubt, click your nearest area, and give us a . By moving groundhogs, which may be infected even if they have no obvious symptoms, I may be spreading the disease. 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. They can damage fences, sheds, and other structures on your property. Is it illegal to kill groundhogs in Maryland? They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. 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. All rights reserved. 24/7/365. Email us at Maryland@wildlife-removal.com - Professional and Humane Wildlife Removal Servicing Maryland, Maryland Other Wildlife Species Information. Dont let groundhogs take over your property, Be aware of the hidden issues caused by groundhogs, Dont allow groundhogs to damage your homes foundation, Holes that are 10 to 12 inches in diameter, Bite marks in your garden vegetables or missing plants/flowers, 10 to 12-inch entry holes in your homes exterior, Animal droppings in your basement or crawl space. Burrows and mounds can be hazardous to farm . You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. From the PA game commission ---Landowners have a right to protect their property from damages caused by wildlife. If possible, delay removing the mother until the young are active. This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. Groundhogs tend to be more solitary than other marmots. If an animal must be removed, make sure you call a qualified nuisance wildlife controller. 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. It is against the law to relocate wildlife in California. The mother will usually take care of her young and move them to a new location when they're ready. They are not aggressive creatures, but there are many good reasons you don't want to see them digging around your yard. Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. The network of tunnels can cover an area underground ranging from 8 to 66 feet and is used for several years. If you choose to relocate, it is suggested that the animal be taken at least five miles away and out-of-town. Groundhogs may attempt to infiltrate your home by burrowing along the edge of the foundation. JavaScript is required to use content on this page. We set traps at the entrance created by the groundhogs, and our groundhog removal experts relocate the animals to a safe place. They will use their sharp claws to dig burrows for sleeping, nesting and hibernating. This stocky, medium-sized mammal is built for digging with short, strong legs and long . As defined in Minnesota statute, taking is defined as: ".pursuing, shooting, killing, capturing, trapping, snaring, angling, spearing, or netting wild animals, or placing, setting, drawing, or using a net, trap, or other device to take wild animals. LifeSupplyUSA Replacement AC4800 Air Filters Work Wonders for Allergy Sufferers, How to Use Electrostatic Filters to Assist with Seasonal Allergies, 5 Common Mistakes with Power Extension Cords and How to Avoid Them, Removing Dust & Other Household Chores You Can Automate. Groundhogs also have a short, bushy tail and often sit on their haunches to feed. Groundhogs are excellent diggers; they dig both simple and complex burrow systems. The Game Commission recommends not relocating rabies vector species because of the increased possibility of spreading disease to a new area. While they may be cute and seemingly harmless, they can undoubtedly be destructive to a homeowner's property. Besides, it's just a groundhog, what harm could it actually do? Groundhog took a bite of a tomato If you intend to live trap a groundhog Contact the Nuisance Wildlife Information Line at 1-877-463-6497 for more information. 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. Their customer service was exceptional and they provided daily follow up until the job was completed.