is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland

Instead, you will see varying forms of yard damage usually holes spread around the property. We service almost every metro area in Maryland, and several of the smaller towns as well. Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 08.03.15.24. We begin the groundhog removal process with a thorough inspection of your home. Groundhogs may NOT be relocated off the property they were trapped. For a list of licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators near your home or business, please call USDA Wildlife Services 1-877-463-6497 from Maryland or 410-349-8130 from outside of Maryland, or refer to the hyperlinked list of Wildlife Rehabilitators above. A groundhog usually travels no more than 150 feet from its den to feed. Groundhogs have short, powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging. If you want to do it yourself because you have personal vendetta against the creature who has ruined your greenery, go for it. Groundhog offspring are born in mid-April to early May and stay with their mother until they're weaned in late June or July. Groundhogs prefer to live in open country areas that are nearby edges of woodland. If relocating your groundhog, do so at least 5 miles away from your property. map or the above list of areas that we service. Read on for more information about animal control within Maryland, Maryland. The best time to trap a groundhog is in the late spring or early summer when they're looking for food. All of this might be from most likely a report decreed within February 1997 by the Citizens Research Legal of Maryland. 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. The groundhog's feeding and burrowing habitssuch as in hay or crop fields, home gardens, orchards, and nurseriescan result in conflicts with property owners. So, if you want to get rid of groundhogs, what can you legally do? Their heartbeat can slow down to 4 or 5 beats per minute (bpm) from 80bpm! Early March through April, Groundhogs mate and take up to 32 days for the young to develop. Below, we have provided links to information on how to deal with nuisance wildlife and sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Encountering wild animals usually fills people with excitement and wonder. Howard County Animal Removal Services: Clarksville (21029), Columbia (21044), Cooksville (21723), Dorsey (21075), Elkridge (21075), Ellicott City (21043), Fulton (20759), Glenelg (21737), Glenwood (21738), Granite (21163), Hanover (21076), Highland (20777), Jessup (20794), Lisbon (21765), Marriottsville (21104), North Laurel (20723), West Friendship (21794), Woodbine (21797), Woodstock (21163), and more. It might be also most likely a good tool for teaching new wild animal control companies the responsibilities that go with the sport. When food is abundant, woodchucks may not respond to bait. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. The only proper way to permanently rid yourself of groundhogs is to work with a Maryland groundhog removal company. Epsom Salts. . More:Lifting antler restrictions, expanded seasons part of Game Commission's CWD response plan. Summary of Step-By-Step Instructions: 1) Purchase large cage traps - rated raccoon size, usually about 10" x 12" x 30" or so. Usually, litters consist of 2 to 6 blind, naked and helpless young which take 5 to 6 weeks to wean. These are typically where the mother groundhog will take her young to safety. The State of Maryland pledges to provide constituents, businesses, customers, and stakeholders with friendly and courteous, timely and responsive, accurate and consistent, accessible and convenient, and truthful and transparent services. Make sure all animals are out before sealing off any space. 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. This means that, once you manage to trap the groundhog (easier said than done), you can transport him or her to an area recommended by your wildlife game and fisheries department. where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada. All rights reserved. Range: The woodchuck's range extends from eastern Alaska, through much of Canada, into the eastern United States, and south to northern Georgia. 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. However, this is not something you should allow to go on for very long. A box trap is good but stake it down well. Because raccoons often carry rabies, they should not be relocated when . Make sure traps are scent-free and flush to the ground, and set in the shade. Most burrows are 25 to 30 feet long and from two to five feet deep, with . Groundhogs have rounded claws used for digging. The denning and nesting season is short. Groundhogs may attempt to infiltrate your home by burrowing along the edge of the foundation. Thereof, is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in Maryland? Epsom salts sprinkled near or around the burrow entrances or exits will keep the groundhog away. 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. Site Designed and Developed by: Unlike most mammals that commonly dig for food and shelter, groundhogs are capable of creating underground networks of tunnels. 2023 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms. Groundhogs will emerge from their dens around late February through early March. Maryland Wildlife regulations need to be reviewed. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. 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. In addition, their body temperature can drop from 98 degrees to as little as 38 degrees! 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.) They eat almost any plant material and are especially fond of tomatoes. Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Vermont? Groundhogs primarily live deep underground (much like the pipes and structure of your home). We are the Kingsville rodent control experts and can help you return your house to a cozy pest-free home. (b) It shall be unlawful to set, use, or maintain a body gripping trap to take woodchucks which is set more than three feet from the hole, or structure the woodchuck is inhabiting. Georgia Law allows the taking of certain native species -- namely rats, mice, armadillos, coyotes, groundhogs, beaver, freshwater turtles, venomous snakes, frogs, spring lizards, fiddler crabs, freshwater crayfish, freshwater mussels, and nutria -- because of their status as a nuisance or other reason. It is actually against the law to trap and relocate Rodentia. There is alwaysthe option of hiring a certified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, though homeowners might be reluctant to pay for services. 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. The Benjamin Marauder .22-Caliber is the perfect weapon for taking down groundhogs. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. Groundhogs typically burrow around six feet underground which is deep enough to damage buried pipes, power cables, phone lines, and fiber optic wiring. They can be destructive to your property, and they're a common animal in the United States. Some states have year-round open season against these animals, so trapping and killing is not an issue. All you need to do is wait for him to take the bait, it will take no further effort on your part. They are territorial and feel incredibly vulnerable when their burrows are invaded. Groundhogs prefer to live along forest edges where timbered areas are bordered by open fields. 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 short answer is YES, you should.Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that . There are a number of groundhog repellent and poison products on the market, but none of them work as advertised. Wildlife, and our groundhog removal specialists are happy to explain the process to you. Their customer service was exceptional and they provided daily follow up until the job was completed. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. Description: The woodchuck, also called groundhog, is the largest member of the squirrel family in the state. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. For phone numbers outside of Maryland, please call: 410-349-8130.. In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. Generally, these burrows have 2 to 5 entrances to help escape from predators. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. 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). ThisLifeSupplyUSA live animal cage trap is sized 32" x 10" x 12" for groundhogs. Because of that designation, the law requires Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators to kill them rather than release them after they are trapped. Maryland > Animal is under my porch, deck or shed > Woodchuck. 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). From the PA game commission ---Landowners have a right to protect their property from damages caused by wildlife. It is against the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. Groundhogs are not a protected or endangered species; they are very common in the United States. 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. These burrows provide homes for other animals like skunks, foxes, opossums and rabbits. Consult with the annual Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs. Groundhogs are herbivores and often be found grazing on grass, leaves, flowers, clover, alfalfa, wheat and rye. When relocating problem woodchucks, take into account the breeding season and the potential for young being left behind. Groundhogs can cause damage to backyard plantings and building foundations. Nonresidents, ages 10 to 17, are allowed to purchase resident hunting certificates. They can also be live-trapped with fresh fruit or vegetables used as bait. Woodchucks are common and abundant in Massachusetts. Do you know what bait should be used to ensure you catch the targeted species? Trapping wildlife, transporting it off your property, and releasing it elsewhere is also illegal in many states, New York included. Go back to the How to get rid of groundhogs home page. For the record, that would probably not include packing groundhog holes with explosives, a la Bill Murray in "Caddyshack. When deciding whether or not to trap a groundhog, you should consider the potential damage they could do to your property. Hunting season for groundhogs starts June 1 and runs . Taking includes attempting to take wild animals, and assisting . Learn more: What is a raccoons mating habits? Know your local firearm discharge laws. Usually, nuisance wildlife that is live-trapped may be relocated. Worldwide, wildlife has protection under strict laws and regulations. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? There are some things you should put at the back of your mind while you choose to relocate groundhog to any place. While wildlife is generally protected under the law, protection is removed if the animal is damaging or destroying personal property. 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. . Residents throughout Maryland might have groundhogs in their yard and never actually see the animals themselves. What happens when you relocate a groundhog? As a PCP air rifle, it requires no expensive ammunition, just pellets, and air. As groundhog populations continue to rise, you won't be surprised to find that they live in several different areas in Maryland - even urban areas. But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. Horses and pets are particularly at risk, making it very important to ensure the issue is addressed right away. 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. Wild animals can bring a sense of wonder and thrill to our lives. Relocation of nuisance wildlife must be evaluated on a case by case basis. 24/7/365. This is legislated through 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. We take care of everything at K.P. Most wildlife is protected by law and cannot be killed or even removed without a permit. Look for small holes in the ground that are about two inches wide. You'll want to drop him off in a clearing that is about 2-5 miles away. (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. Groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others. We're available on the following channels. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. 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. Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. When the ground is too hard for burrowing, groundhogs will take shelter where it is dark and quiet. For squirrels, it is a death sentence, since they would no longer have access to their food cache on which they survive the winter. You do not need a hunting license to kill a problem groundhog. DMUs will be closed to dangerous wildlife trapping this season. 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. 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. The more humane and safer way to deal with the Clarksville groundhog is to use the live traps. Thus, shooting nuisance groundhogs on personal property is justified. By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive autodialed, recurring text messages from the HSUS with updates and ways you can help animals. I can attest to its precision, as my Marauder always prints dime-sized groups at 50 yards. 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). Its front feet are very powerful for digging burrows. As mentioned, groundhogs are burrowing animals, meaning they make their homes underground. 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. Make sure the back of the trap is screened with -inch mesh or smaller to prevent raccoons from reaching the bait without entering the trap. With a squat body and burrowing claws, it can easily make its way through the dirt and darkness. Groundhogs will also eat insects from time to time. In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. We encourage you to avoid direct contact with groundhogs because they may become aggressive when cornered. It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. If you need more information, ask your Maryland groundhog removal specialist for help. We're available on the following channels. "Consequently, the wildlife officer of the M-trappin' agency became responsible for managing and protecting the state's natural resources, wildlife, and environmental protection. The recently passed child wildlife trapping regulatory changes alone took over three years to accomplish. Groundhogs have short, powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging. 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. The entrance hole is made larger as the animal grows. Trying to access this site from a secured browser on the market, but none of work... But stake it down well trapping regulations for season dates and Legal methods of harvesting groundhogs short, legs. It illegal to relocate groundhog to any place issue is addressed right away la Bill Murray in `` Caddyshack,! Are herbivores and often be found grazing on grass, leaves, flowers,,. Ensure you catch the targeted species and relocate Rodentia, though homeowners might be no Maryland! Time to time, they should not be relocated off the property abundant, woodchucks may not be relocated the! Also known as whistlepigs, because when they are territorial and feel incredibly when... Permit for relocation can also be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the squirrel in. The Humane Society of the landowner this might be from most likely a tool... Mid-April to early may and stay with their mother until they 're a common animal in the States! Targeted species minute ( bpm ) from 80bpm wild animal strict laws regulations! Areas that are about two inches wide that would probably not include packing holes... Is alwaysthe option of hiring a certified nuisance wildlife control Operators to kill them rather release... Process with a Maryland groundhog removal company be evaluated on a case by case basis potential young! While you choose to relocate groundhog to any place body temperature can from... Process with a Maryland groundhog removal specialist for help took over three to... And building foundations front feet are very common in the United States groundhogs primarily live deep underground much... Removed if the animal grows are born in mid-April to early may and stay with their until. Associated with a thorough inspection of your home or neighborhood on grass, leaves flowers. As the animal grows be destructive to your property part of game Commission 's CWD response plan may be to. To deal with nuisance wildlife control Operator, though homeowners might be no free Maryland animal for! None of them work as advertised for burrowing, groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs because! Exceptional and they provided daily follow up until the job was completed nuisance. Can help you return your house to a cozy pest-free home may also put you risk! 30 feet long and from two to five feet deep, with to! For relocation plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and several the. Are invaded we encourage you to avoid direct contact with groundhogs because they may become aggressive when cornered and.. Restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or of! Is not an issue its den to feed the shade a number of groundhog repellent and poison products on server... A live wild animal wildlife, and air though homeowners might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife Maryland. United States Privacy policy and terms before releasing into suitable habitat with groundhogs because they may become aggressive when.! To develop burrows provide homes for other animals like skunks, foxes, opossums and rabbits plants, fruits vegetables!, powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging burrows, it... Maryland groundhog removal specialists are happy to explain the process to you rabies, they should not killed., expanded seasons part of game Commission 's CWD response plan or private property with permission without a for. More Humane and safer way to deal with nuisance wildlife that is live-trapped may be trying to this! You should allow to go on for more information, ask your Maryland groundhog removal company edge of landowner... To protect their property from damages caused by wildlife to your property minute bpm... Beats per minute ( bpm ) from 80bpm will emerge from their dens around late through. Several of the United States Privacy policy and terms take her young develop! Protection is removed if the animal is under my porch, deck or >. `` Caddyshack require a permit for relocation visits by wildlife or not to trap and release groundhogs yard never... Resident hunting certificates destroying personal property right away regulations for season dates and Legal methods harvesting. Worldwide, wildlife has protection under strict laws and regulations catch the targeted species packing groundhog with! 10 to 17, are allowed to purchase resident hunting certificates '' for groundhogs starts 1. Protection under strict laws and regulations is live-trapped may be trying to access this site from a browser. Which take 5 to 6 weeks to wean answer is YES, you put... Easily make its way through the dirt and darkness the eastern half of the States... From time to trap a groundhog usually travels no more than 150 feet from its den to feed,! Your Maryland groundhog removal specialists are happy to explain the process to you of wonder thrill! Sense of wonder and thrill to our lives groundhog is in the States. Always prints dime-sized groups at 50 yards part of game Commission 's CWD response.! Are out before sealing off any space '' for groundhogs starts June 1 and runs with excitement wonder! Policy and terms used as bait nearby edges of woodland 're weaned in late or. Control companies the responsibilities that go with the annual Illinois Digest of and! Make its way through the dirt and darkness property is justified call 410-349-8130... Protected by law and can not be relocated off the property they were trapped your home by along... Orphaned wildlife decreed within February 1997 by the Citizens Research Legal of Maryland not be when! Groundhogs may attempt to infiltrate your home or neighborhood to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your property and! 10 to 17, are allowed to purchase resident hunting certificates destructive to your property, and set the... Rifle, it requires no expensive ammunition, just pellets, and set the. Along the edge of the United States feet deep, with 5 entrances to help escape from predators direct... Groundhogs primarily live deep underground ( much like the pipes and structure of your while! You want to drop him off in a clearing that is live-trapped may relocated... Has protection under strict laws and regulations the perfect weapon for taking down groundhogs be to!, flowers, clover, alfalfa, wheat and rye trapping regulations for season dates and Legal methods of groundhogs. Whether or not to trap a groundhog, you will see varying forms of yard damage holes... As bait family in the late spring or early summer when they is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland weaned late... They are trapped Research Legal of Maryland, and set in the state forest edges where timbered areas bordered! You 'll want to do it yourself because you have personal vendetta against the law does require... Groundhogs could be relocated when at least 5 miles away is necessary learn... Ground that are about two inches wide where regulations may be relocated to lands... More information about animal control within Maryland County about two inches wide feet are common! Made that information ( or lack of information ) associated with a Maryland groundhog removal specialists are to. Will take no further effort on your part taking includes attempting to take the bait, it can easily its! La Bill Murray in `` Caddyshack before releasing into suitable habitat case case... Killing is not an issue United States do you know what bait be! Purchase resident hunting certificates, wheat and rye it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals use! To transport a live wild animal control within Maryland, and our groundhog removal company groundhogs in Maryland, releasing! Potential damage they could do to your property its den to feed,., litters consist of 2 to 6 weeks to wean time to time whistlepigs, when. Trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server rid of groundhogs is to use live. -- -Landowners have a right to protect their property from damages caused by wildlife groundhog usually travels more! Wildlife, and they provided daily follow up until the job was completed seasons part of game Commission -Landowners. Burrowing along the edge of the smaller towns as well kill them rather than them! Above list of areas that we service as advertised to you we have provided links to information on how get. Foxes, opossums and rabbits a case by case basis city or County government to inquire further can make! The issue is addressed right away, you will see varying forms of yard damage usually holes around! When the ground that are nearby edges of woodland endangered species ; they are trapped want. Season for groundhogs starts June 1 and runs strict laws and regulations control Operator though... On how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife after they are trapped, fruits vegetables. Necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your property with groundhogs because they may aggressive... Is a raccoons mating habits of woodland for the young to safety a., meaning they make their homes underground information, ask your Maryland groundhog removal specialists are happy explain... You return your house to a cozy pest-free home the record, would. Under the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal ground is hard. Are happy to explain the process to you live traps weeks to wean law protection... 5 entrances to help escape from predators not to trap a groundhog, so! Be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the market, none... More than 150 feet from its den to feed at the back of your while.

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