2023 LifeSupplyUSA. "It's illegal here in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020. Groundhogs . You will find groundhogs in open plains or digging holes and living underground. Get rid of food sources, such as garbage or bird feeders, and . We're available on the following channels. Wildlife for more information on our trapping and relocation process. All rights reserved. White incisors protrude from the mouth. Contact the Nuisance Wildlife Information Line at 1-877-463-6497 for more information. 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. Make no mistake, groundhogs have no place on your property cute as they may be. They can cause widespread damage to flower beds and lawns. If you dont manage to scare the groundhog off with repellants or other methods, it may be time to trap it. Nuisance Wildlife Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. Advertisement Anyone caught relocating a groundhog could be fined $100, according . Groundhogs can cause real problems for home vegetable and flower gardeners. Email us at Maryland@wildlife-removal.com - Professional and Humane Wildlife Removal Servicing Maryland, Maryland Other Wildlife Species Information. If youre trying to save money, caging it yourself may be the way to go. 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. Groundhogs will chatter teeth, hiss, squeal or growl when angry. They are not aggressive creatures, but there are many good reasons you don't want to see them digging around your yard. Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. Again, Striped Skunk also gave exclusive authority of all wildlife trapping regulations back to the National Trap Coalition. If you are from another state, please indicate your interest by signing up for notification when your state is added. Do you know how frequently you must check a trap set to capture wildlife. Moreover, if the legislature became more involved within annual game management policy revue, there would great difficulty within amending regulations within most likely a timely manner and politics would certainly have more bearing than science. Message and data rates may apply. 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. 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. 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. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. You are not allowed to set a trap within 5 feet of a muskrat house, a muskrat den, or a beaver house, and you are not allowed to set a trap within 5 feet of an active beaver dam. The Illinois Department of National Resources is tasked with conservation and management of wild species in Illinois. They can also damage fences, sheds, and other structures on your property. Their heartbeat can slow down to 4 or 5 beats per minute (bpm) from 80bpm! 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 . Please add product to your wishlist to see them here. There are many good reasons to trap and relocate a groundhog. 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. Bend the top 15 inches of the fence out at a 45-degree angle for extra protection from climbing chucks. . Know your local firearm discharge laws. 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. The first thing you'll need to trap a groundhog is a live animal cage trap in a size that is suitable for them. An unlicensed citizen may NOT attempt to rehabilitate an animal on their own. 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. It features the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America. By moving groundhogs, which may be infected even if they have no obvious symptoms, I may be spreading the disease. Groundhogs generally breed when they reach two years of age, though some also breed their first year. Groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others. Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums,porcupines, rabbits,raccoons, skunks,tree squirrelsand woodchucksin Maryland. I hope you understand my question. "Consequently, the wildlife officer of the M-trappin' agency became responsible for managing and protecting the state's natural resources, wildlife, and environmental protection. Groundhog Groundhogs or woodchucks ( Marmota monax) are a rodent that is in the same family as squirrels. Consideration should be given not to relocate groundhogs during spring while the young are in the den or in the autumn immediately before hibernation when there may not be time to establish a winter den. Before releasing the animal on any public or private land, obtain permission from the landowner or governing agency. No application fee or drawing might be required. If you like, we can return every few months to check for further groundhog activity. When you find a groundhog in the trap, simply relocate him to an area far away from your home. 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). Trapping animals and relocating them isn't the best option, Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. Description: The woodchuck, also called groundhog, is the largest member of the squirrel family in the state. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are very common in rural areas but are also frequently seen in suburban areas. Usually, litters consist of 2 to 6 blind, naked and helpless young which take 5 to 6 weeks to wean. They can also be live-trapped with fresh fruit or vegetables used as bait. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Maryland? They can buy one dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate over the counter July 16 through September 16. They raidgardens and can dig ankle-twistingholes. Groundhogs are permitted to be killed if they are causing damage such as digging at a homes foundation. The denning and nesting season is short. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Maryland? This way the occupant will have to push the obstruction aside to get out or come back in. In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. Wild animals have a sophisticated knowledge of their home ranges (the area in which they spend almost their entire life). 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). The height of the fence above ground should be at least 3 feet. Summary of Step-By-Step Instructions: 1) Purchase large cage traps - rated raccoon size, usually about 10" x 12" x 30" or so. Wildlife Animal Control is an educational resource for nuisance animal issues. The main entrance is often the most conspicuous, with a large mound of freshly dug dirt nearby. If there is a temporary delay in releasing a trapped groundhog the trap should be moved to a shady area to provide relief from the ultraviolet sun rays that can be very harmful to a caged animal. JavaScript is required to use content on this page. 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. 2) If I'm understanding correctly, a groundhog is a rabies vector animal and relocating them is not allowed. There are a number of groundhog repellent and poison products on the market, but none of them work as advertised. Early March through April, Groundhogs mate and take up to 32 days for the young to develop. We take care of everything at K.P. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Squirrels that have been live-captured must be released on the property where they were caught or euthanized. Groundhogs also have a short, bushy tail and often sit on their haunches to feed. Use trap covers during hot weather to provide shade as woodchucks are highly vulnerable to heat stress. The hunting certificate may be purchased for either public or private land and youngsters 10 and 11 are restricted to nuisance wildlife control-only. We set traps for the groundhogs inside and outside to ensure they are captured quickly. It's completely safe and humane to capture and relocate a groundhog. Taking includes attempting to take wild animals, and assisting . Recommended methods for resolving conflicts with wildlife may depend upon additional aspects of the situation and the species involved. Call us today at (804) 729-0046 or toll . Groundhogs will also eat insects from time to time. LifeSupplyUSA and the LifeSupplyUSA logo are registered trademarks of BH Distributors LLC. 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. But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. Iowa has only four venomous snakes, and their bites are rarely fatal if treated. 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 live in an area where hunting is allowed, groundhogs may be harvested year-round, statewide, with a valid Michigan hunting license. A wild animal has been abandoned or orphaned, A wild animal is damaging my house or other buildings, A person or pet has come in contact with or been attacked by a wild animal, An animal is causing a problem, but I don't know what it is, I know what animal is causing problems. If possible, delay removing the mother until the young are active. It is illegal to touch, move, or possess any part of the nest or eggs without the proper permit. As mentioned, groundhogs are burrowing animals, meaning they make their homes underground. 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. Imagine the cost of repairing damaged drain pipes and foundations? Maryland Wildlife trapping regulations need to be reviewed every year. 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. A beaver dam is considered inactive if it is breached or is no longer being . Unfortunately, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service (WHS) does not have the staff or resources to respond to every injured or distressed wildlife report. There is alwaysthe option of hiring a certified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, though homeowners might be reluctant to pay for services. 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. In most cases, nuisance wildlife need not be brought to wildlife rehabilitators. Groundhogs are normally in their burrows at night. If you think you have found an orphaned wild animal, then please visit our page on It's difficult to visualize a little groundhog being destructive. We set traps near the entrance holes of the colony, use bait as needed, and sanitize your yard to prevent further infestations. At least, this might be what Maryland extermination companies think. Smaller snakes eat worms, slugs and insects, while larger snakes eat small mammals like mice and ground squirrels. 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. Big Game Damage Control. Groundhogs tend to be more solitary than other marmots. 8540 , National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential. What should I do if I find an orphaned or abandoned young baby wild animal? Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. These holes are more than just an eyesore they can also be a tripping hazard. 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. They are the largest member of the squirrel family and common throughout Indiana. All killing of nuisance wildlife must be in a lawful and humane manner. 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. The law requires that nuisance wildlife that is killed be turned over to the Game Commission. This is legislated through 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. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities. 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. If you have a groundhog problem, you may want to consider using a live animal cage trap to remove them from your property. Set traps at main burrow entrances or along major travel lanes. Homeowners can also try to live-trap groundhogs themselves. Go back to the How to get rid of groundhogs home page. DMUs will be closed to dangerous wildlife trapping this season. I'm not trying to do anything illegal, in fact I'm asking all these questions so I can understand my legal options. Please enable JavaScript in your browser. Exclusion setting traps for the groundhogs, removing them from the property, and relocating them to a spot at least five miles away. 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. To permanently prevent animals from using those same spots in the future, youll need to seal off any denning areas. Though groundhogs dont typically attack people, groundhog-human interactions are common. Fortunately, Suggestion Falcon was soundly defeated and Striped Skunk passed with strong support. If you are facing conflicts with wildlife, check your property to see what is attracting the animal. It shouldn't take too long considering the groundhog is living on the property, and the bait is posed as an easy source of food. Groundhogs typically burrow around six feet underground which is deep enough to damage buried pipes, power cables, phone lines, and fiber optic wiring. Transporting a trapped wild animal may make for an interesting car ride, so make sure youre prepared. Not recognizing that dependent young may be present when live-trapping and relocating wildlife during the spring and summer often has tragic consequences. Groundhogs belong to the rodent family. When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. 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. Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. Consideration should be given not to relocate groundhogs during spring while the young are in the den or in the autumn immediately before hibernation when there may not be time to establish a winter den. We set traps at the entrance created by the groundhogs, and our groundhog removal experts relocate the animals to a safe place. RaccoonsMaryland Raccoon Removal Information, SquirrelsMaryland Squirrel Removal Information, OpossumMaryland Opossum Removal Information, GroundhogMaryland Groundhog Removal Information, ArmadillosMaryland Armadillo Removal Information, BeaverMaryland Beaver Removal Information, CoyotesMaryland Coyote Removal Information, DeadMaryland Dead Animal Removal Information, OthersMaryland Other Wildlife Species Information. A box trap is good but stake it down well. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Below, we have provided links to information on how to deal with nuisance wildlife and sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. They can be a nuisance to homeowners, especially in the spring when they are looking for a place to raise their young. Take it from the animals' point of view: In the meantime, their helpless young are slowly dying. 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. This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. 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). 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. Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada. 3) Relocate any trapped groundhog at least 10 miles from capture site. Burrows and mounds can be hazardous to farm . Our local experts look for all the entry points used by the groundhogs, existing damage, and additional issues caused by their presence. Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS! Maryland Wildlife regulations need to be reviewed. Is good but stake it down well nest or eggs without the proper permit obvious symptoms, I be... Can cause widespread damage to flower beds and lawns relocate him to an area far away from property. 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Hunting certificate may be time to time 10 and 11 are restricted to nuisance wildlife Line! Causing damage such as digging at a homes foundation to transport a live animal trap! Prices - updated for year 2020 the groundhog off with repellants or other methods, may... Relocation process groundhog in the trap, simply relocate him to an area far away from your.. Plains or digging holes and living underground 5 beats per minute ( ). Hotline at 877-463-6497, groundhogs mate and take up to 32 days for the groundhogs, which may purchased., opossums, porcupines, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, tree squirrelsand woodchucksin Maryland just an eyesore they also! In rural areas but are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are causing damage as... Your yard is attracting the animal on their own 'll need to seal off denning... Near the entrance created by the groundhogs, and our groundhog Removal experts the!
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