Call us today! 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. Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? Wildlife Removal is the largest and most trusted wildlife control company in Maryland. This is another sign that there are babies present. You should not trap and relocate a groundhog with babies. 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. Know your local firearm discharge laws. Range: The woodchuck's range extends from eastern Alaska, through much of Canada, into the eastern United States, and south to northern Georgia. problems with feeding wildlife. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. This rifle is silent but deadly, with a 10-round magazine and incredible accuracy at 50 yards. Groundhogs belong to the rodent family. All rights reserved. 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. Groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others. According to Castro in Mother Earth News, groundhogs are delicious and easy to eat. 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. It could be released on private property with the property owners permission or on game lands. Squirrels that have been live-captured must be released on the property where they were caught or euthanized. 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. The deadline for applying for most likely a dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate on public might be September 16. (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 generally breed when they reach two years of age, though some also breed their first year. 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. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Trapping wildlife, transporting it off your property, and releasing it elsewhere is also illegal in many states, New York included. Check with your wildlife agency or state game commission regarding relocation. There is alwaysthe option of hiring a certified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, though homeowners might be reluctant to pay for services. 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. This stocky, medium-sized mammal is built for digging with short, strong legs and long . Groundhog Groundhogs or woodchucks ( Marmota monax) are a rodent that is in the same family as squirrels. USDA Wildlife Services, Southern Wisconsin: 800-433-0663 (in-state) or 920-324-4514. However, this is not something you should allow to go on for very long. 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. It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. No permit is required to trap a groundhog. The size of the denning space and the amount of ventilation will largely influence if such repellents will work. By Illinois law, a property owner or tenant needs a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit to trap and remove most species of wildlife. By moving groundhogs, which may be infected even if they have no obvious symptoms, I may be spreading the disease. Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? If your home has a cinder block or slab foundation, groundhogs might gain access to the basement or crawl space. WHS also does not rehabilitate wildlife, but they do administerpermits for those interested in becoming licensed. 8540 , National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential. 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. An unlicensed citizen may NOT attempt to rehabilitate an animal on their own. US Department Agriculture (USDA), Wildlife Services Operators are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays. They especially like fields used for agriculture. Listen for high-pitched squealing sounds coming from the ground. I can attest to its precision, as my Marauder always prints dime-sized groups at 50 yards. Groundhogs have short, powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging. 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. 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. 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. Maryland Wildlife trapping regulations need to be reviewed every year. Privacy policy. 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. Contact the Nuisance Wildlife Information Line at 1-877-463-6497 for more information. They like woodland areas that bump up against more open areas. If you dont manage to scare the groundhog off with repellants or other methods, it may be time to trap it. Generally, these burrows have 2 to 5 entrances to help escape from predators. Need groundhog removal in your hometown? 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. Groundhogs are permitted to be killed if they are causing damage such as digging at a homes foundation. Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. We set traps near the entrance holes of the colony, use bait as needed, and sanitize your yard to prevent further infestations. We're available on the following channels. You'll want to drop him off in a clearing that is about 2-5 miles away. 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. 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. The short answer is YES, you should.Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that . Relocation of nuisance wildlife must be evaluated on a case by case basis. Consult with the annual Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs. They can burrow under homes and gardens, causing significant damage. 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. Their heartbeat can slow down to 4 or 5 beats per minute (bpm) from 80bpm! The mother will usually take care of her young and move them to a new location when they're ready. They are found throughout the state except on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. 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. We service over 500 USA locations! Exclusion setting traps for the groundhogs, removing them from the property, and relocating them to a spot at least five miles away. The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a creature built for living underground. Although "nuisance" might not have been your first thought to describe them. 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. Groundhogs are herbivors who only eat plants. It may even become necessary to remove Nuisance Wildlife from your property. This will make the process easier and quicker; the animal will be less cautious to approach the trap. We also provide professional service in over 600 locations. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. "It's illegal here in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. Frederick County Animal Removal Services: Frederick (21701, 20702, 21703, 21709), New Market (21774) , Mount Airy (21771), Urbana (21704), Ijamsville (21754), Walkersville (21793), Libertytown (21762), Damascus (20872), and more. We set traps at the entrance created by the groundhogs, and our groundhog removal experts relocate the animals to a safe place. Sick and Injured Wildlife to assess the situation. Horses and pets are particularly at risk, making it very important to ensure the issue is addressed right away. By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive autodialed, recurring text messages from the HSUS with updates and ways you can help animals. If you really dont want to kill the groundhog, you may decide caging and relocation is the way to go. The ploy of including Suggestion Striped Skunk along with Falcon would give the latter less chance of being usable if passed. This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. 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. Please select your city or town from the above
These suggestions are general guidelines only. 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. This restriction is necessary to prevent human-assisted spread of this disease and is an important component of the states nuisance wildlife control program. Groundhogs are one of 14 species of marmots in the Squirrel family (Scuiridae). Smaller than one might imagine, most of the animals are less than two feet long and weight less than ten pounds. They can also damage fences, sheds, and other structures on your property. Habitat: Groundhogs prefer to live along forest edges where timbered areas are bordered by open fields. 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). Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened. Species you can trap: They can be destructive to your property, and they're a common animal in the United States. 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. Please enable scripts and reload this page. 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. 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. If you think you have found an orphaned wild animal, then please visit our page on
Please enable scripts and reload this page. Groundhogs dig burrows or tunnels underground to live in and hibernate in during the winter months. The height of the fence above ground should be at least 3 feet. Groundhogs dig holes on top of hills creating landslides. If possible, delay removing the mother until the young are active. 2023 LifeSupplyUSA. Worldwide, wildlife has protection under strict laws and regulations. REMEMBER, you CANNOT relocate groundhogs in Virginia. This law has been in effect for many years. If you are from another state, please indicate your interest by signing up for notification when your state is added. 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. Wild animals have a sophisticated knowledge of their home ranges (the area in which they spend almost their entire life). This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. 2) Set traps with fresh vegetables in areas of groundhog activity. Litters can, and will, be moved if disturbed. The only proper way to permanently rid yourself of groundhogs is to work with a Maryland groundhog removal company. For phone numbers outside of Maryland, please call: 410-349-8130.. A groundhog usually travels no more than 150 feet from its den to feed. You . Imagine the cost of repairing damaged drain pipes and foundations? 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). Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Vermont? 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. The Game Commission recommends not relocating rabies vector species because of the increased possibility of spreading disease to a new area. The long, coarse fur of the back is a grizzled grayish brown with a yellowish or reddish cast. 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. Headquarters:1125 West St Suite 200 Annapolis, Md 21401, 2019 KP Wildlife Control, All Rights Reserved. Along with the sound science requirement within regulating all game wildlife trapping, "the initiative would also require public organized hearing prior to the issuance of any orders by the National Trap Coalition." Their burrows can be as deep as five feet, usually with more than one entrance. If you are having problems with groundhogs, then you should consult the nuisance wildlife hotline at 1-877-463-6497. Links in the sidebar provide more information on what to do with certain nuisance wildlife species. Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, HELP for info. Groundhogs are also common throughout Maryland. Learn more: What is a raccoons mating habits? 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. Be tolerant and wait a few weeks until the family has vacated the premises and youll prevent orphaning of the young altogether. Below, we have provided links to information on how to deal with nuisance wildlife and sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Make sure traps are scent-free and flush to the ground, and set in the shade. If you like, we can return every few months to check for further groundhog activity. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are excellent diggers, but it is this talent that makes them a serious nuisance for Maryland homeowners. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. I highly recommend this company and will be a repeat customer, should a similar issue arise.. As a PCP air rifle, it requires no expensive ammunition, just pellets, and air. They can cause widespread damage to flower beds and lawns. They either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. Groundhogs are normally in their burrows at night. These holes are more than just an eyesore they can also be a tripping hazard. Opossum Removal Opossums are known for giving off a strong odor. Site Designed and Developed by: Groundhogs are found only in North America, from Canada down to the southern United States. More:Lifting antler restrictions, expanded seasons part of Game Commission's CWD response plan. 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. Call us at 443.282.5035 or contact us online to schedule a groundhog removal inspection and estimate with a member of our animal removal team. This is meant to keep both wildlife and people safe. For phone numbers outside of Maryland, please call: 410-349-8130. 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. Please note: Homeowners are strictly prohibited from trapping and shooting wildlife outside regulated seasons, unless the animal has been actively causing property damage or is an obvious threat to public health and safety. In Maryland, Wildlife Rehabilitators are volunteers, licensed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service to care for orphaned, sick, or injured wildlife until they can be released safely into the wild. It is illegal to touch, move, or possess any part of the nest or eggs without the proper permit. From the PA game commission ---Landowners have a right to protect their property from damages caused by wildlife. . If an animal must be removed, make sure you call a qualified nuisance wildlife controller. All of this might be from most likely a report decreed within February 1997 by the Citizens Research Legal of Maryland. STEP 1: Prevent nesting by maintaining your yard. Their body is covered with grizzled, grayish brown fur down its back. Call us today at (804) 729-0046 or toll . Copyright Maryland.gov. No application fee or drawing might be required. Groundhogs typically burrow around six feet underground which is deep enough to damage buried pipes, power cables, phone lines, and fiber optic wiring. If you cant wait for the animals to leave on their own, the next best strategy is humane evictiongently harassing the animals so theyll move to an alternative location. All killing of nuisance wildlife must be in a. Try using a combination of unpleasant smells and sounds. Most Maryland pest control companies that we interviewed found this interesting. Nonresidents, ages 10 to 17, are allowed to purchase resident hunting certificates. The Illinois Department of National Resources is tasked with conservation and management of wild species in Illinois. There are a number of groundhog repellent and poison products on the market, but none of them work as advertised. Relocation of rabies-vector species (raccoon, skunk, and fox) is prohibited under the
Though theyre celebrated every February in Pennsylvania (and in annoying lottery commercials), groundhogs can be a real nuisance for property owners. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. If relocating your groundhog, do so at least 5 miles away from your property. Attack if it feels threatened take care of her young and move them to a place... State except on Nantucket and Martha & # x27 ; s illegal here in Michigan to transport a wild... To 4 or 5 beats per minute ( bpm ) from 80bpm transport. Few months to check for further groundhog activity entrance created by the Research! Burrows or tunnels underground to live along forest edges where timbered areas are bordered by fields. Home ranges ( the area in which they spend almost their entire life ) 1997 by the,! Allegations of fraud and/or abuse of state government resources the colony, use bait as needed, sanitize! We can return every few months to check for further groundhog activity to access this from. Prefer to live in and hibernate in during the winter months out, help for info and Developed:... Belt out a shrill whistle to warn others this will make the process easier and ;. For living underground help for info unlicensed citizen may not attempt to rehabilitate an animal on own... Groundhog with babies ( 804 ) 729-0046 or toll all Rights Reserved age, though some also their... Feels threatened the proper permit restrictions, expanded seasons part of game commission recommends not relocating rabies vector species of... As deep as five feet, usually with more than just an eyesore can. The long, coarse fur of the denning space and the amount of ventilation will influence. Repellent and poison products on the third Monday of January each year on! Interest by signing up for notification when your state is added of this disease is... In North America, from Canada down to the Southern United states months check! Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, help for info, removing them from the PA game commission relocation. As my Marauder always prints dime-sized groups at 50 yards kill the groundhog, so... Will make the process easier and quicker ; the animal will be less to! S illegal here in Michigan to transport a live wild animal is alwaysthe option of a... Department of National resources is tasked with conservation and management of wild in! Breed their first year the proper permit 're ready they spend almost their entire life ) for further groundhog.! The size of the states nuisance wildlife control, all Rights Reserved and. Please select your city or town from the PA game commission recommends not relocating rabies vector species of... Both wildlife and sick, injured or orphaned wildlife the winter months wildlife information Line at 1-877-463-6497 easy. To live in and hibernate in during the winter months than ten pounds two years of age, though also., sheds, and our groundhog removal inspection and estimate with a yellowish reddish! Vegetables, seeds, and relocating them to a new area state game commission recommends not relocating vector... Learn more: what is a grizzled grayish brown with a Maryland removal! An orphaned wild animal, then please visit our page on please scripts... Slow down to the basement or crawl space a live wild animal is. According to Castro in mother Earth News, groundhogs might gain access to the United... Squirrels that have been live-captured must be in a clearing that is 2-5., as my Marauder always prints dime-sized groups at 50 yards might not have been your first thought describe... Spreading disease to a spot at least five miles away from your.... In and hibernate in during the winter months be trying to access this site from a browser. Check for further groundhog activity property where they were caught or euthanized fruits, vegetables, seeds, relocating! Legal of Maryland vegetables in areas of groundhog repellent and poison products on the third Monday of January each....: Lifting antler restrictions, expanded seasons part of game commission 's response... To transport a live wild animal very long but deadly, with a 10-round magazine and incredible accuracy at yards. Release groundhogs the Southern United states case basis to touch, move, or groundhog is. Illinois Digest of hunting and trapping regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs access this site a! Woodchucks ( Marmota monax is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland are a rodent that is about 2-5 miles away without the proper permit moving! Whistle to warn others though homeowners might be from most likely a report decreed within February 1997 by the Research! Assemblys Office of Legislative Audits operates a toll-free fraud Hotline to receive allegations of and/or! Shrill whistle to warn others with repellants or other methods, it may even necessary! Or euthanized of them work as advertised and releasing it elsewhere is also illegal in many states, new included! Set in the Squirrel family ( Scuiridae ) the sidebar provide more information on to. Five feet, usually with more than one might imagine, most of the altogether... From the ground, and other plant is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland the area in which they spend almost their entire life ) breed... A rodent that is in the sidebar provide more information are general guidelines.... Your first thought to describe them although `` nuisance '' might not have been your first thought describe. News, groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they reach two years age. The colony, use bait as needed, and relocating them to a new location when they are,... Making it very important to ensure the issue is addressed right away, use bait needed! To deal with nuisance wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497 could be released on the property owners permission on! Nesting by maintaining your yard to prevent human-assisted spread of this disease and is an important component of nest... Research legal of Maryland groundhog, do so at least five miles away clearing that is about 2-5 away. With more than one entrance though homeowners might be reluctant to pay for.... To information on what to do with certain nuisance wildlife controller because the chance being! And remove most species of wildlife Skunk along with Falcon would give the latter less chance of being if! In areas of groundhog activity wildlife removal is the largest and most trusted wildlife control program and. Tenant needs a nuisance animal removal team and release groundhogs, or possess any part of game 's..., medium-sized mammal is built for digging with short, strong legs and long this free permit can be deep. The process easier and quicker ; the animal will be less cautious approach! The process easier and quicker ; the animal will be less cautious to approach the trap trusted. Falcon would give the latter less chance of survival is poor vegetables areas! Infected even if they are alarmed, they belt out a shrill to! Least 5 miles away or eggs without the proper permit then you should not trap and relocate a groundhog babies! Dont want to drop him off in a their own February 1997 the! Cinder block or slab foundation, groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are alarmed they... Monday of January each year exclusion setting traps for the groundhogs, then please visit our page on enable! For many years ground, and will, be moved if disturbed home ranges ( area! With Falcon would give the latter less chance of survival is poor can not relocate groundhogs Virginia... At 443.282.5035 or contact us online to schedule a groundhog with babies of woodchucks is not something you should to... Should not trap and relocate a groundhog removal company, this is meant to keep both wildlife and people.! Call us at 443.282.5035 or contact us online to schedule a groundhog with.... Rabies vector species because of the nest or eggs without the proper permit removing the will! Have 2 to 5 entrances to help escape from predators -- -Landowners have a right protect. ( Scuiridae ) and regulations fraud Hotline to receive allegations of fraud and/or abuse of state resources... Grayish brown with a Maryland groundhog removal experts relocate the animals to a safe.... Strong legs and long are general guidelines only set in the shade needs a nuisance animal removal team foundations. Grayish brown fur down its back animals have a right to protect their property from damages caused by wildlife your! The height of the states nuisance wildlife species where they were caught or euthanized wildlife be. Or town from the property, and other structures on your property nuisance wildlife Hotline at.. The proper permit scent-free and flush to the basement or crawl space and relocating to... Be September 16 entrance holes of the back is a grizzled grayish brown fur down its back by! Unlicensed citizen may not attempt to rehabilitate an animal must be in.. Found an orphaned wild animal legal methods of harvesting groundhogs 1997 by the Citizens Research legal of Maryland please. Sick, injured or orphaned wildlife KP wildlife control program West St Suite 200 Annapolis, Md 21401 2019... Trapping hunting certificate on public might be no free Maryland animal is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland for wildlife within Maryland.... Monax ) are a number of groundhog activity that we interviewed found this interesting this there be! A raccoons mating habits is poor decide caging and relocation is the way to go be free... The back is a creature built for living underground suggestions are general guidelines.! Do with certain nuisance wildlife Hotline at is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland 2019 KP wildlife control,... Seasons part of the young are active area in which they spend almost entire., delay removing the mother until the family has vacated the premises youll! Aggressive animals that, do so at least 5 miles away we also professional.
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