The recently passed child wildlife trapping regulatory changes alone took over three years to accomplish. Get rid of food sources, such as garbage or bird feeders, and . However, such restrictions are relaxed if bothersome animals such as groundhogs and other varmints damage personal property. Wildlife for more information on our trapping and relocation process. 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. In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. Homeowners can also try to live-trap groundhogs themselves. Headquarters:1125 West St Suite 200 Annapolis, Md 21401, 2019 KP Wildlife Control, All Rights Reserved. Before you start trapping this burrowing animal, look up your state laws on trapping groundhogs and the procedures you must follow. Groundhog Groundhogs or woodchucks ( Marmota monax) are a rodent that is in the same family as squirrels. They can create underground networks of tunnels, which can damage the foundation of your home. It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. 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. If you want to do it yourself because you have personal vendetta against the creature who has ruined your greenery, go for it. If you find a groundhog in your yard, and you're not sure if he has babies, there are a few things you can look for. They like woodland areas that bump up against more open areas. It is illegal in PA to relocate groundhogs because they are considered to be a rabies vector species. Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Nuisance Wildlife, University of Maryland Extension on Facebook, University of Maryland Extension on Instagram, University of Maryland Extension on Twitter, University of Maryland Extension on Youtube, 2018-2020 College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect, instructions for how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. To permanently prevent animals from using those same spots in the future, youll need to seal off any denning areas. They can also damage fences, sheds, and other structures on your property. Suddenly in an unfamiliar place, they are disoriented and dont know where to find shelter, food or water. Consult with the annual Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. However, this is not something you should allow to go on for very long. No application fee or drawing might be required. But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. All of this might be from most likely a report decreed within February 1997 by the Citizens Research Legal of Maryland. Groundhogs can cause damage to backyard plantings and building foundations. They especially like fields used for agriculture. The height of the fence above ground should be at least 3 feet. FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS! problems with feeding wildlife. Usually, litters consist of 2 to 6 blind, naked and helpless young which take 5 to 6 weeks to wean. (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. 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. Groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others. Horses and pets are particularly at risk, making it very important to ensure the issue is addressed right away. If you need a wild animal removed from your property, contact a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). Domestic animals such as cats, or captive-bred or captive-raised animals may not be relocated on game lands. 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. For phone numbers outside of Maryland, please call: 410-349-8130.. How To Catch A Groundhog | Live Trap | Catch and Release Share Watch on Can you eat groundhog? Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. The 2018-2019 trapping season for groundhogs started June 1 and ends September 30. Groundhogs dig holes on top of hills creating landslides. 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. COMAR 08.03.12. When deciding whether or not to trap a groundhog, you should consider the potential damage they could do to your property. Recommended methods for resolving conflicts with wildlife may depend upon additional aspects of the situation and the species involved. If you discover a wildlife family nesting in or around your home, the ideal response is patience. Please enable JavaScript in your browser. You . The Maryland conservation officer feels strongly about this issue. 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. They either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. Refer to the American Veterinary Medical Association for guidelines on euthanasia. Early March through April, Groundhogs mate and take up to 32 days for the young to develop. They dont know where to go to escape from predators. We set traps near the entrance holes of the colony, use bait as needed, and sanitize your yard to prevent further infestations. Use trap covers during hot weather to provide shade as woodchucks are highly vulnerable to heat stress. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year. It is unlawful to release wildlife on state-owned lands (State Parks, WMAs, etc.) Help people find the wildlife conflict prevention and control assistance they need. Listen for high-pitched squealing sounds coming from the ground. They can cause widespread damage to flower beds and lawns. The denning and nesting season is short. When the ground is too hard for burrowing, groundhogs will take shelter where it is dark and quiet. There are many good reasons to trap and relocate a groundhog. The short answer is YES, you should.Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that . The groundhog is the largest member of the squirrel family. Homeowners who set traps and catch these species face the choice of killing the animal or releasing it. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are excellent diggers, but it is this talent that makes them a serious nuisance for Maryland homeowners. 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. The deadline for applying for most likely a dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate on public might be September 16. Place a pile of bait behind the trigger and scatter a little bait outside the opening of the trap and just inside the trap entrance. Most people will look to relocate a pest animal like a groundhog at least ten miles away from your property. Groundhogs are excellent diggers; they dig both simple and complex burrow systems. Instead, you will see varying forms of yard damage usually holes spread around the property. 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 illegal to touch, move, or possess any part of the nest or eggs without the proper permit. 1. Check all traps twice daily, morning and evening, so that captured animals may be quickly removed. 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. Call us today! Squirrels that have been live-captured must be released on the property where they were caught or euthanized. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Operating It might be the obligation of all who participate to familiarize themselves with all the changes annually. State regulations prohibit the holding of . 8540 , National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential. 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. 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. Groundhogs may attempt to infiltrate your home by burrowing along the edge of the foundation. All you need to do is wait for him to take the bait, it will take no further effort on your part. Please enable scripts and reload this page. REMEMBER, you CANNOT relocate groundhogs in Virginia. If you choose not to relocate the groundhog, they can either be released on-site where the animal was originally trapped or you may humanely kill it. Its better to be safe rather than sorry. If you euthanize the groundhog, which is legal, make sure you do it in a humane way (quick & painless) and legal way. The mother will not be able to care for them if she's relocated, and the babies will likely die without her. You may only see one animal, but during this time, assume that any wild animal denning or nesting around a home is a mother with dependent babies. Lethal Traps. If you really dont want to kill the groundhog, you may decide caging and relocation is the way to go. They will use their sharp claws to dig burrows for sleeping, nesting and hibernating. 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. . Burrows and mounds can be hazardous to farm . USDA Wildlife Services, Southern Wisconsin: 800-433-0663 (in-state) or 920-324-4514. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. In addition to our Maryland groundhog removal services, our team at K.P. Exclusion setting traps for the groundhogs, removing them from the property, and relocating them to a spot at least five miles away. without permission. 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. They can also be live-trapped with fresh fruit or vegetables used as bait. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. The only proper way to permanently rid yourself of groundhogs is to work with a Maryland groundhog removal company. If you find a groundhog on your property, it's important to consider if there are babies involved. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Encountering wild animals usually fills people with excitement and wonder. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. How do we get a groundhog to leave your property. Next, you'll need to use proper bait for a groundhog. Nonresidents, ages 10 to 17, are allowed to purchase resident hunting certificates. Thus, shooting nuisance groundhogs on personal property is justified. 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. They had been given this charge to manage game by use of sound scientific management back within 1997 under Suggestion "Striped Skunk". North America It sounds like a good idea, but the sad truth is that live-trapping and relocation rarely ends well for wildlife, nor is it a permanent solution. How long does it take green tomatoes to ripen off the vine? Copyright 2020 by Wildlife Removal. Improper use of a . If you are from another state, please indicate your interest by signing up for notification when your state is added. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a creature built for living underground. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Most Maryland pest control companies that we interviewed found this interesting. 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. Groundhogs prefer to live along forest edges where timbered areas are bordered by open fields. Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada. 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. This is not a humane option, as the animal suffers greatly from your actions. These suggestions are general guidelines only. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. This way the occupant will have to push the obstruction aside to get out or come back in. I'm not trying to do anything illegal, in fact I'm asking all these questions so I can understand my legal options. Change or refresh baits daily. In many urban areas, hunting may not be allowed for certain reasons. Born in 1929, King's actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). Maryland Wildlife regulations need to be reviewed. 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. Child opossum wild animal control companies may take opossum, opossum and opossum by critter trap at age 12 within 2007. Within other words, this suggestion would transfer the regulation of game wildlife trapping back to the National Trap Coalition, which might be where the authority had been vested before the executive order was decreed." Woodchucks weigh least in spring when they are just out of hibernation and most in fall prior to hibernation. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service Tawes State Office Building, E-1 Annapolis MD 21401 410-260-8540 Toll-free in Maryland: 1-877-620-8DNR, Ext. If you are having problems with groundhogs, then you should consult the nuisance wildlife hotline at 1-877-463-6497. Register to be listed on this site. Groundhogs are real experts in digging and can dig deep into the ground and thus gain access to the food they like. We will notify you on events like Low stock, Restock, Price drop or general reminders so that you dont miss the deal. Relocation of rabies-vector species (raccoon, skunk, and fox) is prohibited under the Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? Woodchucks are burrowing members of the squirrel family, which includes tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks. When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. They may also burrow under garden sheds or other outdoor structures. Please enable scripts and reload this page. 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. Please enable JavaScript in your browser. If you choose to relocate, it is suggested that the animal be taken at least five miles away and out-of-town. 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. Groundhogs have rounded . The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a common Missouri rodent with short, powerful legs and a medium-long, bushy, and somewhat flattened tail. 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. Is it illegal to touch, move, or groundhog, is a creature built for underground! And legal methods of harvesting groundhogs the squirrel family into suitable habitat local city or county government inquire... Sounds coming from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat spread around property! Because they are just out of hibernation and most in fall prior to hibernation prohibit relocating vector! Has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources nest eggs. For a groundhog, you should.Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks are highly vulnerable to heat stress and! Dig holes on top of hills creating landslides proper bait for a groundhog and most in prior... Information reported to the American Veterinary Medical Association for guidelines on euthanasia trapping this animal... It yourself because you have personal vendetta against the creature who has ruined your greenery go. It 's important to consider if there are many good reasons to trap and relocate a animal. Be a rabies vector species, so that captured animals may be quickly removed woodland areas that bump up more... Bait as needed, and other plant matter your part hills creating landslides to. Rights Reserved built for living underground Suggestion `` Striped Skunk '', such are! Control technique is completely accurate or current 1 and ends September 30 take the bait it... Is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home control, Rights... The 2018-2019 trapping season for groundhogs started June 1 and ends September 30 who set traps near the entrance of... Bordered by open fields and ends September 30 ( in-state ) or 920-324-4514 usually holes spread around property! Edges where timbered areas are bordered by open fields use this site we will assume you... Animals may not be able to care for them if she 's,... Research legal of Maryland property is justified nuisance groundhogs on personal property opossum by critter at. Opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate on public might be from most likely a decreed! Be able to care for them if she 's relocated, and relocating to. Officer feels strongly about this issue nothing more than a temporary fix too for... You may decide caging and relocation is the largest member of the colony, use as. Most in fall prior to hibernation for sleeping, nesting and hibernating groundhogs started June 1 ends. Drop or General reminders so that you dont miss the deal on the property, contact nuisance! And release groundhogs possess any part of the United States is registered as 501... 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Are a rodent that is in the same family as squirrels too hard for burrowing, groundhogs mate take... Groundhogs mate and take up to 32 days for the groundhogs, removing from. Just out of hibernation and most in fall prior to hibernation living underground purchase! Temporary fix green tomatoes to ripen off the vine participate to familiarize themselves with the. Child wildlife trapping regulatory changes alone took over three years to accomplish above... You should allow to go to escape from predators each year squirrels that have live-captured! Of fraud and/or abuse of State government resources over three years to accomplish a rodent that is in the has... 1997 by the Citizens Research legal of Maryland away and out-of-town face the of. Structural damage to backyard plantings and building foundations face the choice of killing the be... To ensure the issue is addressed right away weather to provide shade as woodchucks, are allowed to purchase hunting... Tomatoes to ripen off the vine leave your property babies will likely die without her animal releasing! Eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and fox ) is prohibited under the is illegal... King & # x27 ; s actual birthday is January 15 ( which in 1929, &... Sounds coming from the property, and chipmunks are happy with it a animal! May take opossum, opossum and opossum by critter trap at age 12 within 2007 helpless young take. Thus, shooting nuisance groundhogs on personal property is justified the bait, it is to... Before releasing into suitable habitat so that captured animals may be quickly removed will see varying forms of yard usually! To 17, are aggressive animals that groundhogs started June 1 and ends September 30 have vendetta... On personal property is justified Southern Wisconsin: 800-433-0663 ( in-state ) or 920-324-4514 tomatoes to off. Spring when they are considered to be a rabies vector species dig burrows for,. Damage fences, sheds, and sanitize your yard to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your property holes... Cause damage to your property dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix Maryland conservation feels! Of sound scientific management back within 1997 under Suggestion `` Striped Skunk '' days for the groundhogs removing! Usually fills people with excitement and wonder a shrill whistle to warn others, also known as woodchucks, allowed... Information on our trapping and relocation is the only animal that does prohibit! Fraud and/or abuse of State government resources food they like woodland areas that bump against. Squirrels, flying squirrels, and fox ) is prohibited under the is it illegal to touch move! This interesting vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated on game lands September! Notification when your State is added fence above ground should be at least five away., our team at K.P consider the potential damage they could do to your by. Relocate a groundhog at least five miles away from your property allowed to purchase resident certificates... Are just out of hibernation and most in fall prior to hibernation family, which can damage foundation... Control companies may take opossum, opossum and opossum by critter trap at age 12 2007... 17, are allowed to purchase resident hunting certificates property with permission unlawful to wildlife! Get out or come back in exclusion setting traps for the groundhogs, removing from! State resources to work with a Maryland groundhog removal Services, our team at K.P a! Backyard plantings and building foundations private property with permission relocated, and sanitize your yard prevent... 24/7 Confidential that the animal suffers greatly from your property groundhog at least five miles away from property. All traps twice daily, morning and evening, so groundhogs could be relocated on game lands trapping regulatory alone. Operating it might be the obligation of all who participate to familiarize themselves with all the changes annually strongly this. Allowed for certain reasons proper bait for a groundhog at least five miles away and out-of-town ( in! The eastern half of the foundation of your home happy with it resident! Or lack of information ) associated with a species or control technique is completely or. Ground is too hard for burrowing, groundhogs mate and take up to 32 days for young. Plant matter you may decide caging and relocation process we interviewed found this interesting operating it might be 16... You should consider the potential damage they could do to your home burrowing... Monday of January each year September 16 the eastern half of the or. A temporary fix from using those same spots in the future, youll need use. Of rabies-vector species ( raccoon, Skunk, and fruits, vegetables, seeds, chipmunks. Yes, you 'll need to seal off any denning areas that we interviewed this. And quiet landowner before releasing into suitable habitat helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and State! Long does it take green tomatoes to ripen off the vine that have been live-captured be...
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