is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland

It had a much easier trip, directly to the WMA without a detour in heavy traffic to the animal shelter. 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. Groundhog Removal & Trapping in MD, DC & VA Trappro humanely removes groundhogs that have invaded your yard, shed, under porch or house or other areas of your home. Groundhog Day is behind us, which means groundhogs are starting to wake up throughout Maryland and Pennsylvania. I don't want to do anything illegal, I just want to know what my legal options are. Under the law, a trust may be created to provide for the care of an animal alive during the lifetime of the settlor. They are also herbivores, and can eat your garden or other plants. If you choose to relocate, it is suggested that the animal be taken at least five miles away and out-of-town. It is illegal to use, sell, possess, set, place or maintain a snare trap in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Animal Control does lethal injection. They often live under a shed or porch, and can move a lot of soil. When is a child in Maryland a legal adult? If you found a groundhog living under your deck, destroying your garden or scavenging through your trash, Mid-Atlantic Wildlife Control can help with groundhog removal services in Maryland. After the young are able to leave, you can an attempt to drive the woodchucks from their burrow. They have short legs and a bushy tail. groundhogs are called groundhogs because they are a hog and they go in the ground that's why they are called groundhogs. Didn't take long for another groundhog to move into the first one's burrow. While humans and groundhogs can often coexist, sometimes a single groundhog can become a big nuisance. Trap type is very important and there are many different types, bait is somewhat relevant, trap placement is vital, and there are dozens of small things that are very important to know. In most states, it is illegal to domesticate, sell, or barter a groundhog. Of course, we have thousands of birds. Their fur is a yellowish-brown to black in color. We use only humane, live removal and relocation according to New Jersey state guidelines. Next up is the groundhog that apparently lives in the neighbor's yard but browses in our yard. is it illegal to kill groundhogs in maryland They are excellent burrowers known to use burrows for sleeping, rearing young, and hibernating. This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. As long as you get permission first, you could also consider a state wildlife management area. From groundhogs, possums and even raccoons on the larger end to squirrels, chipmunks, field mice and voles on the smaller end. Some people advise you to relocate a groundhog at least 5 miles away from your property. Before releasing the animal on any public or private land, obtain permission from the landowner or governing agency. Shumaker’s Animal Control is a twenty-five-year veteran of the animal and pest control profession. You may take groundhogs with a cage-type trap at any hour during the open hunting season if you possess a hunting permit. If you’re lucky though, you live in a state that allows you to relocate the groundhog. 4. Read on for more information about animal control within Maryland, Maryland. Here are some reasons not to move wildlife: The animal … MD Code, Estates and Trusts, § 14.5-407 : Maryland enacted its original "pet trust" law in 2009. It is actually against the law to trap and relocate Rodentia. This blog post is a summary of the laws as we read them; hence the following disclosure. 1. Since skunks – as well as raccoons, bats, groundhogs, foxes and coyotes – are rabies vector species, they should not be relocated like other wildlife. Garden State Wildlife Control provides groundhog methods which will prevent future groundhog damage. 3. It’s illegal to kill any snake in Maryland without a permit from the Department of Natural Resources. It's now also at the WMA. One option is to find an animal-loving landowner who wouldn't mind having a resident groundhog. In public places you should only use live traps. Garden State Wildlife Control does not use chemicals or poisons for groundhog trapping and removal. 1. Maryland. A Little Groundhog R&R (Release and Relocation) Before moving and releasing your trapped groundhog it may be a good idea to check out the local state game regulations in your locality. Relocation is illegal in some states. Before operating a live trap, get to know your local laws regarding trapping and relocating groundhogs or woodchucks. Even within the United States, it is illegal to trap groundhog while it is completely legal in some states. Fencing can reduce damage, but groundhogs are good climbers and can easily scale wire fences unless precautions are taken. Although they don’t have their alarm clocks set for February 2 nd, beginning of February is generally when groundhogs first emerge from their hibernation.You may be asking what it has to do with you, besides the early spring predictions. Safety is a concern. 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). 2. 7. While everyone loves watching any and all Maryland colleges play lacrosse, there’s no doubt about it: Johns Hopkins is, by far, the best lacrosse team in the state and the most loved. It is illegal for you to move or relocate an animal off your property. Homeowners who set traps and catch these species face the choice of killing the animal or releasing it. In order to have a pet groundhog, special permits and licenses are required. From burrows: Do not interfere with woodchuck burrows until after the young are capable of leaving, around the first of July. 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. If you need a wild animal removed from your property, contact a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). You need to be able to dispatch the animal on site as it is illegal to transport wild animals or have them in … So if you’re moving to Maryland, get ready to play (or at least watch) some lax, brah. Encouraging Woodchucks to Relocate. burrow is against the foundation of the structure. DMUs will … 5. Groundhogs are primarily a pest species due to their burrowing habits. No professional company is going to relocate them, they will be killed, probably by gunshot or gas chamber depending on what company. If you are permitted to relocate groundhogs, avoid direct contact with them since the ticks they carry could spread Lyme disease. 18. The cage-type trap must be labeled with your full name and address, or Conservation ID number; must be attended daily; and have an opening of 144 square inches or smaller. The average lifespan of a groundhog is 3 years. They’re protected by the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act (MD Code, Natural Resources, § 10-2A-01-09). Any trapped animal must either be relocated on the premises or destroyed humanely; it is illegal to transport and release wildlife to another location. Fences should be at least 3 feet high and made of heavy poultry wire or 2-inch mesh woven wire. Each Spring and Summer my garden seems to attract a host of critters. We live in Southeastern PA, in a rural area. It's illegal in Maryland to trap without a license. Keeping groundhogs away after removal. Not only is moving wildlife illegal in Massachusetts, but it is often ineffective for those who are trying to find a solution to a wildlife problem. After contacting the PA State Game Commission in my jurisdiction, I was told that I could release the groundhog pretty much wherever I pleased. They have small ears and black eyes. Releasing a skunk or a raccoon can be a risky situation. Also note that poisons are illegal for use against , or any other animals, and woodchucks For that reason, before going ahead to make decision regarding catching groundhog, you should first of all confirm the legislation of your state or country. Check with your wildlife agency or state game commission regarding relocation. By moving wildlife, you will only cause harm to the animals, and possibly cause problems for other people who live in the relocation area. Never move wildlife; it can cause a lot of harm to the animal. captured. 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. Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened. Love the area, just don't love the groundhog who decided to move under our shed recently. NOTE: Relocating wildlife in Virginia is illegal. Dig each out about 1 foot deep, then cover the hole with 3' x 3' of wire fencing and bury the fencing securely. Shooting is quick, simple, and effective in areas where firearm discharge is safe and legal. Some Part of the United States Allow Humane Trapping Of Groundhog You may find it difficult to find a veterinarian for your pet as most of them have no knowledge about treating groundhogs. They hibernate throughout the winter in underground burrows u… Moving wildlife can spread disease to animals in areas where the nuisance individuals are moved. A groundhog (Marmota monax)—otherwise known as a woodchuck, land beaver, or whistle pig—is a rodent.It will mercilessly eat the plants in your garden until there's nothing left and will make holes all over your yard. A.22 caliber rifle or a shotgun with #4–6 shot is suitable. Groundhogs and Ohio Law. 6. Re: Question about shooting groundhogs As a home owner, you are allowed to exterminate wildlife that causing property damage. These are rabies vector species and should not be relocated, but exterminated and properly disposed. Flag holes in walkways that present a hazard to people, pets or farm animals. The law was then repealed and reenacted in 2015 under a different section. Males are typically larger than females. It is illegal in PA to relocate groundhogs because they are considered to be a rabies vector species. Groundhogs are active in the Fall as they dig burrows to hibernate for the winter.Trappro will trap groundhogs throughout Maryland, Washington DC or Northern Virginia. We have 1/8 acre of land with neighbors close by on both sides. The groundhog shown in the movie Groundhog Day looks like a cute little creature, but, in reality, there's nothing cute about these animals. It will also need a rabies shot every year. Groundhogs weigh around 7-14 lbs and are around 25 inches in length, including the tail. This act is an extension of … without permission. To prevent burrowing under the fence, bury the lower edge 10 to 12 inches below ground, o… We are experts in groundhog control methods, having performed thousands of groundhog trapping and removal jobs nationwide. A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums, porcupines, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, tree squirrels and woodchucks in Maryland. Prevent groundhogs from occupying abandoned burrows by covering openings with wired fencing. You Can’t Help But Cheer For Maryland’s University Sports Teams Bending the top 15 inches of the wire fence outward at a 45-degree angle will prevent groundhogs from climbing over the fence. Caging a groundhog in a humane trap is not hard, but relocating the animal legally could be. I called a game commission officer to see what my options are. Being a gardener and growing flowers and vegetables becomes a struggle when critters decide to call my home theirs. Groundhogs have short, powerful limbs and thick claws. Finding an acceptable relocation destination can be problematic. It is unlawful to release wildlife on state-owned lands (State Parks, WMAs, etc.) Under a shed or porch, and hibernating choice of killing the animal on any public private! It had a much easier trip, directly to the animal legally could be least )! Present a hazard to people, pets or farm animals Control profession can. 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