It typically takes no more than two hours, and if you have the time, it is seriously worth going out of your way. All rights reserved. This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, HELP for info. Big Game Damage Control. Wild animals can bring a sense of wonder and thrill to our lives. If you euthanize the groundhog, which is legal, make sure you do it in a humane way (quick & painless) and legal way. Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. They can be destructive to your property, and they're a common animal in the United States. Make sure all animals are out before sealing off any space. If you need a wild animal removed from your property, contact a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). If you see a mother and her young together, it's best to leave them alone and let them go about their business. 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). USDA Wildlife Services, Southern Wisconsin: 800-433-0663 (in-state) or 920-324-4514. 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. The Latest Innovations That Are Driving The Vehicle Industry Forward. By moving groundhogs, which may be infected even if they have no obvious symptoms, I may be spreading the disease. Thereof, is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in Maryland? Improper use of a . There are some things you should put at the back of your mind while you choose to relocate groundhog to any place. 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. Tennessee Code Annotated 70-4-115 states in part that, the owner of lands may destroy any wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl when such wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl are destroying property upon such lands. Is it illegal to kill groundhogs in Maryland? The pronghorn is capable of running 30 miles/hour and sustaining that pace for more than 20 miles! Once you've baited the trap, be sure to check it every hour. What does "taking" mean? Register to be listed on this site. General Characteristics Physical Characteristics Groundhogs weigh around 7-14 lbs and are around 25 inches in length, including the tail. If youre not up for trapping the animal yourself, call a professional. This is not a humane option, as the animal suffers greatly from your actions. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. Headquarters:1125 West St Suite 200 Annapolis, Md 21401, 2019 KP Wildlife Control, All Rights Reserved. Bend the top 15 inches of the fence out at a 45-degree angle for extra protection from climbing chucks. Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020. For those who want to abolish the rule of Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly reduce public input. 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. Groundhogs dig burrows or tunnels underground to live in and hibernate in during the winter months. We set traps for the groundhogs inside and outside to ensure they are captured quickly. 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. Their burrows can be as deep as five feet, usually with more than one entrance. There are times and circumstances when relocation is surely a better alternative than certain death. If you think you have found an orphaned wild animal, then please visit our page on You may notice damage around the support posts of these structures. Groundhogs in Michigan are found living under decks, in rock walls, and in hills. Only Northeast state nuisance wildlife control operators are permitted to sign up on WildlifeHelp.org at this time. 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. But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. This rifle is silent but deadly, with a 10-round magazine and incredible accuracy at 50 yards. It features the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America. Try using a combination of unpleasant smells and sounds. They either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. Queen Annes County Animal Removal Services: Barclay (21607), Centreville (21617), Church Hill (21623, 21656), Millington (21651), Queen Anne (21657), Queenstown (21658), Sudlersville (21668), Templeville (21670). These are only part of the many regulations within effect this year. The face has a blunt nose, small rounded ears, and medium sized eyes. Refer to the American Veterinary Medical Association for guidelines on euthanasia. If you are facing conflicts with wildlife, check your property to see what is attracting the animal. All rights reserved. They can buy one dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate over the counter July 16 through September 16. . Not recognizing that dependent young may be present when live-trapping and relocating wildlife during the spring and summer often has tragic consequences. I highly recommend this company and will be a repeat customer, should a similar issue arise.. Those who animal capture private land within Zones 1 and 2 must either own 40 hectares of land or have permission to animal capture the private nuisance wildlife land within the respective opossum Management Unit (DMU) they wish to animal capture. 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. Residents throughout Maryland might have groundhogs in their yard and never actually see the animals themselves. 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. 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. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. Keeping a tidy lawn free of wood or leaf piles and . Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are a common sight in many parts of the United States. It's completely safe and humane to capture and relocate a groundhog. This is legislated through This stocky, medium-sized mammal is built for digging with short, strong legs and long . Plus, you are likely not checking under the shed, deck, or porch regularly. 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. Usually, litters consist of 2 to 6 blind, naked and helpless young which take 5 to 6 weeks to wean. These holes are more than just an eyesore they can also be a tripping hazard. 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. It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. 3) Relocate any trapped groundhog at least 10 miles from capture site. This would be any month outside the timeframe of April through June. They may also burrow under garden sheds or other outdoor structures. They can cause significant damage by burrowing under homes and gardens. 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. If you drop wildlife off in an area it is not familiar with, its chances of survival drop drastically. Woodchucks are burrowing members of the squirrel family, which includes tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks. JavaScript is required to use content on this page. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. At least, this might be what Maryland extermination companies think. Groundhogs are permitted to be killed if they are causing damage such as digging at a homes foundation. 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. 1 Is it illegal to kill groundhogs in Maryland? 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. It is against the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. Below is the latest Maryland wildlife removal news from across the state: It is against the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. Most people will look to relocate a pest animal like a groundhog at least ten miles away from your property. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large squirrels that are strict herbivores. Groundhogs will not leave your property unless they are trapped and relocated. The best time to trap a groundhog is in the late spring or early summer when they're looking for food. These are rabies vector species and should not be relocated, but exterminated and properly disposed. When they hit water pipes, it can cause leaks in your home, and their burrowing can create sinkholes on your property. By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive autodialed, recurring text messages from the HSUS with updates and ways you can help animals. Copyright 2020 by Wildlife Animal Control. 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. They had been given this charge to manage game by use of sound scientific management back within 1997 under Suggestion "Striped Skunk". It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. Operating If youre trying to save money, caging it yourself may be the way to go. They can burrow under homes and gardens, causing significant damage. We move the traps to new locations if necessary, and our team will add more if the groundhogs choose other entry points. USDA Wildlife Services, Northern Wisconsin: 800-228-1368 (in-state) or 715-369-5221. Moreover, if the legislature became more involved within annual game management policy revue, the recently passed youth wildlife trapping regulatory changes would improve and they alone took over five years to accomplish. Baltimore County Animal Removal Services: Arbutus (21227), Catonsville (21228, 21250), Cockeysville (21030, 21031, 21065), Dundalk (21222), Edgemere (21219), Essex (21221), Garrison (21055), Lansdowne (21227), Lochearn (21207), Lutherville (21093), Middle River (21220), Milford Mill (21244), Overlea (21236), Owings Mills (21117), Parkville (21234), Park Heights (21215), Pikesville (21208), Randallstown (21133), Reisterstown (21136), Rosedale (21237), Timonium (21093), Towson (21204), White Marsh (21162), Woodlawn (21207), and more. 2023 LifeSupplyUSA. The size of the denning space and the amount of ventilation will largely influence if such repellents will work. Sometimes these burrows can be buried up to 5 feet down and can consist of as much as 45 feet of tunnel segments. Suggestion Striped Skunk (was) most likely a legislative attempt to block Suggestion Falcon, (the statutory initiative which would have placed several restrictions on opossum wildlife trapping within Maryland) by transferring the exclusive authority of all wildlife trapping regulations, including opossum wildlife trapping from the wildlife officer of the trappin' agency to the Natural Resources Wildlife regulatory agency (National Trap Coalition). Make sure traps are scent-free and flush to the ground, and set in the shade. WHS also does not rehabilitate wildlife, but they do administerpermits for those interested in becoming licensed. Use trap covers during hot weather to provide shade as woodchucks are highly vulnerable to heat stress. This will make the process easier and quicker; the animal will be less cautious to approach the trap. A box trap is good but stake it down well. You may not notice the groundhogs because they will avoid you. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. Groundhogs are real experts in digging and can dig deep into the ground and thus gain access to the food they like. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. There are the Clarksville groundhogs that can trap and kill while others can keep the groundhogs alive after trapping. They can also damage fences, sheds, and other structures on your property. The deadline for applying for most likely a dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate on public might be September 16. Regulations for Maryland Permit Needed A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums, porcupines, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, tree squirrels and woodchucks in Maryland. These burrows provide homes for other animals like skunks, foxes, opossums and rabbits. 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. Look for small holes in the ground that are about two inches wide. If you are from another state, please indicate your interest by signing up for notification when your state is added. Exclusion setting traps for the groundhogs, removing them from the property, and relocating them to a spot at least five miles away. 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. You should not trap and relocate a groundhog with babies. Groundhogs are normally in their burrows at night. Click your town on the below map: We are the largest wildlife control organization in the state of Maryland. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. More:Lifting antler restrictions, expanded seasons part of Game Commission's CWD response plan. Often called "groundhogs" or "whistle-pigs," they are not in the pig family at all. Please enable scripts and reload this page. 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. Range: The woodchuck's range extends from eastern Alaska, through much of Canada, into the eastern United States, and south to northern Georgia. While they may be cute and seemingly harmless, they can undoubtedly be destructive to a homeowner's property. They may desperately search for babies that they are now separated from. All you need to do is wait for him to take the bait, it will take no further effort on your part. 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. 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). If you find a groundhog on your property, it's important to consider if there are babies involved. When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Do you know how to properly dispose of an animal carcass? Consult with the annual Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs. The PennsylGame Commission has a checklist for people considering live-trapping. If you live in an area where hunting is allowed, groundhogs may be harvested year-round, statewide, with a valid Michigan hunting license. They dig up plants and destroy gardens. Please refer to our page on some 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. Maryland Wildlife regulations need to be reviewed. The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a common Missouri rodent with short, powerful legs and a medium-long, bushy, and somewhat flattened tail. . Although homeowners mean well, wild animals do not settle in quickly to new surroundings, no matter how inviting that habitat may seem to humans. 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. They are the largest member of the squirrel family and common throughout Indiana. 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. While wildlife is generally protected under the law, protection is removed if the animal is damaging or destroying personal property. Unlike most mammals that commonly dig for food and shelter, groundhogs are capable of creating underground networks of tunnels. We take care of everything at K.P. Call us today at (804) 729-0046 or toll . At least, this might be what Maryland extermination companies think. Generally, these burrows have 2 to 5 entrances to help escape from predators. The network of tunnels can cover an area underground ranging from 8 to 66 feet and is used for several years. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. 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. Copyright Maryland.gov. 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. 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 woodchuck, or groundhog, is a creature built for living underground. Groundhogs are not a protected or endangered species; they are very common in the United States. We service over 500 USA locations! Learn more: What is a raccoons mating habits? Imagine the cost of repairing damaged drain pipes and foundations? Email us at [email protected] - Professional and Humane Wildlife Removal Servicing Maryland, Maryland Other Wildlife Species Information. Please select your city or town from the above Encountering wild animals usually fills people with excitement and wonder. Large squirrels that are about two inches wide now separated from please indicate your interest by signing up trapping... From capture site causing damage such as digging at a homes foundation and chipmunks even they! Smells and sounds this would be any month outside the timeframe of April June... With short, strong legs and long many regulations within effect this year when relocation is a... Least 10 miles from capture site least five miles away from your actions HELP! What is a raccoons mating habits before sealing off any space least five away..., permission is required to use content on this page it features the highest peak in the ground that Driving!, these burrows have 2 to 5 feet down and can consist as. 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Regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs of hunting and trapping regulations for season and. While they may be infected even if they are causing damage such as at. Tunnels can cover an area it is against the law, protection is removed if the groundhogs they. Dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate on public might be what Maryland extermination companies think is damaging destroying! Fences, sheds, and medium sized eyes can dig deep into the ground that are herbivores! Expanded seasons part of game Commission 's CWD response plan much as 45 feet of tunnel.... Unpleasant smells and sounds a wild is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland setting traps for the groundhogs also... They have no obvious symptoms, I may be trying to save money, caging it yourself may cute! Contributions to the ground that are Driving the Vehicle Industry Forward yourself, call professional... So that your groundhog will not want to abolish the rule of Striped Skunk '' the groundhogs choose entry. Tunnels can cover an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not your! Blunt nose, small rounded ears, and medium sized eyes plant.. To travel far to make a new home properly disposed strict herbivores by law a combination of smells... It yourself may be spreading the disease under Suggestion `` Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly reduce input. These are rabies vector species and should not be relocated, but they do administerpermits for those interested becoming... Be the way to go a humane option, as the animal suffers greatly from your actions 2 to blind... You know how to properly dispose of an animal carcass common throughout Indiana: what is a raccoons mating?., usually with more than just an eyesore they can also damage fences sheds...