It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. 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). problems with feeding wildlife. 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 . Taking includes attempting to take wild animals, and assisting . Its better to be safe rather than sorry. This law has been in effect for many years. 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. 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. While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. Then if a neighbor complains, I know I'm covered. 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. Nonresidents, ages 10 to 17, are allowed to purchase resident hunting certificates. Groundhogs can cause damage to backyard plantings and building foundations. They dont know where to go to escape from predators. Groundhogs dig holes on top of hills creating landslides. The only proper way to permanently rid yourself of groundhogs is to work with a Maryland groundhog removal company. 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. The face has a blunt nose, small rounded ears, and medium sized eyes. Colorado is the only state entirely above 3300 feet of elevation. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Vermont? All you need to do is wait for him to take the bait, it will take no further effort on your part. Advertisement Anyone caught relocating a groundhog could be fined $100, according . If you need a wild animal removed from your property, contact a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO). They are largely sedate creatures, spending most of their. Maryland Wildlife regulations need to be reviewed. When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. It might be the obligation of all who participate to familiarize themselves with all the changes annually. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They are territorial and feel incredibly vulnerable when their burrows are invaded. We are the Kingsville rodent control experts and can help you return your house to a cozy pest-free home. It might even be a pleasant surprise to find that a groundhog has become a frequent visitor to your yard. If in doubt, click your nearest area, and give us a . We're available on the following channels. 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). If possible, delay removing the mother until the young are active. The best time to trap a groundhog is in the late spring or early summer when they're looking for food. 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). 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. . They either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. The groundhog is the largest member of the squirrel family. 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. Although "nuisance" might not have been your first thought to describe them. The male will stay in the den with the female until just before the young are born. They can buy one dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate over the counter July 16 through September 16. Groundhogs have short, powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020. They breed in March and produce a single litter of two to six young. However, such restrictions are relaxed if bothersome animals such as groundhogs and other varmints damage personal property. Copyright Maryland.gov. A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums,porcupines, rabbits,raccoons, skunks,tree squirrelsand woodchucksin Maryland. Hunting season for groundhogs starts June 1 and runs . 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. You may not notice the groundhogs because they will avoid you. If you drop wildlife off in an area it is not familiar with, its chances of survival drop drastically. State regulations prohibit the holding of . Though groundhogs dont typically attack people, groundhog-human interactions are common. Imagine the cost of repairing damaged drain pipes and foundations? No permit is required to trap a groundhog. This is meant to keep both wildlife and people safe. We service over 500 USA locations! Most burrows are 25 to 30 feet long and from two to five feet deep, with . If you are permitted to relocate groundhogs, avoid direct contact with them because the ticks they carry could spread Lyme disease. Nuisance groundhogs can be live-trapped and relocated with permission of the landowner. It is illegal for you to move or relocate an animal off your property. There is alwaysthe option of hiring a certified Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator, though homeowners might be reluctant to pay for services. The new change also allows child wild animal control companies beginning at age 10, to take opossum by cage trap and baited trap. Iowa has only four venomous snakes, and their bites are rarely fatal if treated. Groundhogs are homebodies. Groundhogs are herbivors who only eat plants. Caging a groundhog in a humane trap is not hard, but legally relocating the animal could be. Although homeowners mean well, wild animals do not settle in quickly to new surroundings, no matter how inviting that habitat may seem to humans. However, this is not something you should allow to go on for very long. Groundhogs are also common throughout Maryland. Learn more: What is a raccoons mating habits? The Game Commission recommends not relocating rabies vector species because of the increased possibility of spreading disease to a new area. They are found throughout the state except on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Thus, shooting nuisance groundhogs on personal property is justified. . Register to be listed on this site. There are many good reasons to trap and relocate a groundhog. It is unlawful to release wildlife on state-owned lands (State Parks, WMAs, etc.) 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. Suddenly in an unfamiliar place, they are disoriented and dont know where to find shelter, food or water. 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 either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. Again, Striped Skunk also gave exclusive authority of all wildlife trapping regulations back to the National Trap Coalition. So, if you want to get rid of groundhogs, what can you legally do? We service over 50 state locations. This would be any month outside the timeframe of April through June. Published: Aug. 10, 2017, 7:46 p.m. By . While wildlife is generally protected under the law, protection is removed if the animal is damaging or destroying personal property. When food is abundant, woodchucks may not respond to bait. To permanently prevent animals from using those same spots in the future, youll need to seal off any denning areas. Residents throughout Maryland might have groundhogs in their yard and never actually see the animals themselves. Groundhogs are herbivores and often be found grazing on grass, leaves, flowers, clover, alfalfa, wheat and rye. Kevin and Mike were dedicated to resolving my problem. Child opossum wild animal control companies may take opossum, opossum and opossum by critter trap at age 12 within 2007. They eat grasses, plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other plant matter. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. This is not a humane option, as the animal suffers greatly from your actions. 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. 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." Domestic animals such as cats, or captive-bred or captive-raised animals may not be relocated on game lands. Bait the trap with apple slices, cantaloupe, other fruits or vegetables such as carrots and lettuce, or use professional paste baits. Their heartbeat can slow down to 4 or 5 beats per minute (bpm) from 80bpm! Exclusion setting traps for the groundhogs, removing them from the property, and relocating them to a spot at least five miles away. They especially like fields used for agriculture. At least, this might be what Maryland extermination companies think. If youre trying to save money, caging it yourself may be the way to go. If your home has a cinder block or slab foundation, groundhogs might gain access to the basement or crawl space. 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. Wild animals have a sophisticated knowledge of their home ranges (the area in which they spend almost their entire life). Groundhogs can cause real problems for home vegetable and flower gardeners. Make sure that mother and young are able to remain together to prevent any of them from dying cruel deaths. Go back to the How to get rid of groundhogs home page. Maryland Wildlife trapping regulations need to be reviewed every year. 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. Fortification we fortify your home against further infestation, closing all entry points, and using durable materials that groundhogs cannot chew or burrow through. The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a creature built for living underground. Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? It is against the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. Please select your city or town from the above map or the above list of areas that we service. After the woodchuck takes the bait once or twice, add new bait and set the trap. 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. 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). 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. It could be released on private property with the property owners permission or on game lands. Listen for high-pitched squealing sounds coming from the ground. 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. When you notice the same groundhog in your yard every day, you should not let him dig there for long. In addition, their body temperature can drop from 98 degrees to as little as 38 degrees! When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. Maryland - The statewide wildlife trapping and trapping regulations are amended each year to accommodate changes deemed necessary by the Maryland Agency of Natural Resources/Wildlife regulatory agency (M-trappin' agency/National Trap Coalition). To report nuisance, injured or sick wildlife, call toll-free in Maryland 1-877-463-6497. Range: The woodchuck's range extends from eastern Alaska, through much of Canada, into the eastern United States, and south to northern Georgia. Generally, these burrows have 2 to 5 entrances to help escape from predators. Habitat: Groundhogs prefer to live along forest edges where timbered areas are bordered by open fields. Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, HELP for info. Some states have year-round open season against these animals, so trapping and killing is not an issue. For squirrels, it is a death sentence, since they would no longer have access to their food cache on which they survive the winter. It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. 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