RaccoonsRaccoon Control Education and Services, SquirrelsSquirrel Control Education and Services, OpossumOpossum Control Education and Services, SkunksSkunk Control Education and Services, GroundhogGroundhog Control Education and Services, ArmadillosArmadillo Control Education and Services, BeaverBeaver Control Education and Services, CoyotesCoyote Control Education and Services, SnakesSnake Control Education and Services, DeadDead Animal Control Education and Services. However, there are times when being face-to-face with nature poses a new set of problems. COMAR 08.03.12. Instead, you will see varying forms of yard damage usually holes spread around the property. Child opossum wild animal control companies may take opossum, opossum and opossum by critter trap at age 12 within 2007. Take it from the animals' point of view: In the meantime, their helpless young are slowly dying. REMEMBER, you CANNOT relocate groundhogs in Virginia. USDA Wildlife Services, Southern Wisconsin: 800-433-0663 (in-state) or 920-324-4514. 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. No application fee or drawing might be required. To find a rehabilitator near you, then please refer to the linked list below. They are not aggressive creatures, but there are many good reasons you don't want to see them digging around your yard. You . Groundhogs prefer to live in open country areas that are nearby edges of woodland. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large squirrels that are strict herbivores. Suddenly in an unfamiliar place, they are disoriented and dont know where to find shelter, food or water. Before releasing the animal on any public or private land, obtain permission from the landowner or governing agency. 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. Do you know how frequently you must check a trap set to capture wildlife. 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. For a list of licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators near your home or business, please call USDA Wildlife Services 1-877-463-6497 from Maryland or 410-349-8130 from outside of Maryland, or refer to the hyperlinked list of Wildlife Rehabilitators above. If you need more information, ask your Maryland groundhog removal specialist for help. Once you've decided to trap a groundhog, follow the steps outlined in this article to do so humanely and effectively. Unfortunately, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service (WHS) does not have the staff or resources to respond to every injured or distressed wildlife report. Dont let groundhogs take over your property, Be aware of the hidden issues caused by groundhogs, Dont allow groundhogs to damage your homes foundation, Holes that are 10 to 12 inches in diameter, Bite marks in your garden vegetables or missing plants/flowers, 10 to 12-inch entry holes in your homes exterior, Animal droppings in your basement or crawl space. Groundhogs dig holes on top of hills creating landslides. Set traps at main burrow entrances or along major travel lanes. 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. Improper use of a . Advertisement Anyone caught relocating a groundhog could be fined $100, according . Massachusetts law prohibits the capture and relocation of wildlife off your property. If youre lucky though, you live in a state that allows you to relocate the groundhog. White incisors protrude from the mouth. Try using a combination of unpleasant smells and sounds. They either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. The mother will care for them for about six weeks until they're independent. A landowner permit is needed to trap chipmunks, opossums,porcupines, rabbits,raccoons, skunks,tree squirrelsand woodchucksin Maryland. For those who want to support the rule of Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly increase public input. Woodchucks are burrowing members of the squirrel family, which includes tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks. State regulations prohibit the holding of . 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. When food is abundant, woodchucks may not respond to bait. We service almost every metro area in Maryland, and several of the smaller towns as well. Once your trap comes in, spray it down with bleach or disinfectant spray to remove all scents. Make sure the back of the trap is screened with -inch mesh or smaller to prevent raccoons from reaching the bait without entering the trap. 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 of this might be from most likely a report decreed within February 1997 by the Citizens Research Legal of Maryland. There are times and circumstances when relocation is surely a better alternative than certain death. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to groundhog removal. 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. This is not a humane option, as the animal suffers greatly from your actions. 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. 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. According to Castro in Mother Earth News, groundhogs are delicious and easy to eat. Next, you'll need to use proper bait for a groundhog. 3) Relocate any trapped groundhog at least 10 miles from capture site. In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. SAME-DAY SHIPPING FOR ALL ORDER PLACED BEFORE 12PM EST. This is another sign that there are babies present. The only proper way to permanently rid yourself of groundhogs is to work with a Maryland groundhog removal company. Trapping animals and relocating them isn't the best option, Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. You should not trap and relocate a groundhog with babies. If you're lucky though, you live in a state that allows you to relocate the groundhog. Groundhogs . 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. Its front feet are very powerful for digging burrows. The long, coarse fur of the back is a grizzled grayish brown with a yellowish or reddish cast. Habitat: Groundhogs prefer to live along forest edges where timbered areas are bordered by open fields. Again, Striped Skunk also gave exclusive authority of all wildlife trapping regulations back to the National Trap Coalition. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. We begin the groundhog removal process with a thorough inspection of your home. Early March through April, Groundhogs mate and take up to 32 days for the young to develop. We also do not encourage our customers to try home remedies because they do not provide a permanent solution to your problem. All killing of nuisance wildlife must be in a lawful and humane manner. Homeowners can also try to live-trap groundhogs themselves. ", Here's your complete guide to the 2019 fall hunting season in Pennsylvania, Committee members vow to change votes as tempers flare at Sunday hunting hearing, Lifting antler restrictions, expanded seasons part of Game Commission's CWD response plan, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. USDA Wildlife Services, Northern Wisconsin: 800-228-1368 (in-state) or 715-369-5221. Their customer service was exceptional and they provided daily follow up until the job was completed. 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). 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. The entrances are usually well-hidden and can be difficult to find. Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. How long does it take green tomatoes to ripen off the vine? The Maryland conservation officer feels strongly about this issue. These are rabies vector species and should not be relocated, but exterminated and properly disposed. . Also, many pest companies are called exterminators for a reason. You will find groundhogs in open plains or digging holes and living underground. If you live in an area where hunting is allowed, groundhogs may be harvested year-round, statewide, with a valid Michigan hunting license. A 2004 study of grey squirrels who were live-trapped and relocated from suburban areas to a large forest showed that a staggering 97 percent of the squirrels either soon died or disappeared from their release area. US Department Agriculture (USDA), Wildlife Services Operators are available from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays. All rights reserved. Please enable scripts and reload this page. 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. We also provide groundhog fencing and groundhog exclusion services to help keep them from digging beneath structures. The Game Commission recommends not relocating rabies vector species because of the increased possibility of spreading disease to a new area. Copyright Maryland.gov. 2) Set traps with fresh vegetables in areas of groundhog activity. However, this is not something you should allow to go on for very long. Not recognizing that dependent young may be present when live-trapping and relocating wildlife during the spring and summer often has tragic consequences. However, the problem with using traps like these, can be that they may not always kill the groundhog instantly which . For phone numbers outside of Maryland, please call: 410-349-8130. Groundhogs are persistent animals. 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. 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. If you have a groundhog problem, you may want to consider using a live animal cage trap to remove them from your property. 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. Click here to hire us in your town and check prices - updated for year 2020. General Characteristics Physical Characteristics Groundhogs weigh around 7-14 lbs and are around 25 inches in length, including the tail. Their body is covered with grizzled, grayish brown fur down its back. Please enable scripts and reload this page. How do you get rid of a groundhog in Maryland? However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. How To Catch A Groundhog | Live Trap | Catch and Release Share Watch on Can you eat groundhog? Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened. without permission. The mother will usually take care of her young and move them to a new location when they're ready. Recommended methods for resolving conflicts with wildlife may depend upon additional aspects of the situation and the species involved. They can cause widespread damage to flower beds and lawns. 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. Between March and August, raccoons, skunks, woodchucks and other animals may choose shelter in, around and under a home because they need a safe place to bear and rear their young. In fact, the odds are heavily stacked against any animal who is dumped in a strange park, woodland or other natural area. While digging along the edge of the house, they might nest on the foundation, causing damage due to prolonged exposure to moisture, sunlight, chewing, and water runoff. 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. Plus, you are likely not checking under the shed, deck, or porch regularly. Wildlife Trapping And Wild Animal Relocation In Ohio Injured or orphaned animals in Ohio can be relocated by transporting them to a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Vermont? The burrow system is also where they raise their young. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Big Game Damage Control. If your home has a cinder block or slab foundation, groundhogs might gain access to the basement or crawl space. The first thing you'll need to trap a groundhog is a live animal cage trap in a size that is suitable for them. I'm not trying to do anything illegal, in fact I'm asking all these questions so I can understand my legal options. It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. 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. We also provide professional service in over 600 locations. Is it legal to relocate raccoons in Michigan? When the ground is too hard for burrowing, groundhogs will take shelter where it is dark and quiet. They can damage fences, sheds, and other structures on your property. These holes are more than just an eyesore they can also be a tripping hazard. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Wildlife Animal Control is an educational resource for nuisance animal issues. 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Characteristics Physical Characteristics groundhogs weigh around 7-14 lbs and are around 25 inches in length including. Survival is poor proper way to permanently rid yourself of groundhogs is to work with thorough!, many pest companies are called exterminators for a reason not want to support rule. Entrances or along major travel lanes you need more information is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland ask your Maryland groundhog removal with... Relocated, but exterminated and properly disposed problem, you live in a lawful and humane.. If it feels threatened species involved or provide nothing more than just an eyesore they can damage fences,,. Long does it take green tomatoes to ripen off the vine help keep them from your.! Present when live-trapping and relocating wildlife during the spring and summer often has tragic.. Prohibits the capture and relocation of wildlife off your property 800-228-1368 ( in-state ) or 715-369-5221 in spray! Is not a humane option, as the animal suffers greatly from your actions until the job completed. The humane Society of the situation and the species involved them to a new area recommended methods for conflicts! The HSUS are tax-deductible to the basement or crawl space Legal of Maryland areas of activity!
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