Please enable JavaScript in your browser. Improper use of a . The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. Groundhogs . It is generally a grizzled brown, grayish-brown, or reddish-brown in color. Groundhogs can cause real problems for home vegetable and flower gardeners. LifeSupplyUSA and the LifeSupplyUSA logo are registered trademarks of BH Distributors LLC. Please select your city or town from the above map or the above list of areas that we service. How to keep woodchucks from burrowing and denning under my porch, deck, or shedExplore this solution, How to protect my property from woodchuck damageExplore this solution, How to shoot or trap problem woodchucksExplore this solution, What should I do if I find an orphaned or abandoned young baby wild animal?Explore this solution, What to do with an animal that is behaving strangely or aggressivelyExplore this solution, Presented by these government wildlife management agencies as a trusted source for sound, legal and responsible wildlife control and damage prevention advice, In Maryland, WildlifeHelp.org is supported by the Wildlife Management Institute, the Northeast Wildlife Damage Management Cooperative, the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It is illegal in PA to relocate groundhogs because they are considered to be a rabies vector species. For example, relocating an opossum, an animal that tends to wander all its life and often has no fixed home range (and carries their babies with them), could be seen as more acceptable than relocating a squirrel in mid-winter. 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. Wild animal babies are unintentionally orphaned and too often die of starvation, because their mother is trapped and removed. Groundhogs are permitted to be killed if they are causing damage such as digging at a homes foundation. They are not aggressive creatures, but there are many good reasons you don't want to see them digging around your yard. National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential. The other, less visible entrances are used for escape purposes. Thus, shooting nuisance groundhogs on personal property is justified. 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. When you notice the same groundhog in your yard every day, you should not let him dig there for long. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities. ThisLifeSupplyUSA live animal cage trap is sized 32" x 10" x 12" for groundhogs. SAME-DAY SHIPPING FOR ALL ORDER PLACED BEFORE 12PM EST. . is it legal to shoot groundhog in north carolina It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. In Ontario, it is illegal to trap and relocate animals from the site where they were captured according to the Ministry of Natural Resources' Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. 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. Fortification we fortify your home against further infestation, closing all entry points, and using durable materials that groundhogs cannot chew or burrow through. Groundhogs are found only in North America, from Canada down to the southern United States. Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. We set traps at the entrance created by the groundhogs, and our groundhog removal experts relocate the animals to a safe place. Look for small holes in the ground that are about two inches wide. We're available on the following channels. Occasionally, they also will raid gardens or agricultural fields for fruits and vegetables like cucumbers. You will find groundhogs in open plains or digging holes and living underground. Why isnt this approach as humane and effective as it seems and what other options do caring people have when wildlife conflicts arise? Contact the Nuisance Wildlife Information Line at 1-877-463-6497 for more information. map or the above list of areas that we service. When the removal process is complete, our Maryland groundhog removal specialists reinforce the structure to prevent infestation in the future. Groundhogs are persistent animals. "It's illegal here in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. 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. Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. Description: The woodchuck, also called groundhog, is the largest member of the squirrel family in the state. However, it is illegal in Ohio to live trap and relocate a raccoon (or any other rabies vector species; skunk, coyote, bat, fox) to a new area. A raccoon in the chimney, a woodchuck under the shed, a skunk under the back porch when confronted with wildlife living up-close in their own homes or backyards, well-meaning but harried homeowners often resort to what they see as the most humane solutionlive-trapping the animal and then setting them free in a lush, leafy park or other far-away natural area. It has a broad rounded body with short powerful legs and a short, flat, bushy tail. The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a creature built for living underground. They dig burrows that can be 6 feet (1.8 meters) deep, and 20 feet (6 m) wide. Their customer service was exceptional and they provided daily follow up until the job was completed. One of the key features to remember when you are relocating a groundhog is that it shouldn't be able to get back to your property, so it is important to make sure that it is far enough away so that this doesn't happen. Copyright 2020 by Wildlife Removal. 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. Call us today! The mother will usually take care of her young and move them to a new location when they're ready. The Game Commission recommends not relocating rabies vector species because of the increased possibility of spreading disease to a new area. Habitat: Groundhogs prefer to live along forest edges where timbered areas are bordered by open fields. Trap maintenance checking each trap for groundhogs and activity. Many states do not allow you to keep a trapped animal alive, so be prepared to either use a kill cage, or use a humane method to put the animal down. 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. It might be also most likely a good tool for teaching new wild animal control companies the responsibilities that go with the sport. A Maryland groundhog removal specialist will help reinforce the structure, or we can refer you to a foundation professional when necessary. 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. Instead, you will see varying forms of yard damage usually holes spread around the property. Burrows and mounds can be hazardous to farm . 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. Though theyre celebrated every February in Pennsylvania (and in annoying lottery commercials), groundhogs can be a real nuisance for property owners. Muskrat Removal Muskrats can cause major damage to ponds, lakes and rivers. But sometimes, when they get a little too "up close and personal", they can become a nuisance. Nonresidents, ages 10 to 17, are allowed to purchase resident hunting certificates. Although shooting a nuisance groundhog isnt considered hunting, if shots were fired within the safety zone established by another home (150 yards for firearms), it could result in a citation. If you euthanize the groundhog, which is legal, make sure you do it in a humane way (quick & painless) and legal way. There are times and circumstances when relocation is surely a better alternative than certain death. This law has been in effect for many years. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Maryland? 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). 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. The network of tunnels can cover an area underground ranging from 8 to 66 feet and is used for several years. There are many good reasons to trap and relocate a groundhog. I'm not trying to do anything illegal, in fact I'm asking all these questions so I can understand my legal options. Relocation of nuisance wildlife must be evaluated on a case by case basis. Groundhogs have short, powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging. Once the cage has been opened, let the animal run free in his or her new home, and hope you never see it again. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are very common in rural areas but are also frequently seen in suburban areas. The more humane and safer way to deal with the Clarksville groundhog is to use the live traps. We service almost every metro area in Maryland, and several of the smaller towns as well. If you are permitted to relocate groundhogs, avoid direct contact with them because the ticks they carry could spread Lyme disease. Are you prepared to kill the trapped animal? 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. If an animal must be removed, make sure you call a qualified nuisance wildlife controller. Most burrows are 25 to 30 feet long and from two to five feet deep, with at least two entrances. Consult with the annual Illinois Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for season dates and legal methods of harvesting groundhogs. We also provide professional service in over 600 locations. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. 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. We move the traps to new locations if necessary, and our team will add more if the groundhogs choose other entry points. The entrance hole is made larger as the animal grows. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. Email us at info@wildlifeanimalcontrol.com - Animal Education - Wildlife Control in Over 600 Locations, Dead Animal Control Education and Services, Click here to hire us in your town and check prices. 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 drop wildlife off in an area it is not familiar with, its chances of survival drop drastically. Links in the sidebar provide more information on what to do with certain nuisance wildlife species. Feeding wildlife can often cause some species to become a nuisance, or even aggressive as they begin to expect to be fed. 2) If I'm understanding correctly, a groundhog is a rabies vector animal and relocating them is not allowed. It's completely safe and humane to capture and relocate a groundhog. Is it legal to relocate raccoons in Michigan? 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. We recommend using rags soaked in a strong smelling substance such as cider vinegar (not ammonia), lights and a blaring radio during nighttime hours to convert an attractive space (quiet, dark and protected) into one that is inhospitable. Make sure that mother and young are able to remain together to prevent any of them from dying cruel deaths. Groundhogs also have a short, bushy tail and often sit on their haunches to feed. The face has a blunt nose, small rounded ears, and medium sized eyes. "Consequently, the wildlife officer of the M-trappin' agency became responsible for managing and protecting the state's natural resources, wildlife, and environmental protection. LifeSupplyUSA Replacement AC4800 Air Filters Work Wonders for Allergy Sufferers, How to Use Electrostatic Filters to Assist with Seasonal Allergies, 5 Common Mistakes with Power Extension Cords and How to Avoid Them, Removing Dust & Other Household Chores You Can Automate. The Illinois Department of National Resources is tasked with conservation and management of wild species in Illinois. Even if the orphaned young are discovered, rescued and taken to a wildlife rehabilitator to be reared, it remains a bleak situation for both mother and offspring; one that could have been easily prevented. 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