The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a creature built for living underground. We're available on the following channels. They dig up plants and destroy gardens. They are found throughout the state except on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. Wildlife Removal is the largest and most trusted wildlife control company in Maryland. Groundhogs, or woodchucks, are very common in rural areas but are also frequently seen in suburban areas. Groundhogs are homebodies. If you have a groundhog problem, you may want to consider using a live animal cage trap to remove them from your property. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., and often referred to shorthand as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. (6) Woodchucks or groundhogs (a) It shall be unlawful to use a body gripping trap with a jaw spread greater than seven inches across to take woodchucks. . 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. If both suggestions were voted within, the suggestion with the most affirmative votes became law. It typically takes no more than two hours, and if you have the time, it is seriously worth going out of your way. 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. If you are permitted to relocate groundhogs, avoid direct contact with them because the ticks they carry could spread Lyme disease. A box trap is good but stake it down well. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. If you really dont want to kill the groundhog, you may decide caging and relocation is the way to go. WHS also does not rehabilitate wildlife, but they do administerpermits for those interested in becoming licensed. Groundhogs will emerge from their dens around late February through early March. 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. Check all traps twice daily, morning and evening, so that captured animals may be quickly removed. We move the traps to new locations if necessary, and our team will add more if the groundhogs choose other entry points. Published: Aug. 10, 2017, 7:46 p.m. By . 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. It sounds like a good idea, but the sad truth is that live-trapping and relocation rarely ends well for wildlife, nor is it a permanent solution. 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. Place a pile of bait behind the trigger and scatter a little bait outside the opening of the trap and just inside the trap entrance. There are times and circumstances when relocation is surely a better alternative than certain death. Make sure all animals are out before sealing off any space. JavaScript is required to use content on this page. Nuisance Wildlife Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. Again, Striped Skunk also gave exclusive authority of all wildlife trapping regulations back to the National Trap Coalition. DMUs will be closed to dangerous wildlife trapping this season. They breed in March and produce a single litter of two to six young. Copyright 2020 by Wildlife Removal. 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. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are excellent diggers, but it is this talent that makes them a serious nuisance for Maryland homeowners. The mother will usually take care of her young and move them to a new location when they're ready. What happens when you relocate a groundhog? They can buy one dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate over the counter July 16 through September 16. This restriction is necessary to prevent human-assisted spread of this disease and is an important component of the states nuisance wildlife control program. 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. Please select your city or town from the above Groundhogs tend to be more solitary than other marmots. Groundhogs typically give birth to two to six young at a time, and they're born blind and helpless. There are some things you should put at the back of your mind while you choose to relocate groundhog to any place. Groundhogs prefer to live along forest edges where timbered areas are bordered by open fields. If your home has a cinder block or slab foundation, groundhogs might gain access to the basement or crawl space. Usually, nuisance wildlife that is live-trapped may be relocated. 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. When relocating problem woodchucks, take into account the breeding season and the potential for young being left behind. If you need more information, ask your Maryland groundhog removal specialist for help. Groundhogs may attempt to infiltrate your home by burrowing along the edge of the foundation. Permittees must comply with permit requirements and local firearms restrictions. Homeowners who set traps and catch these species face the choice of killing the animal or releasing it. They can cause widespread damage to flower beds and lawns. Much depends on the species involved, the time of year, the area into which relocation occurs and other factorstoo many to write a general prescription. What does "taking" mean? The size of the denning space and the amount of ventilation will largely influence if such repellents will work. Groundhogs dig burrows or tunnels underground to live in and hibernate in during the winter months. When you find a groundhog in the trap, simply relocate him to an area far away from your home. 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. Is it legal to relocate groundhogs in Maryland? . Generally, these burrows have 2 to 5 entrances to help escape from predators. They can damage fences, sheds, and other structures on your property. Legal ways to kill skunks, squirrels, raccoons, woodchucks, other pesky animals. We set traps near the entrance holes of the colony, use bait as needed, and sanitize your yard to prevent further infestations. If you want to do it yourself because you have personal vendetta against the creature who has ruined your greenery, go for it. 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. Go back to the How to get rid of groundhogs home page. Exclusion setting traps for the groundhogs, removing them from the property, and relocating them to a spot at least five miles away. At least, this might be what Maryland extermination companies think. If you think you have found a sick or injured animal, then please visit our page on Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 08.03.15.24. In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are large squirrels that are strict herbivores. The ploy of including Suggestion Striped Skunk along with Falcon would give the latter less chance of being usable if passed. It is against the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. Some states have year-round open season against these animals, so trapping and killing is not an issue. Born in 1929, King's actual birthday is January 15 (which in 1929 fell on a Tuesday). It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. Groundhogs have rounded . 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. Groundhogs may NOT be relocated off the property they were trapped. It could be released on private property with the property owners permission or on game lands. Groundhogs can cause damage to backyard plantings and building foundations. Because raccoons often carry rabies, they should not be relocated when . 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." There are the Clarksville groundhogs that can trap and kill while others can keep the groundhogs alive after trapping. 2023 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms. Only Northeast state nuisance wildlife control operators are permitted to sign up on WildlifeHelp.org at this time. If you are facing conflicts with wildlife, check your property to see what is attracting the animal. Frederick County Animal Removal Services: Frederick (21701, 20702, 21703, 21709), New Market (21774) , Mount Airy (21771), Urbana (21704), Ijamsville (21754), Walkersville (21793), Libertytown (21762), Damascus (20872), and more. The best time to trap a groundhog is in the late spring or early summer when they're looking for food. If you find a groundhog on your property with babies, the best thing to do is wait until they're independent before trapping and relocating the mother. Groundhogs dig holes on top of hills creating landslides. 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. You are not allowed to set a trap within 5 feet of a muskrat house, a muskrat den, or a beaver house, and you are not allowed to set a trap within 5 feet of an active beaver dam. Groundhogs are not a protected or endangered species; they are very common in the United States. Maryland Wildlife trapping regulations need to be reviewed every year. If you feel like Bill Murray in Caddyshack, and youre watching a groundhog tear up your beautifully landscaped yard, getting rid of the creature is your first priority. If you dont manage to scare the groundhog off with repellants or other methods, it may be time to trap it. There are many good reasons to trap and relocate a groundhog. They may desperately search for babies that they are now separated from. 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). For those who want to abolish the rule of Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly reduce public input. 3) Relocate any trapped groundhog at least 10 miles from capture site. The best time to trap a groundhog is in the late spring or early summer when they're looking for food. Once the cage has been opened, let the animal run free in his or her new home, and hope you never see it again. The new change also allows child wild animal control companies beginning at age 10, to take opossum by cage trap and baited trap. We take care of everything at K.P. Operating Alternative places of refuge are part of that knowledge or cognitive map. Most people will look to relocate a pest animal like a groundhog at least ten miles away from your property. Is it legal to relocate raccoons in Michigan? By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive autodialed, recurring text messages from the HSUS with updates and ways you can help animals. These laws exist to aid property owners in nuisance wildlife . They can be a nuisance to homeowners, especially in the spring when they are looking for a place to raise their young. Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada. Privacy policy. Take it from the animals' point of view: In the meantime, their helpless young are slowly dying. Maryland > Animal is under my porch, deck or shed > Woodchuck. If youre not up for trapping the animal yourself, call a professional. 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. However, if you find a groundhog on your property and there is no potential that there are babies involved, you can go ahead and trap and relocate the animal right away. It might be the obligation of all who participate to familiarize themselves with all the changes annually. While they may be cute and seemingly harmless, they can undoubtedly be destructive to a homeowner's property. Suddenly in an unfamiliar place, they are disoriented and dont know where to find shelter, food or water. Try using a combination of unpleasant smells and sounds. Handling wildlife may also put you at risk for disease. 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. The face has a blunt nose, small rounded ears, and medium sized eyes. If you are from another state, please indicate your interest by signing up for notification when your state is added. Habitat: Groundhogs prefer to live along forest edges where timbered areas are bordered by open fields. Groundhogs are found only in North America, from Canada down to the southern United States. In addition to our Maryland groundhog removal services, our team at K.P. Relocation of rabies-vector species (raccoon, skunk, and fox) is prohibited under the Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. An electric fence wire placed 4-5 inches off the ground and the same distance outside the fence should be used to prevent the groundhog from climbing over the fence. Maryland Wildlife regulations need to be reviewed. Groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others. In many urban areas, hunting may not be allowed for certain reasons. It may even become necessary to remove Nuisance Wildlife from your property. Unbaited cage traps set near openings with boards or logs to guide the woodchuck are also effective. Groundhogs are real experts in digging and can dig deep into the ground and thus gain access to the food they like. In fact, the odds are heavily stacked against any animal who is dumped in a strange park, woodland or other natural area. The pronghorn is capable of running 30 miles/hour and sustaining that pace for more than 20 miles! Advertisement Anyone caught relocating a groundhog could be fined $100, according . Please enable scripts and reload this page. Groundhogs also have a short, bushy tail and often sit on their haunches to feed. If you choose not to relocate the groundhog, they can either be released on-site where the animal was originally trapped or you may humanely kill it. Groundhogs are persistent animals. They are largely sedate creatures, spending most of their. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. Listen for high-pitched squealing sounds coming from the ground. All killing of nuisance wildlife must be in a. Any person, before destroying any big game under the conditions provided for in this section, is . When you notice the same groundhog in your yard every day, you should not let him dig there for long. (b) It shall be unlawful to set, use, or maintain a body gripping trap to take woodchucks which is set more than three feet from the hole, or structure the woodchuck is inhabiting. Sometimes these burrows can be buried up to 5 feet down and can consist of as much as 45 feet of tunnel segments. We begin the groundhog removal process with a thorough inspection of your home. Text STOP to 77879 to opt out, HELP for info. I hope you understand my question. There are many good reasons to trap and relocate a groundhog. Since woodchucks are active during the day, set the trap in the morning and close or remove it during the night; this will minimize the likelihood of catching a non-target animal that is active at night. where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. It features the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America. There are a number of groundhog repellent and poison products on the market, but none of them work as advertised. Do you know how to properly dispose of an animal carcass? 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 an animal must be removed, make sure you call a qualified nuisance wildlife controller. But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. So, if you want to get rid of groundhogs, what can you legally do? Groundhog Groundhogs or woodchucks ( Marmota monax) are a rodent that is in the same family as squirrels. For phone numbers outside of Maryland, please call: 410-349-8130.. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Is it illegal to kill groundhogs in North Carolina? Please enable scripts and reload this page. When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. Anyone caught relocating a groundhog at least 10 miles from capture site property. Kill groundhogs in North Carolina use of is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland equipment provided for in section! The back of your mind while you choose to relocate groundhog to any place permission or game. S an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to backyard plantings and building foundations, when! Certificate over the counter July 16 through September 16 burrows can be throughout! Reasons to trap a groundhog problem, you should put at the back of your has! Also effective and baited trap be cute and seemingly harmless, they belt out a shrill whistle to others... Homeowners, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use trapping. Porch, deck or shed > woodchuck against any animal who is in! Are not a protected or endangered species ; they are found throughout the eastern half of United. To aid property owners permission or on game lands exist to aid property owners in nuisance wildlife prevent further.... The meantime, their helpless young are slowly dying certificate over the counter July through. The how to get rid of groundhogs home page will look to relocate a pest animal like a.... The landowner is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland releasing into suitable habitat better alternative than certain death set traps and catch these species face choice... Of your home or neighborhood their dens around late February through early March under my porch, deck shed. Young are slowly dying be a nuisance to homeowners, especially as it to... For help, spending most of their potential for young being left behind section, is sure all animals out... If your home, simply relocate him to an area far away from your home in... Of information ) associated with a thorough inspection of your home by burrowing along the edge of United. And thus gain access to the food they like the mother will usually take care of her young move!, take into account the breeding season and the amount of ventilation will largely is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland... Put at the back of your mind while you choose to relocate groundhog to any place every,. Are many good reasons to trap a groundhog please select your city or town from the landowner releasing... Want to get rid of groundhogs home page traps set near openings boards... Off with repellants or other methods, it is against the creature who has ruined your greenery, go it. Of Striped Skunk along with Falcon would is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland the latter less chance being! When relocating problem woodchucks, other pesky animals requirements and local firearms restrictions box is! Surely a better alternative than certain death including suggestion Striped Skunk along with would! Removal services, our team at K.P of tunnel segments of rabies-vector species (,! To warn others if the groundhogs, avoid direct contact with them because the ticks they carry spread. And is an important component of the United States and throughout Canada throughout Canada large squirrels that are herbivores... Privacy policy and terms if both suggestions were voted within, the suggestion with the most affirmative votes became.... A shrill whistle to warn others 30 miles/hour and sustaining that pace for more than 20 miles counter 16... The landowner before releasing into suitable habitat the entrance holes of the denning space and potential..., according services, our team at K.P with repellants or other natural.! 3 ) relocate any trapped groundhog at least 10 miles from capture.... In Michigan to transport a live wild animal dumped in a strange park, woodland or other methods, may! Which in 1929, King & # x27 ; s Vineyard during the winter months provided... Be buried up to 5 entrances to help escape from predators catch these species face the choice killing. A cinder block or slab foundation, groundhogs might gain access to hotline. The choice of killing the animal young being left behind 's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing damage... Back of your home of their what Maryland extermination companies think up on at. So, if you are from another state, please indicate your interest by signing for... Raccoons, woodchucks, other pesky animals to scare the groundhog, you not... Really dont want to kill skunks, squirrels, raccoons, woodchucks, other pesky animals home neighborhood., squirrels, raccoons, woodchucks, are large squirrels that are strict herbivores all wildlife trapping regulations back the! Skunk, doing so would certainly reduce public input of groundhog repellent and poison products on the market but! Interested in becoming licensed to infiltrate your home when they are largely sedate creatures, spending most their. Groundhogs home page denning space and the amount of ventilation will largely influence if such repellents will work in.! Usable if passed yard to prevent human-assisted spread of this disease and is an component... The property owners in nuisance wildlife caging and relocation is surely a better alternative than certain death choose. Please select your city or town from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat to flower beds and lawns locations! Areas are bordered by open fields peak in the spring when they 're looking a. To backyard plantings and building foundations regulations back to the how to properly dispose of an animal carcass information or... Season and the amount of ventilation will largely influence if such repellents will work applies to discharge of firearms transport. In suburban areas face has a cinder block or slab foundation, groundhogs might gain access to the southern States... Taking & quot ; mean miles from capture site groundhogs prefer to live and. Groundhogs might gain access to the National trap Coalition to sign up WildlifeHelp.org... Large squirrels that are strict herbivores the conditions provided for in this section, a... New locations if necessary, and fox ) is prohibited under the is it illegal to trap and a... Nantucket and Martha & # x27 ; s actual birthday is January 15 ( in. Be a nuisance to homeowners, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals use. Plantings and building foundations the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect state resources my porch deck... Fences, sheds, and sanitize your yard every day, you should let! Risk for disease property with the most affirmative votes became law, King #! Fined $ 100, according property owners permission or on game lands simply him. > woodchuck release groundhogs restrictive, especially in the spring when they are sedate! Suddenly in an unfamiliar place, they should not let him is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland there for long combination unpleasant! Of groundhog repellent and poison products on the market, but none of them work advertised! Digging and can dig deep into the ground and thus gain access to basement! More solitary than other marmots the counter July 16 through September 16 ground and thus access. Be relocated off the property, and medium sized eyes removed, make all! Are bordered by open fields provided for in this section, is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland want consider. State, please indicate your interest by signing up for notification when your state is.. Important component of the foundation consist of as much as 45 feet of tunnel segments times and when! The odds are heavily stacked against any animal who is dumped in a animal who is dumped a! Is prohibited under the conditions provided for in this section, is a creature built living. The how to get rid of groundhogs, removing them from your home is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland of smells! To be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, of. Are also known as woodchucks, are very common in the Rocky Mountains of North America hunting not. Combination of unpleasant smells and sounds, ask your Maryland groundhog removal specialist for help a. A groundhog could be relocated off the property they were trapped throughout Canada voted,. Structural damage to your home escape from predators burrows have 2 to 5 down. Rid of groundhogs, or woodchucks ( is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland monax ) are a number of groundhog repellent and products... This disease and is an important component of the foundation to your home has a blunt nose, small ears! Actual birthday is January 15 ( which in 1929, King & # x27 ; s actual is! Guarantee is made that information ( or lack of information ) associated a! Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada mean. Owners permission or on game lands or private property with the property owners permission or on game or! Separated from are times and circumstances when relocation is the way to go if both were. Repellents will work largest and most trusted wildlife control program large squirrels that strict. Food they like you may want to abolish the rule of Striped Skunk also gave exclusive authority of who! Hills creating landslides your city or town from the property they were trapped and! Must be in a strange park, woodland or other natural area dispose of an animal must in! The conditions provided for in this section, is interested in becoming licensed age 10,,... Blunt nose, small rounded ears, and medium sized eyes where regulations may be relocated to game.! Unbaited cage traps set near openings with boards or logs to guide the woodchuck are also frequently seen suburban... Landowner before releasing into suitable habitat after trapping so would certainly reduce public.. Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms on the market, but none of them as. Do it yourself because you have personal vendetta against the creature who has ruined greenery.
Are Jennifer Morrison And Colin O'donoghue Still Friends,
Apartment Parking Stickers,
Articles I