What is the legal way to deal with nuisance wildlife?
birdasofafeather asked:
I’ve seen a number of questions where people have squirrels or bats in their attics, or deer eating their flowers, or geese polluting their lakes, or coyotes threatening their pets. The answers on this subject run the gamut. Some people say to just shoot it, to trap it and relocate it, to poison it, etc. And some people say you need permits to kill or trap/relocate wild animals that are damaging your property or threatening your safety. What’s the legal way to deal with nuisance wildlife?
I’ve seen a number of questions where people have squirrels or bats in their attics, or deer eating their flowers, or geese polluting their lakes, or coyotes threatening their pets. The answers on this subject run the gamut. Some people say to just shoot it, to trap it and relocate it, to poison it, etc. And some people say you need permits to kill or trap/relocate wild animals that are damaging your property or threatening your safety. What’s the legal way to deal with nuisance wildlife?
That really depends on where you are. most places require that wildlife only be removed by a person or company that have the proper permits. These wildlife trappers can be found in the yellow pages. Your best bet would be to contact a humane society in your area and ask them. They usually have good resources for that.
You should contact your local SPCA or Fish and Wildlife (or equivalent) regarding the laws on the matter. And, yes, in most cases a permit is required for trapping/relocating/possessing/selling wildlife animals.
It is my understanding that lethal methods of wildlife control, as well as live-trapping/relocating require special permits, either from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, or the state DNR.
I have found the laws of some states, and they seem to validate this.
“Under Current Oklahoma State Law, wildlife rehabilitators cannot trap and relocate nusence wildlife unless they carry a trapping permit, which most of us do not. We recommend Ted Corbin with Animal Relocators of Tulsa at 918)446-0541 for humane trapping and relocation.”
“Any person desiring to control Protected Species which are causing damage to
property or a risk to human health or safety on the land of another, at no charge, must
first obtain a valid Class B Nuisance Wildlife Control Permit from the Department.
Not-for-profit (501(c)(3)) zoos and botanical gardens desiring to control protected
species that are causing damage to property or are a risk to human health or safety on
lands owned by that entity must first obtain a valid Class B Nuisance Wildlife
Control Permit from the Department. Control of white-tailed deer and migratory,
threatened, or endangered species is prohibited except as provided for in Section
525.30(h). Unlawful taking of white-tailed deer is a Class B misdemeanor (see 520
ILCS 5/2.24), as is unlawful taking of an endangered species (see 520 ILCS 5/2.18).
Unlawful taking of migratory birds is a Class B misdemeanor (see 520 ILCS 10/9).”
“The Nuisance Wildlife Information Line (NWIL) enables
homeowners to receive guidance on nuisance, injured, or sick
wildlife. This service is provided jointly by the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife and
Heritage Services, and the United States Department of
Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
Wildlife Services Program (USDA-APHIS). The NWIL offers
safe and legal ways to deal with problem animals. Call toll free at 1-877-463-6497 M-F from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5
p.m. Permits to control nuisance wildlife can be issued over
the phone on a case by case basis.”
However, since I was unable to verify laws for all states, it is best if you contact your state DNR to clarify the laws of your state as they pertain to your situation.