Is It Legal To Relocate Wildlife In Michigan? – LegalProX (2023)

FAQs

Is it legal to relocate squirrels in Michigan? ›

Wildlife Removal

The answer is 'no. ' The nuisance animal laws in Michigan allows for the removal of wildlife animals immediately through trapping. When trapping an animal is caught, trapped and released to another environment suitable for them to survive and away from our properties.

“It's illegal here in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. The way the Michigan law is written, raccoons are somewhat unprotected if they are doing damage or about to do damage.

Removal tips

Groundhogs can be live trapped and released on landowner's own property or humanely euthanized. Groundhogs may NOT be relocated off the property they were trapped.

Because raccoons are a rabies vector, they cannot be trapped and relocated under any circumstances. All trapped raccoons must be euthanized or released on the property where they were captured.

Michigan's public lands offer no end of outdoor activities for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike — including squirrel hunting.

It is best to drive several miles away (at least 3) to release the squirrels so that they cannot find their way back into your home and their nest. Although relocating the squirrel is the easiest method, it may not be the most humane.

Once raccoons are in your home they do great damage. Raccoon's should be removed or controlled from your home by trapping in live traps. 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.

Coyotes, raccoons, skunks and woodchuck are not protected and can be taken year-round when they are doing or about to do damage on private property. Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, ground squirrel and feral swine can also be taken year-round with a valid Michigan hunting license.

The Michigan DNR says that once you trap an animal, you have to euthanize it or release it promptly. And, you cannot release an animal onto someone else's property without their permission.

7 You've Caught a Groundhog!

If relocating your groundhog, do so at least 5 miles away from your property. Choose an area that provides cover so that your groundhog will not want to travel far to make a new home. Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened.

Is it legal to relocate chipmunks in Michigan? ›

This also conceals the trapped animal from sight. Chipmunks are not protected by federal law, nor are they protected under the Michigan's wildlife laws and may be taken at any time.

An effective way to remove groundhogs is through a live trap. Fresh greens, cantaloupe, or green apples works great for bait. These types of traps are easy to set, but it does take some skill and knowledge to bait this rodents into the trap. Another way to get rid of groundhogs is with a body grip trap.

It will have great difficulty thriving in a new territory, or established raccoons will outcompete it or drive it out. They will travel far to return to the original territory, so if you don't want to see it again, it's recommended to bring it a minimum of 5, or even 10 miles away from the capture site.

It may take the raccoon a few days, particularly if it is a mother with babies, but it will almost definitely leave. Relocating a raccoon is bad news. Relocated raccoons find themselves in unfamiliar territories already occupied by others— often bigger, more aggressive rivals.

However, the laws covering their hunting and trapping are enforced by the California Department of Fish and Game. Fish and Game classifies raccoons as "furbearers." Laws were created to protect them from overhunting when their fur was more valuable than at present, and raccoons less numerous.

Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, skunk, ground squirrel, woodchuck, Russian boar, feral pigeons, starling and house sparrows may be taken year-round with a valid Michigan hunting license.

269 caliber or smaller for the take of coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and opossums at night is permitted. Nighttime take with centerfire rifles is prohibited on all state parks and recreation areas statewide, and all state game areas within the limited firearm deer zone.

Legal status: Crows are a protected species under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

It is illegal to relocate wildlife in the State of California without a permit. Live-captured ground squirrels must be released immediately on the property where they were caught, or they must be euthanized by legal and humane measures.

Studies show that a squirrel can find its way back to a former nesting ground from as far away as 15 miles. If you choose a good Colorado relocation spot where your squirrels can be happy and thrive they are less likely to return.

How do you relocate a raccoon? ›

To urge a raccoon with young out of a den that is under your house, deck or in the attic, place a small battery operated radio set to a talk station into the den as well as a light. This disturbance will cause the raccoon to relocate her young.

It shall be unlawful for any person to hunt, trap, capture, kill or otherwise destroy any wild game animals, wild game or song birds, their young offspring or eggs in the district hereinbefore described, or to molest the homes, nests or houses of such wild game animals or wild game or song birds.

Animal Control can only trap animals that are causing a nuisance by doing property damage. Residents with their own private trap should first contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before trapping any animal. The Michigan DNR may require a permit. Only safe humane live traps may be used within the City.

CANNOT Shoot a muskrat, beaver, otter, mink, fisher, or marten except under DNR permit. Coyote, fox, raccoon, bobcat, and badger may be killed in traps by furtakers using . 22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearms, except for junior fur harvesters with trap-only licenses.

Small Game Hunting in Michigan. The season and bag limit (the number you are allowed to hunt) for each animal varies. Fox and gray squirrel (including black phase squirrels) may be taken statewide during the open season.

Farmers and other livestock owners may legally kill dogs that are chasing or attacking their animals, and the dog owners are responsible for any damages to the livestock. When you own a dog, it's your responsibility not only to take care of the animal, but also to keep it from injuring people or damaging property.

Shining with a firearm, bow or other weapon capable of shooting a projectile is already prohibited by law regardless of time of year. The vast majority of shining activity in Michigan is purely a recreational, family oriented form of viewing wildlife that occurs mainly in the fall months.

Once you have trapped the groundhog it is important to relocate it to a new home in a field, meadow or wooded area that is at least 20 miles away from your home so they don't find their way back. You can call the local wildlife and game office to offer some suggestions on where to take them.

To obtain a wildlife rehabilitation permit, applicants must pass a state examination, complete at least 25 hours of hands-on activity and 6 hours of instructional training, and get their facilities approved by the state. Contact the department directly for more information and an application.

What food is irresistible to groundhogs? ›

Favorite foods include alfalfa, clover, peas, beans, lettuce, broccoli, plantain, and soybeans. Groundhogs will often devour your seedlings before they even have time to grow. Rabbits and deer eat some of the same plants, so make sure to check for burrows before concluding that you have groundhogs.

Are groundhogs aggressive? These animals are not usually aggressive towards dogs or humans, but will bite in retaliation if threatened. If one happens to bite you, the injury will most likely be non-threatening. However, you may want to seek immediate medical attention to avoid potential complications caused by rabies.

Do groundhogs get rabies? Groundhogs can be infected by rabies. They can also suffer from other ailments. Some signs that a groundhog is in need of help include falling over, appearing disoriented, or walking in circles.

Chipmunks can be captured or killed year-round without a permit or hunting or trapping license from the DNR, and there are no limits to the number that can be taken.

Note: Never trap or relocate chipmunks. You won't affect the local population, and worse, releasing a chipmunk in a strange area will almost surely result in his or her death.

Wear gloves to avoid contact with a trapped chipmunk. If local laws permit, relocate the chipmunk at least 5 miles away from your home to prevent it from returning.

Yellow fly bait crystals are another form of poison that kills them all at once. Again, the animals suffer from various reactions to the poisons and this is not the most humane way to rid yourself of the groundhog problem.

Soil Aeration

' When groundhogs dig their burrows, they expose deep, compacted soil to the atmosphere, feeding them oxygen that sustains roots. As long as the tunnels remain, oxygen will keep coming into the soil and helping plants.

Groundhogs tend to hate the taste of Epsom salt. The Epsom salt won't do anything harmful to a groundhog, as it's a natural product. It will just work to drive away the groundhog if you sprinkle it around the perimeter of your garden.

Coyotes, raccoons, skunks and woodchuck are not protected and can be taken year-round when they are doing or about to do damage on private property. Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, ground squirrel and feral swine can also be taken year-round with a valid Michigan hunting license.

Is it illegal to relocate chipmunks in Michigan? ›

You do not need a permit to trap a chipmunk, but you must have permission from a landowner or property manager to release one on their property. Chipmunks can be captured or killed year-round without a permit or hunting or trapping license from the DNR, and there are no limits to the number that can be taken.

Yes, you can have a squirrel as a pet in the state of Michigan. However, you need a permit.

Animal Control can only trap animals that are causing a nuisance by doing property damage. Residents with their own private trap should first contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before trapping any animal. The Michigan DNR may require a permit. Only safe humane live traps may be used within the City.

Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, skunk, ground squirrel, woodchuck, Russian boar, feral pigeons, starling and house sparrows may be taken year-round with a valid Michigan hunting license.

CANNOT Shoot a muskrat, beaver, otter, mink, fisher, or marten except under DNR permit. Coyote, fox, raccoon, bobcat, and badger may be killed in traps by furtakers using . 22 caliber or smaller rimfire firearms, except for junior fur harvesters with trap-only licenses.

The present population of black eastern gray squirrels in Battle Creek, Michigan was reportedly introduced in 1915 by John Harvey Kellogg, who wanted to repopulate the area with the species after their populations were devastated in the previous centuries by predators and human hunters.

The Michigan DNR says that once you trap an animal, you have to euthanize it or release it promptly. And, you cannot release an animal onto someone else's property without their permission.

Once you have trapped the groundhog it is important to relocate it to a new home in a field, meadow or wooded area that is at least 20 miles away from your home so they don't find their way back. You can call the local wildlife and game office to offer some suggestions on where to take them.

Raccoons, skunks, woodchucks, and coyotes may be taken year-round, using otherwise lawful hunting or trapping methods, on private property and with landowner permission when doing or about to do damage. A license or written permission is not needed.

How much is a wildlife permit in Michigan? ›

Normally, the permit fee is $45.00.

Michigan state law says wild colors of Red Fox need a permit to be owned by a private individual, other colors do not require a permit. Wild colors include: red, silver, and cross. Any color that closely resembles wild colors will also require a permit.

Small Game Hunting in Michigan. The season and bag limit (the number you are allowed to hunt) for each animal varies. Fox and gray squirrel (including black phase squirrels) may be taken statewide during the open season.

Foxes are classed as wild animals, not pests, and the Council has no statutory powers or legal rights to eradicate foxes on private or other land.

When relocating squirrels, you need to take them over 10 miles away from your home. Squirrels can travel up to 10 miles in a day, and the squirrels will come back to your house in a day or two after relocation if you try to relocate them closer than 10 miles from your home.