Wildlife Removal Laws

If you are faced with the need to remove wildlife from your property, it is important that you follow specific rules and regulations. While specific laws may vary depending on the state you reside in, there are a few general guidelines which may still apply.

• A person can trap live, non-migratory animals once they have become a nuisance. There are a few exceptions to which animals in certain states. For example, black bears, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer cannot be trapped.


• Live-trapped animals cannot be kept for longer than 24 hours from the time of capture.


• Live-trapped animals must be released outside the city limits. The animal cannot be released on public or private property without permission from the landowner. Additionally, certain animals must either be euthanized or released on the site.


• Live-trapped animals cannot be sold or traded to another person.


• Wild animals that prove to be a nuisance and cause damage, but cannot be live-trapped must be killed by a licensed nuisance animal trapper.


• Raccoons, coyotes, foxes, opossums and skunks should be euthanized with 24 hours of capture. Other animals may fit this requirement as well depending on the state of residence.


• In some states, it is illegal to use lethal removal techniques for the removal of certain animals such as pigeons.


• In some states special permits must be applied for before removing nuisance birds, eggs or nests.  These permits can be applied for by contacting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Migratory Bird Program.