FAQs: Nuisance Wildlife
Are there
wildlife that cannot be taken?
Yes, there are many species that cannot be
taken. For more information about which wildlife cannot be
take and resolving problems with these species visit our Wildlife
Assistance website.
Who can take
nuisance wildlife?
Any person owning property may take nuisance
wildlife
that...
- causes (or is about to cause) property damage,
- presents a threat to public safety, or
- causes an annoyance within, under or upon a building
on their property or they may authorize another
person to take nuisance wildlife on their behalf. Persons
responsible for government owned property are considered "property
owners". Nuisance wildlife trappers and property owners who
have problems with animals are responsible for complying with the
many laws that protect animals. Before removing an animal, please
seek assistance in understanding
these laws and your options for resolving the problem.
Permits may be required under certain
circumstances.
You may want to have another individual take the
nuisance animals for you.
FWC does not license nuisance wildlife trappers,
but does allow them to advertize their services on our web site.
Consult the FWC's list of
Nuisance Wildlife Trappers that Operate in Your County. Most
trappers will charge a fee for their services. Nuisance wildlife
trappers do not need to notify or obtain FWC authorization to take
most destructive or nuisance wildlife from private property. All a
nuisances wildlife trapper needs to take nuisance wildlife outdoors
is the consent of the property owner. Likewise, property owners may
take most nuisance wildlife on their own land without notifying or
obtaining FWC authorization. Nuisance wildlife trappers attempting
to trap in or under a structure should see "Nuisance
Wildlife Trappers - Businesses" .
How can nuisance wildlife be
taken?
Nuisance wildlife, as defined in
Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 68A-9.010, may be taken
using live traps or snares, or, where allowed, firearms during
daylight hours. All traps and snares must be inspected at least
once every 24 hours. The discharge of a firearm may be prohibited
in some cities and residential areas, check with local law
enforcement. A permit issued by the FWC regional offices is
required to use steel traps to take destructive mammals
(excluding species prohibited by the FWC). A Gun and Light at Night Permit and a
hunting license are required to use a firearm and a light at night
to take nuisance beaver, bobcat, coyote, fox, opossum, rabbit,
raccoon or skunk, causing destruction of crops and/or
livestock.
What do I do with
a nuisance animal after it is caught?
Live-captured nuisance wildlife must be released
legally or euthanized humanely within 24 hours of capture or trap
inspection. Any non-target wildlife should be released immediately
at the capture site. Unless prohibited by rabies alert or
quarantine issued by County Health Department or County Animal
Control, live captured nuisance wildlife may be transported only
for the purpose of euthanasia or for legal release, Euthanasia
guidelines can be found on the Report of the American
Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia. Only native
species of wildlife may be released. Armadillos, coyotes and
muscovy ducks are not native wildlife.
Native nuisance wildlife may be released on the
property of the landowner where captured provided the release site
and capture site are located on one contiguous piece of property.
Native nuisance wildlife may be released off the capture site if
the release site is a minimum of 40 contiguous acres, located in
the same county as the capture site, and the person releasing the
nuisance wildlife has in their possession written permission from
the landowner of the release site allowing release on their
property. Nuisance wildlife may not be released on federal, state,
county, local or private lands without written permission of the
landowner.
Where and how is a
carcass disposed?
To dispose of carcasses, please keep these
precautions in mind and follow these instructions. When handling
dead birds or other wildlife, work outdoors and try to stay upwind
of the carcass. When bagging the carcass, keep the open end of the
bag away from your face. Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling
carcasses. Do not store carcasses in a cooler, freezer, or
refrigerator used for human or animal food, and wash hands
thoroughly after handling. Wash any clothing that comes
into contact with the carcass with normal household detergent at
normal temperatures.
Disposal of dead animals: open up
two heavy plastic trash bags. Avoid touching the carcass with your
bare hands. Pick up the carcass using disposable gloves or plastic
bags worn on your hands. Place the carcass in the first heavy
plastic trash bag. Keep the open end of the bag pointed away from
your face while tying securely. Next remove gloves or plastic bags
from your hands by turning them inside out. Dispose of the gloves
or plastic bags in the second heavy trash bag and place the first
bag (containing the carcass) in the second bag, as well. Tie the
second bag securely and place it in the garbage. If there are many
carcasses to be disposed of, please first speak with your local
waste management facility.
Where can I
buy traps and supplies?
Many feed or home improvement stores will sell or
rent animal traps. Some Animal Control offices will also lease
traps for domestic animals.
Are Muscovy ducks
legal to take?
Muscovy ducks are not considered wildlife and, like
other domestic animals, are considered private property. If someone
claims ownership, the birds are the owner's to do with as he or she
pleases, so long as Florida Statute 828.12 regarding animal cruelty
is not violated. Similarly, if the muscovies have no owner, no
state or federal law prohibits their capture and humane euthanasia.
This can be a last resort to resolve a nuisance problem. As of
March 31st, 2010 a federal control order is in effect that allows
control by landowners, wildlife management agencies, and tenants,
agents, or employees without federal or state
permits, and prohibits the release of muscovies. More
information may become available (FAQ) on this website http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.
Information about dealing with problem ducks
or geese is available at MyFWC.com/Duck.
Can I trap
feral or wild hogs?
On private property, wild hogs may be
trapped using pens with trap doors and baited with acorns or old
corn. Trapped animals may not be released on public land, and can
only be released on private property with landowner
permission. There is no size or bag limit, and you may harvest
either sex. Also, no hunting license is required.
Before transporting hogs, contact the Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry for
applicable regulations in Florida.
Feral hog trappers should see the permit
information on our web site.
Persons with Disabilities