- How can I register as a Nuisance Trapper?
- Are there any regulations regarding euthanasia of nuisance wildlife?
- What animals can be trapped?
- Where and how is a carcass disposed?
- Can I drop an animal off in the woods?
- Where can I buy traps and supplies?
- Are Muscovy ducks legal to take?
- Can I trap feral or wild hogs?
- How can I register as a Nuisance Trapper?
Sign up to put your name on the Wildlife Trapper List. With the exception of trapping protected wildlife (for example, alligators) The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) does not require commercial nuisance wildlife trappers to register services. Additionally, a property owner does not need a permit to exclude or trap nuisance wildlife as long as it is a non-game, non-listed, and otherwise non-protected species. However, commercial Pest Control Operators using chemicals to control pests in, on, or under a man-made structure must be registered under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDOACS).
- Are there any regulations regarding euthanasia of nuisance wildlife?
In part, the rule, FAC 68A-9.010, states that live-captured nuisance wildlife can be moved only to euthanize it, or the animal can be released alive on site. FWC prohibits inhumane treatment of animals. Euthanasia guidelines can be found on the Report of the American Veterinary Medical Association Panel on Euthanasia .
- What animals can be trapped?
Nongame, non-listed, nonnative, and otherwise non-protected wildlife may be trapped. Contact your FWC regional office if you are unsure whether an animal can be trapped.
- 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.
- Can I drop an animal off in the woods?
Nuisance wildlife may only be released on the same property that it was trapped. Nonnative wildlife may not be released into the environment. The release of live captured nuisance wildlife onto public or private land is prohibited. Transportation of nuisance wildlife can only be done for the purposes of euthanasia according to Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) 68A-9.010. - 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.
- Can I trap feral or wild hogs?
Yes, outside of wildlife management areas, hogs are considered domestic livestock and are the property of the landowner. Before transporting hogs, contact the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry for applicable regulations in Florida.
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