Can You Own A Groundhog In Virginia?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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In Virginia, for example, groundhogs are designated as a “nuisance species” — probably because they dig hazardous holes.

Virginia law even allows property owners to kill groundhogs without a permit

.

Can you legally own a groundhog?

More specifically, groundhogs are rodents, closely related to squirrels, and are

subject to state laws regarding wild

rodents. … So unless you have a handle on groundhogs raised in captivity, keeping a wild one as a pet is probably against the law.

Can you have a pet groundhog in VA?

In Virginia,

it is illegal to keep woodchucks as pets

or to attempt to raise them yourself without a rehabilitation permit.

What exotic animals can you own in Virginia?

Virginia. Summary of Law: No person may possess nonnative exotic animals that are classed as predatory or undesirable as a “pet.” Nonnative exotic animals include, but are not limited to:

bears, wolves, coyotes, weasels, badgers, hyenas

, all species of non-domesticated cats

Are groundhogs good for anything?

A

groundhog will help itself to anything

and everything you have planted. They are vegetarians and are partial to leaves, flowers and grasses. They especially like certain garden crops like carrots, beans and peas. They will even climb trees to eat apples and pears.

Do groundhogs eat carrots?

Primarily, groundhogs eat grasses, clover, alfalfa, and dandelions. In addition, groundhogs like to eat garden fruits and vegetables like berries, apples, lettuce, corn, and carrots. … They will also eat snails, grasshoppers, and grubs, but live food is a small percentage of their diet.

Is it legal to have a pet squirrel in Virginia?

What NOT to Do. Do not keep a squirrel as a pet or try to rehabilitate it yourself:

it is illegal in Virginia and most other states

. Instead, take it to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian. … They are inhumane and may cause secondary poisoning of raptors, wild scavengers, and domestic pets.

Can I own a tiger in Virginia?

Virginia already

bans private ownership

of wild felines. According to Big Cat Rescue’s website, to own an exotic cat in the state, people need to be registered with the USDA or have scientific or educational purposes and have an import permit to get the animal across state lines.

Is it legal to have a pet raccoon in Virginia?

In Virginia,

it is illegal to keep raccoons as pets

or to attempt to raise them yourself without a rehabilitation permit.

Is it bad to have a groundhog in your yard?

The short answer is

YES, you should

. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that are hard to get rid of when they invade your property. These rodents usually dig burrows in grassy areas and eat through gardens causing a lot of damage.

What’s the difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck?

What is the Difference Between a Groundhogs and a Woodchuck?

There is no difference between a groundhog and a woodchuck

. In fact, the terms woodchuck and groundhog are interchangeable.

What do groundhogs hate the most?

Plants with strong fragrances, such as

lavender

, will keep groundhogs out of your garden. The Farmers’ Almanac says groundhogs also dislike the smell of these herbs: mint, sage, basil, lemon balm, rosemary, thyme, chives and oregano.

What is a groundhogs favorite food?

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.

How long does a groundhog live?

Lifespan: In the wild, groundhogs can live

up to six years with two or three being average

. In captivity, groundhogs reportedly live up to 14 years. Breeding: Groundhogs tend to be solitary except in the spring when a litter of four to six young are born. Litters of one to nine have been recorded.

How do I get rid of a groundhog under my shed?

The most effective remedy to get rid of a groundhog denning under your shed or porch is

by trapping and removing it

. The use of live traps to catch and relocate groundhogs is popular and it is known to be very effective. You may hire or buy a live trap as they are readily available.

Why are Axolotl illegal in Virginia?

The reason that you need a license is because in some states,

axolotls are considered an endangered species

, while in other states, they are looked upon as a threat to natural environment as they are a part of the salamander family.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.