When dealing with wildlife in your home or garden, it’s important to know that some animals are protected and managed by law because they play a vital role in nature, are at risk of being endangered or pose risk
Removing or disturbing these animals without the right permissions can cause legal problems and harm the local environment.
So, what are these protected animals and how can you remove them easily and lawfully from your home and garden?
1. Barn Owls
Protection Reason: Barn owls are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S.(ref) They are considered beneficial for controlling rodent populations, and their numbers can be negatively impacted by habitat loss and human interference.
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Legal Removal: If barn owls are nesting in your home or garden, you must obtain a permit from wildlife authorities to relocate or remove them. It’s essential to contact local wildlife control or a licensed bird rehabilitation center for assistance.
2. Skunks
Protection Reason: Skunks are protected by various state and local laws due to their role in controlling insect and rodent populations. They can also be carriers of diseases like rabies, so their removal is regulated to prevent potential health risks (ref).
Legal Removal: Skunks should be handled by professional wildlife removal services who are licensed to deal with them. Attempting to trap or relocate skunks yourself can be dangerous and illegal. Ensure any traps used are compliant with local regulations.
3. Frogs & Toads
Protection Reason: Frogs and toads are protected due to their role in ecosystems as insectivores and indicators of environmental health. Many species are also endangered or declining due to habitat loss and pollution.
Legal Removal: If frogs or toads are causing problems in your garden, consider habitat modification or non-lethal deterrents. Removing them might require contacting local wildlife experts or conservation organizations for advice. Relocation should be done with care to ensure their survival.
4. Bats
Protection Reason: Bats, especially the Northern long-eared bats, are protected under laws such as the Endangered Species Act in the U.S. due to their critical role in insect control and pollination.(ref) Many bat species are also facing threats from habitat destruction and diseases like white-nose syndrome.
Legal Removal: Bats should be removed by professionals who are experienced in handling wildlife. In many areas, you need a permit to remove bats, and it’s crucial to do so during the right time of year (usually not during breeding season).
Exclusion methods that prevent bats from entering buildings without harming them are recommended.
5. Great Crested Newts
Protection Reason: Great crested newts are protected under conservation laws in the U.S. due to their declining populations, primarily from habitat loss, pollution, and disease. They are also considered indicators of ecosystem health.
Legal Removal: To legally remove great crested newts from your property, you must contact local wildlife authorities or conservation organizations. They can provide guidance or permit a licensed professional to handle the situation. Simply moving or disturbing these newts without proper authorization is illegal.
6. Badgers
Protection Reason: In some areas, badgers are protected under state laws and wildlife protection statutes because they play a role in controlling insect and small mammal populations. They also contribute to soil health through their burrowing activities.
Legal Removal: Removing badgers typically requires contacting a licensed wildlife removal service. You may need a permit or authorization from local wildlife management authorities. Handling badgers on your own is not advisable due to their potential aggressiveness and legal restrictions.
7. Beetles
Protection Reason: Specific beetle species, like the American burying beetle, are placed in the threatened status.(ref) Beetles can play crucial roles in ecosystems, such as pollination and decomposing organic matter.
Legal Removal: If you’re dealing with protected beetle species, it’s important to identify them first. Contact local wildlife or environmental agencies to get advice on handling and removal. Pesticides or traps should be used cautiously and in accordance with legal guidelines to avoid harming protected species.
8. Squirrels
Protection Reason: While not all squirrel species are protected, some, like the Eastern gray squirrel, are managed under state wildlife laws. They are protected to ensure their populations remain healthy and to control their impact on ecosystems.
Legal Removal: To legally remove squirrels, you should contact a licensed wildlife control professional who can handle trapping and relocation in compliance with local regulations. DIY methods can be problematic and may be illegal if they involve harming the animals.
Exclusion methods, like sealing entry points, can help prevent squirrels from entering your home or garden in the first place.
9. Opossums
Protection Reason: Opossums are generally not protected under federal law, but state and local regulations may provide some level of protection due to their beneficial role in controlling pests and their generally non-aggressive nature. They are also a native species and play a role in local ecosystems.
Legal Removal: If you need to remove opossums, it’s advisable to contact a licensed wildlife removal service. They can safely trap and relocate the animals in compliance with local regulations. DIY removal should be avoided due to potential risks and legal issues related to improper handling.
10. Snakes
Protection Reason: Some snake species, especially those that are endangered or threatened, are protected under the Endangered Species Act or state laws. Snakes play essential roles in ecosystems, such as controlling rodent populations and serving as prey for other animals.
Legal Removal: If you encounter a protected snake, you should contact local wildlife authorities or a professional wildlife removal service. They can help with safe and legal removal. For non-protected species, using a wildlife control expert is still recommended to avoid harm to the snake and ensure compliance with local regulations.
11. Foxes
Protection Reason: Foxes are generally protected under state wildlife laws. They help maintain the balance of ecosystems by controlling populations of small mammals and insects. Some species, like the red fox, may also have specific protections due to their role in the environment.
Legal Removal: Removing foxes often requires contacting a licensed wildlife control professional. In some cases, a permit or authorization from state wildlife agencies may be needed. Methods such as exclusion and habitat modification can also help prevent foxes from entering your property.
12. Raccoons
Protection Reason: Raccoons are protected furbearers and managed under state wildlife laws due to their potential to carry diseases like rabies and their impact on property.(ref) They are also important for ecosystem health but can become problematic when they enter homes or gardens.
Legal Removal: To legally remove raccoons, you should hire a licensed wildlife control professional. They can safely trap and relocate the raccoons according to local regulations. DIY methods, such as using traps or poisons, are generally not recommended and may be illegal or dangerous.
13. Moles
Protection Reason: Moles are generally not protected by federal law, but some states have specific regulations regarding their management. They are considered beneficial for soil aeration but can be problematic when they cause damage to lawns and gardens.
Legal Removal: For managing moles, consider using humane traps or exclusion methods. In some cases, professional pest control services may be necessary. Make sure that any methods used comply with state regulations to avoid legal issues. Avoid using harmful chemicals or traps that could inadvertently affect other wildlife.
14. Honey Bees
Protection Reason: Honey bees are vital pollinators and are protected under federal and state regulations due to their role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting agricultural production (ref). Some states even have specific laws protecting bees, especially given their declining populations.
Legal Removal: Removing honey bee colonies from your home or garden requires contacting a professional beekeeper or licensed pest control service. In many cases, relocation is preferred over extermination, and it’s important to follow local regulations to avoid legal issues or harm to the bees.
15. Monarch Butterflies
Protection Reason: Monarch butterflies are protected in some areas under conservation efforts due to their significant population decline (ref). They play a critical role in pollination and are a flagship species for conservation efforts related to pollinators.
Legal Removal: It’s illegal to harm monarch butterflies or disturb their habitats, especially their breeding and feeding grounds. If they are found in your garden, it’s important to leave them undisturbed or contact a local conservation organization for advice on how to coexist with these important pollinators.
When handling protected species, always consult with wildlife experts or local authorities to ensure you are acting within the law and supporting the well-being of these animals.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.