Mammals
ARMADILLOS
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods: o See first page of these guidelines
•
Lethal Methods:
o Hunting allowed year-round o Trapping during regulated
furbearer trapping season.
o State Depredation Permit if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Armadillos may not be relocated and released alive on another property. Must be released
at site of capture or euthanized either at the site of capture or at a facility designed to
humanely handle the euthanasia.
•
Armadillos may be hunted year-round with a state hunting license. A landowner is not
required to purchase a license to hunt on his/her own property.
•
Armadillos may be trapped during the open trappings seasons with a trapping license.
•
Armadillos may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
•
Armadillos may be taken with a depredation permit issued by a NCWRC enforcement
officer or biologist upon request by livestock or poultry owner.
Sightings / Reports:
Armadillos are slowly expanding their range into North Carolina. In order to track this
expansion, the NCWRC is documenting all sightings. If you have a sighting, please report it to
NCWRC extension biologist Jessie Birckhead, 919-707-0050 or
[email protected].
Typical Damage:
• Damage is usually to turf, as armadillos have burrowing and rooting habits.
• Typical damage consists of shallow holes that are 1-3 inches deep and 3-5 inches wide.
Contacts expressing concerns about armadillos should be advised that:
•
•
Armadillos are beneficial, as they eat insects, larvae, slugs and ants.
Armadillos can carry – and transmit – leprosy. However, the number of armadillo to
human contracted cases is quite low. Other than the very slight disease risk, armadillos
are not dangerous.
•
•
To minimize exposure wear gloves to handle live or dead armadillos.
Wear gloves if gardening in an area frequented by armadillos.
BATS
Wildlife Damage Control Agents are NOT authorized to issue permits for bats!
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Exclusion (only from August through April)
• Capture individual bat found inside living quarters of home.
The Gray bat, Indiana bat and Virginia big-eared bat are protected as federally listed endangered
species. Other bats are State listed as species of special concern. Due to protection of endangered
species, bats involved in nuisance situations should be identified prior to proceeding with
treatment (see bat section in handbook).
Nuisance Situations:
•
•
•
•
•
A bat found inside the living quarters of a home may be captured with a net or heavily
gloved-hand. Bats should not be released unless there has been no possibility of exposure
to rabies.
An alternative to capturing the animal would be to open a window, leave lights on (if at
night) and seal other entrances to the room until the bat leaves.
Exclusion: In cases where bats inhabit the attic, walls, chimney, etc. of an occupied
building, a WDCA may use exclusion to solve the problem or the appropriate district
wildlife biologist may be contacted for guidance. o Bats cannot be excluded from May 1
through July 31. o Exclusion can be used August through April.
o Exclusion safest in September
Pest exterminators may not use lethal methods to control bat problems.
Bats which are simply roosting on the outside of a building or on trees should be left
undisturbed.
Sick or Injured:
•
•
If the person has a concern about rabies, follow the instructions provided in the Rabies
section.
Because bats may carry the rabies virus, sick, injured, or dead bats should be handled
with the use of heavy gloves or a shovel. Place dead bats in a sealed plastic bag and bury
where they cannot be reached by children or pets.
Warning: Bats may have rabies! A person who has been bitten or had contact with a bat must
be vaccinated unless the biting animal’s brain tests negative for rabies. If a bat has been found in
a room where people have been sleeping, you must assume that exposure to rabies may have
occurred. Refer to the rabies section for more information.
WDCAs cannot issue permits for bats!
Beavers
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods:
o Water-flow devices in dams o Fencing around trees o Exclusion Lethal
Methods:
o Trapping during beaver trapping season.
o Trapping with landowner’s permission when damage has occurred.
o Shooting by landowner year-round.
o Shooting with landowner’s permission when damage has occurred.
•
The best way to prevent conflicts with beavers is to trap them during the regulated
trapping season (November 1 through March 31 statewide).
Legal Requirements:
•
Beavers cannot be live-trapped and relocated in North Carolina.
•
Beaver dams may be removed or breached to restore normal water level and stream flow.
•
It is not legal to disturb a beaver lodge, where the beaver lives. The lodge is a separate
structure from the dam.
o If the lodge must be disturbed to assist in resolving a conflict, contact NCWRC
for permit to do so.
•
A depredation permit is not required for beaver population control:
o Shooting and trapping of beavers is legal year-round by the landowner.
o Shooting and trapping is legal year-round with the landowner's permission when
depredation/damage has occurred.
•
A depredation permit is required if:
o Landowner sells beaver parts and pelt taken outside of the beaver trapping
season.
o Someone assisting the landowner sells the beaver parts or pelt.
Beavers cannot be relocated off property of capture!
Trapping Requirements:
•
During the beaver trapping season (Nov. 1-Mar.31):
o Snares can be used to capture beaver.  Snare must be checked daily!
o Can Conibear™-type traps, with an inside jaw spread or opening (width or
height) greater than 7½ inches and no larger than 26 inches in width and 12
inches in height, be set with at least one-half covered by water for trapping only
beaver.

Must be checked daily and any animal caught
therein removed!
o If Conibear™-type traps is completely submerged , it must be visited at least
once every 72 hours and any animal caught therein removed.
•
Outside the beaver trapping season (April 1-Oct. 31):
o Conibear™-type traps can be set with at least ½ covered by water only by
landowner or a designated assistant when beavers have caused damage

Must be checked daily and any animal caught
therein removed!
o If Conibear™-type traps is completely submerged , it must be visited at least
once every 72 hours and any animal caught therein removed.
o Snares can only be used by the landowner or a designated assistant when beavers
have caused damage.

Snare must be checked daily! Sick or Injured
Beaver:
Beavers are plentiful in North Carolina, and the NCWRC does not recommend the rehabilitation
of sick or injured beavers. A beaver having a life-threatening injury or illness should be euthanized
in a humane manner and disposed of properly.
Reporting activities for taking Beaver under Depredation Permit:
•
Report beaver in the WDCA’s Bat Exclusion/Beaver Quarterly Report Form.
•
This information helps NCWRC continue to monitor beaver populations and identify
predominant problem areas.
Reporting activities for taking Beaver under Trapping License:
•
Report beaver taken on the furbearer harvest survey issued by the Furbearer Biologist in
April
•
This information helps NCWRC continue to monitor beaver populations and identify
predominant problem areas.
Beavers cannot be relocated off property of capture!
Bear
Bears are Big Game Animal
Wildlife Damage Control Agents are not authorized to issue permits for bears!
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist
Nuisance or Depredation Issues:
(i.e. bears depredating bees, crops, or garbage, and bears observed by citizens).
Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist
• Educate the caller:
o Inform the caller that all food and attractants should be removed when the bear
leaves.
o Bird feeders, garbage cans, and pet food must be taken down or placed in a
secured location not accessible by the bear.
o The bear is not there to harm them, only to seek free food. Observations of bears
in and around houses and communities are not uncommon and just seeing a bear
is not cause for alarm.
o Inform the complainant not to the feed bear.
Bears Hit By Vehicles:
Contact the closest on-duty wildlife enforcement officer or district biologist.
Bears Treed within City Limits:
Contact the closest on-duty wildlife enforcement officer or district biologist.
Orphaned Bear Cubs or Bears Held Illegally:
Contact the closest on-duty wildlife enforcement officer or district biologist.
Wildlife Damage Control Agents are not authorized to issue permits for bears!
Bobcat
Bobcats cannot be relocated off the property of capture!
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods: o See first page of these guidelines
• Lethal Methods:
o Hunting during regulated hunting season. o Trapping during
regulated furbearer trapping season.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Bobcats may not be relocated and released alive on another property. Must be released
on property of capture or euthanized either at the site of capture or at a facility designed
to humanely handle the euthanasia.
•
Bobcats may be hunted during the open hunting season with a state hunting license.
•
Bobcats may be trapped during the open trappings seasons with a trapping license.
•
Bobcats may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
•
Bobcats that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance)
Sightings / Reports:
• Reports of hearing bobcat “cries” or “screams” or observing bobcats near rural or
suburban areas are common and should cause no alarm for residents.
•
Bobcats are nocturnal, shy, and elusive by nature and usually keep their distance from
people. It is unlikely that they will ever see the animal again.
Injured, Sick, or Orphaned Bobcats:
Rehabilitators are not authorized to handle or accept rabies-vector species, such as bobcats.
Due to the possibility of humans contracting fatal parasites or diseases, injured, sick, or orphaned
bobcats should not be handled. The contact should leave injured, sick, or orphaned bobcats
where they were found. A bobcat having a life threatening injury or illness should be euthanized
in a humane manner and buried (handle with gloves or shovel).
Rabies: If someone or his or her pet has been bitten or scratched by a bobcat, refer to the Rabies
section.
Bobcats cannot be relocated off the property of capture!
Coyote
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods: o See first page of these guidelines Lethal Methods:
o Hunting allowed year-round o Trapping during regulated furbearer trapping
season & local fox trapping season.
o State Depredation Permit if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Coyotes may not be relocated and released alive on another property. Must be released on
property of capture or euthanized either at the site of capture or at a facility designed to
humanely handle the euthanasia.
o A coyote taken under depredation permit cannot be sold to a licensed fox
preserve.
•
Coyotes may be hunted year-round with a state hunting license. A landowner is not
required to purchase a license to hunt on his/her own property.
o On private property:
 Night-time hunting allowed with lights except in Dare, Hyde, Tyrrell,
Washington and Beaufort counties.
 Electronic calls allowed
•
•
Coyotes may be trapped during the open trappings seasons with a trapping license.
Coyotes may be trapped during any local fox trapping season for that county.
•
Coyotes may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
o Only under depredation permit may a Collarum™ be used on coyotes
•
Coyotes may be taken with a depredation permit issued by a NCWRC enforcement
officer or biologist upon request by livestock or poultry owner.
o Only under depredation permit may a Collarum™ be used on coyotes.
Sightings / Reports:
Reports of hearing coyote howls or “yipping cries” or observing coyotes near rural or suburban
areas are now common in North Carolina.
Contacts expressing concerns about coyotes should be advised that:
•
•
Coyotes are shy and elusive by nature and their presence alone should cause no alarm for
residents.
Coyotes rarely attack people and residents should be more concerned with large
freeranging dogs.
Coyotes cannot be relocated off the property of capture!
Injured, Sick, or Orphaned Coyotes:
Rehabilitators are not authorized to handle or accept rabies-vector species, such as coyotes. Due
to the possibility of humans contracting fatal parasites or diseases, injured, sick, or orphaned
coyotes should not be handled. The contact should leave injured, sick, or orphaned coyotes
where they were found. A coyote having a life threatening injury or illness should be euthanized
in a humane manner and buried (handle with gloves or shovel).
Rabies: If someone or his or her pet has been bitten or scratched by a coyote, refer to the Rabies
section.
Coyotes cannot be relocated off the property of capture!
Deer
Wildlife Damage Control Agents are not authorized to issue permits for deer!
WDCA Options:
•
•
Education
Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist
Injured Deer:
Seriously injured deer (broken legs, severe bleeding, etc.) are not transported to rehabilitators for
care. Any commission employee or designated representative may conduct or authorize discreet,
humane, euthanasia and disposition of such animals. If the animal does not have a serious or
lifethreatening injury, it should be left undisturbed and allowed to leave on its own.
Sick/Diseased Deer:
The appropriate district wildlife biologist should be notified in the case of sick deer or deer that
have recently died of an unknown cause (i.e. when gunshot wounds or vehicle-strikes can be
reasonably eliminated as the cause of death). Questions about deer parasites, warts, skin or
antler abnormalities, deer management, etc. should also be referred to the appropriate district
wildlife biologist.
Orphaned Fawns:
Most calls regarding "orphan" fawns are received during May, June and July. If the fawn has
been picked up within the past few hours, it should be returned to its original location and left
alone. Does frequently leave young fawns alone for long periods of time while they feed
themselves. If the caller is certain that the mother is dead, the caller can be given contact
information for the nearest rehabilitator that is licensed to care for fawns.
Damage/Depredation:
•
•
Deer may be shot with firearms by a landowner only when they are in the act of
damaging the landowner’s property. Deer taken in this manner may not be possessed and
must be buried on the property where taken.
Individuals requesting a deer depredation permit should be referred to the appropriate
enforcement officer or district wildlife biologist. A site visit by the officer and/or wildlife
biologist will be necessary.
Wildlife Damage Control Agents cannot issue permits for deer!
Elk
Wildlife Damage Control Agents are not authorized to issue permits for elk!
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Refer to NCWRC District Wildlife Biologist
Wildlife Damage Control Agents cannot issue permits for elk!
Feral Hogs/Swine
Feral hogs cannot be relocated and must be euthanized in the trap!
WDCA Options:
•
Lethal Methods o Hunting year-round o Trapping year-round:
 Depredation Permit issued by NCWRC enforcement officer and under
certain conditions
 Feral Swine Trapping Permit issued by NCWRC and a trapping or hunting
license.
 All non-targets captured must be released.
Lethal Methods:
•
Feral hogs may be hunted year-round with a state hunting license. A landowner is not
required to purchase a license to hunt on his/her own property.
o Night-time hunting allowed on private lands only
o Artificial lights and electronic calls allowed on private lands only
•
Feral hogs may be trapped year-round with a trapping or hunting license and a free
“Feral Swine Trapping Permit” issued by the NCWRC.
o Individuals assisting with feral swine trapping activates must have a copy of the
“Feral Swine Trapping Permit” in their possession in the absence of the permit
holder.
o Only box and corral traps are legal for trapping feral swine.
 Corral traps may not exceed 10,000 square feet in size.
 Traps must be constructed in a manner such that a non-target animal can
be easily released or can escape without harm.
o Feral Swine must be euthanized while in the trap. o Feral Swine cannot be
removed alive from the trap.
o The Feral Swine Trapping Permit must be displayed on all traps.
o Trapping is not allowed on Game Lands unless written permission obtained from
NCWRC.
o Landholders are not required to possess a trapping license, but must have a “Feral
Swine Trapping Permit” to trap.
Lethal Methods continued:
•
Feral hogs may be trapped year-round with a depredation permit issued by the NCWRC.
o Depredation permit can only be issued by a NCWRC enforcement officer or
biologist.
o A permit will be issued by NCWRC if there is demonstration of property damage,
threat to human safety, or documented overabundance.
o Depredation permits will not allow the removal of live swine from a trap.
Foxes (Gray and Red)
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods: o See first page of these guidelines
• Lethal Methods:
o Hunting during statutory hunting season or season established by local law. o
Trapping during season established by local law.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Foxes may not be relocated and released alive on another property. Must be released on
property of capture or euthanized either at the site of capture or at a facility designed to
humanely handle the euthanasia.
•
Foxes may be hunted during hunting season established by statutory or local law. A
landowner is not required to purchase a license to hunt on his/her own property.
•
Foxes may be trapped during trapping season established by local law with a trapping
license.
•
Foxes may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
o The presence of foxes in someone’s yard or in the neighborhood is not
justification to issue a depredation permit.
•
Foxes that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance).
Injured, Sick, or Orphaned Foxes:
Rehabilitators are not authorized to handle or accept rabies-vector species, such as foxes.
Due to the possibility of humans contracting fatal parasites or diseases, injured, sick, or orphaned
foxes should not be handled. The contact should leave injured, sick, or orphaned foxes where
they were found. A fox having a life threatening injury or illness should be euthanized in a
humane manner and buried (handle with gloves or shovel).
Rabies: If someone or his or her pet has been bitten or scratched by a fox, refer to the Rabies
section.
Foxes cannot be relocated off the property of capture!
Groundhogs/Woodchucks
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods:
o Exclusion o See first page of these guidelines.
• Lethal Removal o Hunting year-round o Trapping during regulated furbearer trapping
season.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Groundhogs may not be relocated and released alive on another property. Must be
released on property of capture or euthanized either at the site of capture or at a facility
designed to humanely handle the euthanasia.
•
Woodchucks/groundhogs may be hunted year-round with a state hunting license. A
landowner is not required to purchase a license to hunt on his/her own property.
•
Woodchucks/groundhogs may be trapped during the open trappings seasons (see WRC
regulations digest for specific dates and trapping areas) with a trapping license.
•
Outside the legal trapping season, groundhogs may be taken with a depredation permit if
damage has occurred.
•
Groundhogs that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance).
Injured or Orphaned:
The caller may be advised to let nature take its course or may be referred to the nearest wildlife
rehabilitator.
Nuisance or Depredation:
The most common complaint regarding woodchucks is the danger their burrows pose to livestock
in pastures. They also may damage vegetable gardens, flowers, shrubs, lawns and damage to
roots of orchard trees is probably due to voles (refer to section for Voles).
Groundhogs cannot be relocated off the property of capture!
Mink
Mink cannot be relocated off the property of capture!
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods: o See first page of these guidelines.
• Lethal Methods:
o Trapping during regulated furbearer trapping season.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Mink may not be relocated and released alive on another property. Must be released on
property of capture or euthanized either at the site of capture or at a facility designed to
humanely handle the euthanasia.
•
Mink may be trapped during the open trappings seasons with a trapping license.
•
Mink may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
•
Mink that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance)
Injured, Sick, or Orphaned Mink:
Rehabilitators are not authorized to handle or accept animals in the Order Carnivora, such as
mink.
Due to the possibility of humans contracting fatal parasites or diseases, injured, sick, or orphaned
mink should not be handled. The contact should leave injured, sick, or orphaned mink where they
were found. A mink having a life threatening injury or illness should be euthanized in a humane
manner and buried (handle with gloves or shovel).
Rabies: If someone or his or her pet has been bitten or scratched by a mink, refer to the Rabies
section.
Mink cannot be relocated off the property of capture!
Moles
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods:
o Exclusion o Landscape Modification
• Lethal Methods:
o State Depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Moles may be relocated and released alive on another property with permission of the
property owner.
o They cannot be released on state or federal properties, such as state parks, game
lands, state forests, wildlife refuges or national parks.
•
Moles may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
o Exception: Star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata parvais) is listed as a Species of
Special Concern. WDCAs cannot issue permit for this mole.
Nuisance or Depredation:
Moles damage lawns, gardens, and golf courses by creating raised tunnels as they burrow just under
the surface of the ground searching for worms, grubs, and insects. These tunnels may create air
pockets around plant root systems and cause some plants to dry out. Tunnels also provide access
for other animals (especially voles) that eat or chew bulbs and roots.
•
Moles may be controlled by using registered pesticides to remove grubs from lawn soils.
Insecticides should be used according to their directions.
•
Moles can be shot with firearms when they are in the act of committing depredations
(local or city ordinances may prohibit the discharge of firearms in some areas).
Protected Species:
•
•
•
The star-nosed mole is a state listed special concern species.
Star-nosed moles may be found in either coastal plain or mountain areas.
Star-nosed moles are protected and may not be taken or collected except under a special
permit issued by the Executive Director.
Muskrats
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods:
o Exclusion o Landscape Modification
• Lethal Methods:
o Trapping during regulated furbearer trapping season.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Muskrats may be trapped during the open trappings seasons with a trapping license.
•
Muskrats may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
•
Muskrats that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance)
Muskrats may be relocated and released alive on another property with permission of the
property owner.
•
They cannot be released on state or federal properties, such as state parks, game lands,
state forests, wildlife refuges or national parks.
Sick or Injured:
Sick animals should not be handled. Due to the abundance of muskrats in North Carolina, the
NCWRC does not recommend the rehabilitation of sick or injured individuals. A muskrat
having a life threatening injury or illness should be euthanized in a humane manner and buried.
Muskrats cannot be relocated onto state or federal property or
kept in captivity!
Nutria
WDCA Options:
Education
• Lethal Methods:
o Hunting year-round. o Trapping year-round east of I-77.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Nutria may not be relocated and released alive on another property. Must be released on
property of capture or euthanized either at the site of capture or at a facility designed to
humanely handle the euthanasia.
•
Nutria may be hunted year-round with a hunting license.
•
Nutria may be trapped year-round East of I-77 with a trapping license.
•
Nutria may be taken with a depredation permit.
•
Nutria that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance)
Nuisance or Depredation:
Nutria can cause damage to dikes and dams by burrowing (as can muskrats) or destroying (eating)
native vegetation. High numbers may result in extensive removal of vegetation, creating bare areas
on banks and dikes that are susceptible to erosion. Nutria occasionally consume crops (particularly
corn). Nutria compete with the native and more valuable muskrat.
Sick or Injured:
Due to the nutria being an escaped exotic with large populations in coastal North Carolina, the
NCWRC does not recommend the rehabilitation of sick or injured individuals. Nutria having a
life threatening injury or illness should be euthanized in a humane manner and buried.
Nutria cannot be relocated off the property of capture!
Opossums
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods: o See first page of these guidelines.
• Lethal Methods:
o Hunting during regulated hunting season. o Trapping during regulated trapping
season.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Removal:
•
Opossums may be hunted during regulated hunting season with a hunting license.
•
Opossums may be trapped during regulated trapping season with a trapping license.
•
Opossums may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
o The presence of an opossum in someone’s yard or in the neighborhood is not
justification to issue a depredation permit.
•
Opossums that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance)
Opossums may be relocated and released alive on another property with permission of the
property owner.
•
They cannot be released on state or federal properties, such as state parks, game lands,
state forests, wildlife refuges or national parks.
Orphaned or Injured Opossums:
Orphaned and injured opossums can be submitted to licensed rehabilitators when the situation
demands it. Unless it is clear that the mother cannot take care of the young, they should be left
alone. If extensive injuries are present, the animal should be euthanized and buried.
Rabies:
Opossums have a low potential for rabies transmission. However, if someone or their pet has
been bitten or scratched by an opossum refer to the Rabies section and follow the guidelines for
possible exposure to rabies.
Opposums cannot be relocated onto state or federal property!
Otters
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods; o Exclusion o See first page of these guidelines.
• Lethal Methods:
o Trapping during regulated trapping season.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Otter may not be relocated and released alive on another property. Must be released on
property of capture or euthanized either at the site of capture or at a facility designed to
humanely handle the euthanasia.
•
Otters cannot be hunted.
•
Otters may be trapped during regulated trapping season with a trapping license.
•
Otters may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
•
Otters that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance).
Nuisance and Depredation
Otters eat fish, crayfish, frogs, and aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates. Substantial damage can
occur at commercial crayfish, fish, and baitfish operations.
Injured, Sick, or Orphaned Otters:
Rehabilitators are not authorized to handle or accept animals in the Order Carnivora, such as
otters.
Due to the possibility of humans contracting fatal parasites or diseases, injured, sick, or orphaned
otter should not be handled. The contact should leave injured, sick, or orphaned otter where they
were found. An otter having a life threatening injury or illness should be euthanized in a humane
manner and buried (handle with gloves or shovel).
Rabies: If someone or their pet has been bitten or scratched by an otter, refer to the Rabies
account and follow the guidelines for possible exposure to rabies.
Otters cannot be relocated off the property of capture!
Rabbits
WDCA Options:
• Education
•
Non-lethal Methods:
o Exclusion/Fencing o See first page of these
guidelines.
•
Lethal Methods:
o Hunting during regulated hunting season. o
Trapping during box-trapping season.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage
has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Rabbits may be hunted during regulated hunting season with a hunting license.
•
Rabbits may be trapped during regulated box-trapping season with box traps only.
•
Rabbits may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
•
Rabbits that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance)
Rabbits may be relocated and released alive on another property with permission of the property
owner.
•
They cannot be released on state or federal properties, such as state parks, game lands,
state forests, wildlife refuges or national parks.
•
Rabbits may not be possessed alive without first obtaining the proper permit from
NCWRC.
Injured or Orphaned Rabbits
Young rabbits should not be removed from a nest, or if already removed, they should be
replaced. If injuries are life-threatening, the caller may be advised to let nature take its course or
may be referred to the nearest wildlife rehabilitator. Rabbits with minor injuries should be left
alone.
Rabbits cannot be possessed/kept without a permit from NCWRC!
Raccoons
Raccoons cannot be relocated off property of capture, sold alive, or
kept in captivity!
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods: o See first page of these guidelines.
• Lethal Methods:
o Hunting during regulated hunting season. o Trapping during regulated trapping
season.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Raccoons may not be relocated and released alive on another property. Must be released
on property of capture or euthanized either at the site of capture or at a facility designed
to humanely handle the euthanasia.
•
Raccoons may be hunted during regulated hunting season with a hunting license.
•
Raccoons may be trapped during regulated trapping season with a trapping license.
•
Raccoons may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
o The presence of a raccoon in someone’s yard or in the neighborhood is not
justification to issue a depredation permit.
o Eating pet food is not justification!
•
Raccoons that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance)
Injured, Sick, or Orphaned Raccoons:
Rehabilitators are not authorized to handle or accept animals in the Order Carnivora, such as
raccoons.
Due to the possibility of humans contracting fatal parasites or diseases, injured, sick, or orphaned
raccoons should not be handled. The contact should leave injured, sick, or orphaned raccoon
where they were found. Orphans can be euthanized and buried. A raccoon having a life
threatening injury or illness should be euthanized in a humane manner and buried (handle with
gloves or shovel).
Raccoons cannot be relocated off property of capture!
Nuisance or Depredation
The presence of these animals can be minimized by removing food items from the vicinity of the
house and yard. Do not discard food scraps or grease and keep pet bowls indoors when pets are
not eating. Keep garbage containing discarded food materials indoors until time for pickup.
Raccoons cannot be relocated off property of capture!
Skunks
Skunks cannot be relocated off property of capture!
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods: o See first page of these guidelines.
• Lethal Methods:
o Hunting during regulated hunting season. o Trapping during regulated trapping
season.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Skunks may be hunted year-round with a hunting license.
•
Skunks may be trapped during regulated trapping season with a trapping license.
•
Skunks may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
o The presence of a skunk in someone’s yard or in the neighborhood is not
justification to issue a depredation permit.
•
Skunks that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance)
Injured, Sick, or Orphaned Skunks:
Rehabilitators are not authorized to handle or accept animals in the Order Carnivora, such as
skunks.
Due to the possibility of humans contracting fatal parasites or diseases, injured, sick, or orphaned
skunks should not be handled. The contact should leave injured, sick, or orphaned skunk where
they were found. Orphans can be euthanized and buried. A skunk having a life threatening
injury or illness should be euthanized in a humane manner and buried (handle with gloves or
shovel).
Nuisance or Depredation
The presence of these animals can be minimized by removing food items from the vicinity of the
house and yard. Do not discard food scraps or grease and keep pet bowls indoors when pets are
not eating. Keep garbage containing discarded food materials indoors until time for pickup.
Skunks cannot be relocated off property of capture!
Squirrels
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal methods: o See first page of these guidelines.
•
Lethal Methods:
o Hunting during regulated hunting season.
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
Lethal Methods:
•
Fox, grey and red squirrels may be hunted during the regulated hunting season with a
hunting license.
o Note: Fox squirrels can only be hunted in certain counties and the hunting season
dates differ from that of gray and red squirrels.
•
Squirrels may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
o Exception: Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel is listed as Federally Endangered.
WDCAs cannot issue permit for this squirrel.
o Squirrels in bird feeders is not justification to issue a depredation permit.
•
Squirrels that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance)
Injured or Orphaned Squirrels:
Young squirrels which have fallen from a nest (or had the nest tree cut or fall down) should be left
alone; the mother will relocate them. Otherwise, the caller may be advised to let nature take its
course or may be referred to the nearest wildlife rehabilitator. Squirrels with minor injuries should
be left alone.
Protected Species:
The Carolina Northern Flying squirrel, currently known to occur within the northwestern
mountain region, is a federally-listed endangered species.
•
•
Live above 4500 feet (elevation)
Habitat consist of Red Spruce- Fraser fir and Northern Hardwood forests.
Squirrels cannot be relocated onto state or federal property or
kept in captivity!
•
There are 8 areas designated by the U.S.F.W.S. as Geographic Recovery Areas for the
Carolina Northern Flying squirrel:
o Unicoi Mountains o Smoky Mountains o Plott Balsams (Jackson County)
o Great Balsams o Black and Craggy Mountains o Grandfather Mountain o Roan
Mountain o Long Hope Valley.
Most of this habitat is protected within state parks, national forests, and national parks.
Of these 8 recovery areas, the Plott Balsams have the most homes within Carolina
northern flying squirrel habitat. There are currently a few homes in the Black and
Craggy Mountains and Long Hope Valley within northern flying squirrel habitats.
Determine the elevation of the client’s home. If it is above 4500 feet in Ashe, Avery,
Buncombe, Caldwell, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, McDowell, Mitchell, Swain, Transylvania,
Watauga, or Yancey counties, contact the Mountain Region Wildlife Diversity Supervisor.
Identification of Flying Squirrels.
Species Identification
Carolina Northern Flying
Squirrel
Southern Flying
Squirrel
Hind Foot Length (flattened
foot)
33-41mm
<33mm
Belly fur
(base to tip, just on the
abdomen, not the patagium*)
Dark gray-creamy white
Creamy white entire
length of hair shaft
90-140 grams
50-90 grams
Head shape
Big, clunky head
Petite face/head slightly
pointier snout
Adult pelage color
Cinnamon brown
Tan-brown
Gray
Cream to gray
Weight
Cheek color (below the eye)
* the flat parachute-like extension of skin that catches the air, allowing them to glide.
Squirrels cannot be relocated onto state or federal property or
kept in captivity!
Southern
Northern
Northern
Southern
Southern
Northern
Voles
WDCA Options:
• Education
• Non-lethal Methods:
o Landscape Modification o Exclusion/fencing
• Lethal Methods:
o State Depredation permit, only if damage has occurred.
o Pesticides
Lethal Methods:
•
Voles may be relocated and released alive on another property with permission of the
property owner.
o They cannot be released on state or federal properties, such as state parks, game
lands, state forests, wildlife refuges or national parks.
•
Voles that are in the act of causing property damage may be shot by the landowner
without a depredation permit (where not prohibited by local ordinance)
•
Voles may be taken with a depredation permit, if damage has occurred.
o Exception: Southern Rock Vole is listed as a Species of Special Concern.
WDCAs cannot issue permit for this mole.
•
The NC Pesticide Board declares pine voles and meadow voles (commonly called
orchard rats) as pests when they are on or immediately adjacent to cultivated land, forest
plantations, ornamentals nurseries, orchards, or horticultural plantings in institutional,
recreational, and residential areas.
o Pesticides used to control voles must be registered with the Environmental
Protection Agency or the NC Department of Agriculture. Contact the NC
Cooperative Extension Service or the NC Department of Agriculture, Pesticide
Section to check for currently approved pesticides and legal application.
o Pesticides used to control these species must be applied in specific protected bait
stations to minimize the hazards to non-target species. Contact the local
Cooperative Extension Service Agent for further instructions.
Protected Species:
• The Southern Rock Vole (Microtus chrotorrhinus carolinensis) is a state listed special
concern species.
• The Southern Rock Vole are protected and may not be taken or collected except under a
special permit issued by the Executive Director.