| Licensed Problem Animal Control (PAC) Agents -- A listing of licensed people who, for a fee, can assist property owners with backyard wildlife problems that can address problems beyond the usual actions reccomended below. |
Many species of wildlife adapt and thrive in habitats dramatically altered
by man. In fact, species like raccoons, gray squirrels and red fox can
be found in greater numbers in the suburbs than in a similar sized area
of mature forest. The reason? These species capitalize on the abundant
supply of man-made foods and shelters found in suburbia allowing them
to survive and reproduce more successfully than in areas where these artificial
resources are lacking. This adaptability inevitably brings wildlife in
close proximity to people resulting in many questions and concerns. Many
kinds of wildlife will always make their home in residential areas, the
key is learning when and how to live with wildlife and to make sure your
behavior (and the neighborhood) is keeping wild things wild and wary of
people.
To learn more about some of the common wildlife found in neighborhoods and reccomendations on ways to co-exist with wildlife, check our Living With Wildlife fact sheets. Of general interest our Living With Suburban Wildlife (pdf) flyer is a good introduction to learning about wildlife in your back yard. Below are some basic facts about suburban wildlife and general reccomendations regarding wildlife and people.
- Wildlife appears in backyards for a reason; identifying and understanding that reason is the first step toward minimizing potential conflicts.
- Most often, conflicts with wildlife can be avoided by eliminating or securing any food source that can attract unwanted animals. Examples of this suburban buffet would include birdseed, suet, garbage, fruit, compost, vegetable gardens or pet food that is left accessible.
- Problems with denning animals can be solved by blocking off access to shelter afforded by attics, chimneys or the crawl space under decks and garden sheds.
- Occasional wildlife encounters around the home can be handled by scaring a nuisance animal away with loud noises, bright lights or a human presence.
What can I as a property owner do?
Massachusetts
General Law, Chapter 131, Section 37, gives property owners the right
to use lawful means to destroy wildlife in the act of causing damage or
threatening personal safety. The public may only address wildlife actually
causing damage or posing immediate threats and may not randomly destroy
wildlife as a preventive measure. It
is illegal for a property owner to live-trap a problem animal and move
it for release to public or private property.
Sick or injured wildlife may be transported to a licensed
Wildlife Rehabilitator for treatment. When
the property owner cannot resolve a wildlife problem, s/he is encouraged
to consult the Living With Wildlife series in the Wildlife
Program of our website or contact MassWildlife
District personnel for technical assistance
and/or contact a Problem Animal Control (PAC) Contact.
The following list identifies individuals and affiliated businesses that
have been granted Problem Animal Control (PAC) permits in accordance with
321 CMR 2.14. These permittees may harass, take, and destroy, or may release
or liberate on site as stipulated in 321 CMR 2.14 (23) non-domesticated
reptiles, birds, and mammals the actions of which have or are endangering
the life and health of humans or domestic animals; damaging the property
of a person, obstructing the reasonable and comfortable use of property
by the owner or tenant thereof or otherwise producing such material annoyance,
inconvenience, and discomfort that can reasonably be presumed to result
in damage or hurt to persons or their property.
Specifically, PAC permits authorize the handling of skunk,
muskrat, raccoon, weasel, red fox, gray fox, porcupine, Norway rat, mice,
voles, red, gray and flying squirrel, opossum, chipmunk, rabbit, woodchuck,
snapping turtle, moles, pigeon, house sparrow, starling and certain species
of bats. Individuals with damage caused by
beaver flooding must contact their local Board of Health for a determination
and necessary permitting. Damage caused by migratory birds and other birds
such as woodpeckers, which are protected under both state and federal
law, require a permit from the U.S. Department
of Agriculture (413.253.2403).
PAC permittees must pass a written examination demonstrating knowledge
of wildlife and habitat, handling and capturing techniques and animal
welfare. They must successfully complete a Massachusetts trapper training
course and possess the necessary licenses for use of traps or firearms. PAC
permittees act on behalf of the landowner and are constrained by the same
regulations regarding capture, release, transport and euthanasia. Fees
may be charged for PAC services. If you as a property owner call
on a PAC agent, he or she should not only handle your immediate situation
but also provide information and suggestions which will prevent future
wildlife problems.
Becoming a PAC Agent--People interested in obtaining a PAC permit should contact the MassWildlife Field Headquarters at 508/389-6300 in Westboro, Massachusetts. A packet of materials for exam study is available for a fee. Contact the Hunter Education Program to be notified about Trapper Education Courses at 508/792-7434.
Report Form
(pdf)--For use by PAC agents only. (You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to read
those files. Click here to find out more about
PDF files and how to get the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
