Problem Animal Control agents

Licensed Problem Animal Control (PAC) agents can be hired by landowners. If a wild animal is damaging your property or posing a threat to your safety, you can call a PAC agent for advice or for a home visit.

PAC agent overview

If you have a wildlife problem that you can't solve yourself, a PAC agent may be able to help. PAC agents are licensed individuals that act on your behalf to solve wildlife problems. PAC agents are different from municipal Animal Control Officers, who mainly deal with domestic animal issues.

PAC agents charge for their services; agents can:

• Solve your wildlife problem
• Give information and advice to help you prevent future problems

PAC agents are allowed to harass, take, and destroy, or release on site non-domesticated reptiles, birds, and mammals that are:

• Endangering the life and health of humans or domestic animals
• Damaging your property
• Obstructing your reasonable and comfortable use of property

Click here to find a Problem Animal Control agent near you.

Animals PAC agents can handle

PAC agents may legally handle the following species:

• Bats (certain species)
• Beaver
• Chipmunk
• Coyote
• Fox (red and gray)
• House sparrow
• Mice
• Moles
• Muskrat
• Norway rat
• Opossum
• Pigeon
• Porcupine
• Rabbit
• Raccoon
• Skunk
• Snapping turtle
• Squirrels (red, gray, flying)
• Starling
• Voles
• Weasel
• Woodchuck

Beavers

If you have damage caused by beaver flooding outside the November 1 -- April 15 beaver trapping season, contact your local Board of Health for the necessary permit. Emergency Licensed PAC agents or fur trappers may assist you with the permit process and will be identified on the permit as your authorized agent. More beaver information.

Coyotes

PAC agents may only handle coyotes if they have completed a MassWildlife training and certification program about coyotes. PAC agents must also follow certain reporting requirements before taking or attempting to take a coyote. Contact the Westborough office at [phone] for more details.

Birds

If you have damage caused by migratory birds and other birds such as woodpeckers, which are protected under both state and federal law, you will require a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services Office in Amherst [phone] to deal with the birds.

Additional information

• You can get a trapping license at MassWildlife offices or other license vendor locations. You can get Trap Registration Numbers through the MassWildlife office. You must have completed your Trapper Education Course to get a Trap Registration Number.
• PAC agents must have a hunting license to euthanize animals with a firearm. You can buy a hunting license if you have completed a hunter education course in Massachusetts or another state.
• PAC agents must have a gun license to use a gun. You can get a license from your local police department. You may have to pass a gun safety course before applying.