Raccoons are rodents that are rarely observed because they are nocturnal animals active at night. Raccoons are most likely the most destructive of all the wild creatures that have adjusted to city life. But is it legal to trap and kill raccoons in Alabama?
Yes, it is legal to trap and kill raccoons in Alabama. State laws in Alabama protect furbearers like raccoons. The removal of wildlife causing harm is governed by legislation in Alabama.
In this article, we will read about a few Alabama laws regarding the trapping of raccoons. Moreover, we will also look at all the rules that allow one to kill a raccoon in Alabama. It is only permissible under some circumstances.
Is It Legal to Trap and Relocate Raccoons in Alabama?
Yes, it is legal to trap and relocate Raccoons. trapping is only permissible. One raccoon may be taken by a property owner or tenant per event that causes harm to their land. A fur catcher’s license is required to take and capture fur-bearing animals for commercial use.
Due to potential health risks, moving raccoons across county lines or into river drainage is prohibited in the state of Alabama (i.e., rabies). Raccoon translocation is not advised. Raccoons cannot be transported in many forms.
In the state of Alabama, anyone setting traps for animals with fur is required to always have a choke stick on them.
Is It Legal to Hunt Raccoons in Alabama?
Yes, it is legal to hunt Raccoons in Alabama. Raccoons may only be legitimately taken with a light and a dog shall accompany a hunting rifle, and the person shooting animals, if hunting on the land of another, shall have the landowner’s written consent.
Any person who violates this provision is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be subject to a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $3,000, as well as a maximum of six months incarceration in the county jail for the first offense.
Landowners seeking to use lethal management to control troublesome wildlife are limited by the current laws. For invasive wildlife, changing habitats or eliminating food sources are frequently the best solutions.
Laws Governing About Raccoon Trapping in Alabama
In Alabama, raccoons can be caught all year long. Except on public lands, where a group is limited to five bags, there is no bag limit. Anyone in Alabama with a permit to catch fur-bearing animals must register with the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater.
Conibears and other lethal traps are non-discriminatory and not viable in situations where pets might also discover the trap. Conibears must also be submerged if their spread exceeds 5 inches to be considered legal.
Alabama forbids using body-grabber traps with a jaw spread greater than 5″ (110 Conibear®) when used on dry terrain. Foothold traps can also be used to catch raccoons.
Laws Governing About Raccoon Shootings in Alabama
According to the power granted by Sections 9-2-7 and 9-2- of the Code of Alabama 1975, the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources determines the open seasons in which fur-bearing species may be captured in Alabama.
According to this Alabama law, it is prohibited to hunt or kill any type of non-indigenous animal for money or fun.
By utilizing dogs, a light, a .22-calibre rimfire rifle or handgun, and any .22-calibre rimfire ammo, or a shotgun and No. 6 shot or smaller caliber shot, raccoons may be legitimately hunted and taken at nighttime.
How Can You Trap Raccoons in Alabama State?
While trapping raccoons, keep the following points in mind:
- Leg-hold devices with jaws no wider than 6 inches.
- No fangs or serrated edges on the inside jaws of leg-hold traps are permitted.
- For use on land sets, the spread of conibear or killer-type traps shall not exceed 5 inches.
- Except for motorized foot snares with a maximum loop of 512 inches, the use of snares is forbidden.
- Checking any traps positioned in or below water is required at least once every 72 hours.
- All traps should be examined at least once every 24 hours, except for water settings.
How Can You Shoot and Hunt Raccoons in Alabama?
- The only tools that may be lawfully used to kill the animals are a light and a shotgun loaded with no-larger-than-number-8 shot.
- .22 caliber gun should be used.
- Headshots are preferred so that the animal does not suffer.
- Airguns may be used.
- Crossbows or bows may also be used.
- Hunter must have a license for the gun.
- Nighttime hunting is allowed.
By following the above-stated methods, you can hunt and shoot raccoons on your own. However, it is always better to have official permission or involve them so they can do their work independently.
Wrapping it up
Raccoons are not timid and cuddly, even though they are sometimes represented as cute animals with ringed tails, white whiskers, a bandit mask, and hands-like paws. They are unwanted annoyances.
To tackle the nuisance of raccoons, Alabama state has legalized their hunting and trapping. However, a license is required to trap and kill raccoons. In addition to being accused of animal cruelty, shooting a raccoon will also result in charges of having a lethal weapon in your possession.
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