Can You Trap, Hunt And Kill Squirrels In Alabama? [Legalities..]

The Heart of Dixie, aka Alabama, comprises 71 percent (23.1 million acres) of forestland. Unfortunately, homeowners find themselves dealing with nuisance wildlife such as; opossums, raccoons, rabbits, skunks, squirrels, etc. This article will discuss the laws regarding trapping, hunting, and killing squirrels in Alabama.

Is It Illegal To Trap Squirrels In Alabama?

According to the Alabama Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, it is legal to hunt both the fox and gray squirrel during the regular hunting season. Without a permit, homeowners may shoot or kill one nuisance animal (including squirrels). It is illegal to relocate live caught animals along a river drainage system or across a county line.

Alabama is home to three species of squirrels; flying, gray and fox squirrels. All can be a nuisance to homeowners, but gray squirrels are the most commonly found in urban and suburban areas.

As a homeowner, it’s essential to understand the law before taking action with nuisance squirrels.

Let’s find out how to get rid of these pests and the legalities, licenses, and penalties for residents.

Is Trapping Legal In Alabama?

Trapping nuisance animals is an integral part of managing and controlling disease spread. Unfortunately, the laws do not specifically address trapping squirrels.

In Alabama, wildlife regulations state that it is illegal to trap furbearer animals which consist of the following:

Striped Skunk
Bobcat
Raccoon
Muskrat
Coyote
Otter
Mink
Fox
Opossum
Nutria

Before capturing or killing a fur-bearing animal for commercial, you must obtain a license from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division.

There are specific rules for using traps, such as; using humane methods when dealing with trapped animals, checking traps daily, and releasing unharmed any non-target species.

Before trapping squirrels for pest control, check your local and state laws first. If a permit is required, be sure to obtain it before starting any trapping activities. Failure to comply with the law can result in hefty fines or even jail time.

When Is Squirrel Hunting Season In Alabama?

Hunting enthusiasts can hunt small and big game species during the regular hunting season in Alabama. Squirrel hunting season typically runs from September 10 – March 5 with a limit of 8 squirrels per day.

Below is a list of both the small and large game species hunters can pursue in Alabama:

Small Game Species

Rabbits
Squirrels
Quail
Dove
Opossums

Big Game Species

Turkey
White-tailed deer

It’s important to remember that hunting laws may change yearly, so be sure to review the official regulations before heading out.

Do You Need A License to Hunt Squirrel In Alabama?

Hunters must also follow all local laws and regulations, such as obtaining a permit when necessary. In addition, anyone born after August 1, 1977, must possess a state-approved Hunter Education course before purchasing a hunting license.

According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website, residents and immediate family members only require a valid Alabama driver’s license to hunt on their property.

Residents 65 years of age and over are exempt from purchasing a hunting license.

You can purchase a hunting license online by visiting the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Hunting and Fishing Licenses website.

Prices will vary depending on the type of license and whether or not it is for one day, a week, or an entire season.

Can You Shoot Squirrels On Your Property In Alabama?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, shooting or euthanizing nuisance wildlife is an acceptable method of population control but should be the last removal option when nothing else works.

That said, many municipals in Alabama do not allow the discharge of firearms, and thus, shooting squirrels is not allowed in these areas.

Any person convicted of violating the laws is subject to fines of up to $500.00, up to six months of jail, or both.

When hunting on private land, check with the local municipality’s firearms ordinance before taking action.

The Alabama Game and Fish Regulation 220-2-27 enables residents to acquire permits that make it legal to protect their property against protected wildlife damaging property, crops, or safety concerns.

How Do I Get Rid of Squirrels Permanently?

If you are in a situation where you need to get rid of squirrels on your property, the best action is to contact a wildlife control specialist who can help you safely and legally.

These professionals will have the necessary equipment, knowledge, and experience to remove the animals without causing any harm.

If you decide to take matters into your own hands, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, it’s essential to know that lethal methods of control, such as poison, are inhumane and illegal in Alabama.

Second, even if you can trap and remove the animals from your property, they will likely just come back unless you take steps to prevent them from returning.

The most effective way to keep squirrels away for good is to eliminate any food sources that are attracting them to your property in the first place.

This may include removing bird feeders, sealing up any holes or cracks where they get inside, and keeping your yard clean and free of debris.

Flying squirrels are the most common nuisance for attics. So, it’s crucial to identify the entry point and seal it with metal sheeting or wire mesh.

Can You Relocate Squirrels In Alabama?

According to the Alabama Nuisance Wildlife Control, it is illegal to trap and relocate animals to another area. It is illegal because it doesn’t work. Instead, it moves the problematic animal elsewhere.

The only exceptions to relocating squirrels and other wildlife in Florida are; if you release them to other areas on your property or another property in the same county with at least 40 acres for the animal to survive.

Without written permission, releasing an animal on another homeowner’s property is illegal.

In addition, it’s inhumane, as most animals don’t survive the relocation.

Squirrels and other animals choose their environment based on their habitat, food, water, and safety.

Relocating them to a new area disrupts this balance and often leads to the animal’s death.

In addition, it introduces new environments to diseases and can create new problems for the local wildlife.

Professional Squirrel Removal Services

The best way to get rid of nuisance squirrels damaging your yard or home is to contact a professional squirrel removal service. These professionals are trained and experienced in dealing with nuisance wildlife and can help you remove the animals safely and humanely.

They are knowledgeable about animal behavior, local laws, and techniques needed to trap squirrels quickly.

They also have access to specialized traps explicitly designed for squirrels, making their removal much easier.

Several services throughout Florida specialize in animal removal.

Be sure to perform your due diligence and choose a service with a good reputation, is licensed and insured, and offers humane solutions for squirrels.

Final Word

Alabama residents have the legal right to protect their homes from nuisance animals that cause damage or create a safety hazard.

However, taking the necessary steps to remove them safely and humanely is essential.

The best way to permanently eliminate squirrels is by contacting a professional wildlife removal service that can help you handle the problem quickly and effectively.

This will ensure that any animals removed from your property are not subjected to unnecessary suffering and that they do not return in the future.

With the help of a professional, you can rest assured that your property will remain safe from squirrels, raccoons, opossums, and other nuisance wildlife.

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