Michigan DNR Wants To Expand Its List of ‘Nuisance’ Animals

I was raised in Howell and when I was a freshman in high school my mom bought a house out in the country.

Across the street from our house was a giant 30-acre farm and I remember the farmer shooting some woodchucks because they were causing damage on his property.

He explained to me that woodchucks were considered a nuisance animal by the DNR so he could shoot them to stop them from destroying his property.

The Michigan DNR List of ‘Nuisance’ Animals Could Expand

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering expanding its list of “nuisance” animals due to an increase in complaints about damage caused by wildlife.

Currently, the list includes woodchucks, skunks, raccoons, and coyotes.

Some People Are Against The Expansion

One person that is speaking out about the DNR expanding its list of nuisance animals is Thomas Gilpin, a member of the Michigan Anishinaabek Caucus, which represents the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Potawatomi tribes.

We’re most concerned about the animals because if we’re not speaking up for them, who is? “Every animal has a part to play in the balance of nature and I think the more effort we can make to restore that balance, I think the better off the planet and all of us will be.”

 

What Animals Might Be Added To The Nusiance List?

The DNR is considering adding these animals to the nuisance list

Beavers

Cottontail rabbits

Opossums

Weasels

Muskrats

Fox squirrels

Gray squirrels

Red squirrels

Ground squirrels

What Can You Do To Avoid Issues With These Animals?

The DNR recommends that people take steps to prevent conflicts with wildlife, such as securing garbage cans, removing bird feeders, and sealing up holes and gaps in buildings.

Can I Shoot A Nuisance Animal?

The DNR allows landowners to kill or trap of some ‘nuisance’ animals without a permit if they are causing or are about to cause damage to crops, livestock or property. Those animals include woodchucks, skunks, raccoons, and coyotes. You can learn more and get a permit for a nuisance animal at the DNR’s website

Animals that are a nuisance are one thing but these deadly animals should be avoided at all costs.