D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 19, r. 19-1574

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 19-1574 - WILDLIFE PROTECTION: CONTROL OF SPECIFIC SPECIES

1574.1

A wildlife control operator and wildlife control services provider shall recommend and employ non-lethal means in preference to lethal means for the control of problem wildlife.

1574.2

The following wildlife shall be controlled using the methods outlined in this section and § 1576:

(a) Birds

Common Name	Scientific Name
Budgerigar	Melopsittacus undulatus
European starling	Sturnus vulgaris
Graylag goose	Anser anser
House sparrow	Passer domesticus
Mute swan	Cygnus olor
Rock pigeon	Columba livia

(b) Mammals

Common Name	Scientific Name
Rodents
Deer mouse	Peromyscus maniculatus
Gray squirrel	Sciurus carolinensis
Groundhog	Marmota monax
White-footed mouse	Peromyscus leucopus
Small Mammals
Eastern mole	Scalopus aquaticus
Raccoon	Procyon lotor
Red fox	Vulpes vulpes
Star-nosed mole	Condylura cristala
Large Mammals
Black bear	Ursus americanus
Coyote	Canis latrans
White-tailed deer	Odocoileus virginianus

(c) Reptiles

Common Name	Scientific Name
Black rat snake	Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta

1574.3 Except as provided in § 1574.7 below, any species identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) as listed in the District's Wildlife Action Plan, which may be found on the Department website, may not be euthanized, killed, relocated, distressed, displaced, or otherwise harmed without written permission from the Department.

1574.4

The Department may approve the request to control a particular SGCN animal for the following reasons:

(a) If the animal is causing damage to personal property or threatening public health or safety;

(b) If the animal is sick or injured; or

(c) Additional reasons on a case-by-case basis.

1574.5

A migratory bird shall be controlled only in accordance with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act ( 16 U.S.C. §§ 703 - 712) and its' implementing regulations, and as follows:

(a) A nest with eggs or young may not be moved, relocated, destroyed, or altered in any way without first obtaining a federal permit.

(b) A nest with no eggs or young may be removed from structures such as boats, docks, and construction equipment, or relocated without a federal permit.

1574.6

Bats are SGCN species and except as provided in § 1574.7, may only be controlled with written permission and guidance from the Department, including time restrictions for non-lethal exclusion of bat colonies, and decontamination protocols to prevent the spread of White-nose Syndrome.

1574.7

A wildlife control operator may humanely remove a SGCN from the interior of a residence, commercial, or government building without obtaining prior Department approval if:

(a) The animal is trapped and unable to leave on their own;

(b) The animal is released immediately on-site, or taken to a licensed rehabilitation facility if it is sick, injured, or orphaned; and

(c) The Department is notified within twenty-four (24) hours of the removal.

1574.8

Amphibians and turtles shall not be controlled by wildlife control operators.

1574.9

For each transport of wildlife out of the District, the wildlife control operator or wildlife control provider must first obtain written permission from the receiving jurisdiction and then request and receive written permission from the Department.

1574.10

For each transport of wildlife into the District, the wildlife control operator or wildlife control provider must first obtain written permission from the Department and then obtain written permission from the jurisdiction the wildlife is leaving.

1574.11

Wildlife control operators shall notify the Department prior to performing any wildlife control on black bears or coyotes.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 19, r. 19-1574

Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 6084 (4/22/2016)