6 New Nuisance Animals Michigan Property Owners Can Kill Without A Permit

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has expanded its list of nuisance animals that property owners can kill without a permit.

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The amendment adds beavers, rabbits, squirrels, muskrats, opossums, and weasels to the list.

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The amendment also clarifies when species can be taken without a permit.

Previously, the text says that property owners can take nuisance animals "at any time and in any number on that person's property."

The new amendment clarifies that property owners can take nuisance animals "at any time and in any number on that person's property if the animal is causing damage to property or posing a threat to human health or safety.

Why Were These Animals Added To The Nuisance List?

The DNR's decision to add these animals to the list was based on the fact that they can cause significant damage to property and pose a threat to human health and safety.

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Beavers, for example, can cause flooding and damage to trees.

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Rabbits and squirrels can cause damage to gardens and crops.

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Credit: Canva

Opossums and weasels can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets.

What Animals Were Already On The Nuisance List?

Woodchucks

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Skunks

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Raccoons

karamysh/ThinkStock

Coyotes

CreativeNature_ni/Getty Images

Before the amendment, these animals that were doing or about to do damage could be killed on private property without a written permit.