You know that moment when you spot a critter camping out in your yard, and you think, “Oh, I should just move it”? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But before you grab the broom or make that call to animal control, it’s important to know that in the U.S., there are actually several animals you can’t legally move, even if they’re making themselves a little too comfortable.
A friend of mine learned this the hard way when a family of birds nested in a tree right outside his bedroom window. He got annoyed with the chirping, so naturally, he thought about relocating the nest. After a little research, though, he found out that disturbing those birds could land him in serious legal trouble. Turns out, there’s a whole list of animals, from eagles to turtles, that have legal protections, even if they’ve decided your home is their new hangout.
So, before you attempt to evict your unexpected yard guests, take a look at these 14 animals that you legally cannot move. You might just save yourself from a fine, or worse.
1. Bald Eagles
If a bald eagle sets up shop in your yard, congratulations! You’ve got a VIP guest. Bald eagles are federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which means you can’t disturb, move, or remove them, or their nests.
Even though bald eagles are no longer endangered, their nests are still strictly off-limits. Violating these protections could result in hefty fines or even jail time.
2. Bats
Bats might not be your idea of a perfect housemate, but if they’ve made your attic home, you’ll have to wait for the right moment to move them. It’s illegal to disturb or relocate bats during their maternity season in most states because baby bats (pups) need their moms to survive.
Bats are critical for insect control, especially when it comes to mosquitoes. If you’ve got a bat situation, your best bet is to call in a pro after the pups have grown.
3. Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers may turn your house into their personal drum set, but don’t even think about moving them. They’re protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means you can’t interfere with their nests or harm them in any way.
These birds do more than make noise, they help control insect populations by eating pests like beetles and ants. So, while their tapping might drive you a little mad, it’s all part of nature’s plan.
4. Raccoons (In Some States)
You know raccoons, those clever little trash bandits. While it’s tempting to trap and move them, in states like California, it’s illegal to relocate raccoons more than 100 yards from where they were caught because moving them can spread diseases.
Raccoons are known carriers of rabies, so it’s better to let a wildlife expert handle the situation to ensure everyone stays safe.
5. Gopher Tortoises
If you live in the southeastern U.S. and find a gopher tortoise in your yard, leave it be. These tortoises are protected in states like Florida, and moving or disturbing them without a permit is against the law.
Gopher tortoises dig burrows that provide shelter for hundreds of other species, making them a vital part of their ecosystem. Moving one can cause more harm than you might realize.
6. Snakes (Certain Species)
Snakes might give you the heebie-jeebies, but you can’t just move certain species if they slither into your yard. For example, the eastern indigo snake is federally protected, and removing it without proper permits is illegal.
Snakes help keep rodent populations in check, and many species are endangered or threatened, making it crucial to leave them undisturbed.
7. Alligators (In Certain States)
If you live in Florida or other southeastern states, seeing an alligator in your yard is a real possibility. But don’t try to move it yourself, it’s illegal without a professional. In Florida, alligators are protected, and only licensed wildlife experts can relocate them.
Alligators are considered a threatened species in some areas, and besides, moving one without the proper tools is seriously dangerous. Call in the pros for this one.
8. Beavers
Beavers might flood your yard by building a dam, but they’re protected in several states, meaning you can’t just relocate them. These industrious animals play a key role in creating wetlands, which are important ecosystems for many species.
If a beaver is causing trouble, contact your local wildlife office for advice on how to manage the situation legally.
9. Barn Owls
Barn owls may take up residence in your rafters, but don’t think about moving them. They’re protected by law, which means you’ll have to coexist peacefully with these efficient rodent hunters.
If you’re lucky enough to have a barn owl around, consider yourself fortunate. They keep the mouse population in check and are fascinating to observe.
10. Sea Turtles
If you live near a beach and find a sea turtle nesting on your property, you’re witnessing something amazing. But don’t disturb that nest! Sea turtles and their eggs are federally protected, and tampering with them can result in severe penalties.
Sea turtle populations are already fragile, so it’s crucial to respect their space and report any nests to local conservation groups.
11. Deer (In Some States)
If deer are using your yard as their personal buffet, you might be tempted to move them along. But in many states, it’s illegal to relocate deer without special permits. Deer are important to the ecosystem, but they can also carry diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease, which is why their movement is regulated.
Instead of trying to move deer yourself, look into non-invasive methods like installing deer fencing or planting species they don’t enjoy snacking on. It’s a safe, legal way to keep your yard intact without getting on the wrong side of the law.
12. Frogs (Certain Species)
When it comes to frogs, some species are protected under federal law. The California red-legged frog, for example, is listed as threatened, and disturbing its habitat can land you in serious trouble. Frogs are crucial for pest control and serve as indicators of a healthy environment.
If you’ve got frogs hopping around your yard, let them stay put. They’re a sign of a well-functioning ecosystem, and they’ll help keep those pesky insects at bay.
13. Salamanders (Certain Species)
Some salamanders, like the Eastern hellbender or the California tiger salamander, are federally protected due to declining populations. These little amphibians play an essential role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem, especially in wetland areas.
If you stumble across one of these slippery critters, resist the urge to move it. Salamanders are sensitive to changes in their environment, and displacing them can cause significant harm.
14. Migratory Hawks
Hawks, like the red-tailed hawk, are not just majestic creatures, they’re also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means you can’t move them or tamper with their nests, even if they’ve decided to perch a little too close to your property.
These raptors are excellent at keeping rodent populations in check, so if you’ve got one nearby, think of it as free pest control. Just be sure to admire them from a distance.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.