Nuisance Animals Trapping Procedures

The City of Greenbelt has a Nuisance Wildlife Cooperator License with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and has a responsibility to ensure all traps are being used in accordance with the law. The following procedures, rules and regulations will be observed by the Animal Control Division when issuing a trap to the public:

1. The Animal Control Officer will evaluate the situation to determine if it is necessary or appropriate to attempt to trap an animal, or if it is a situation which may be otherwise handled by the City.
   
2. The Animal Control Officer will educate the public on such items as covering trash cans, not leaving food outside and preventing animals from entering structures.
   
3. Traps will only be utilized as a last resort after all other means of re-locating the animal have been exhausted. This only applies to wildlife.
   
4. Traps will be loaned out on a first come, first serve basis. Trapping of domestic animals will receive the highest priority.
   
5. Traps will only be given out for wildlife that is in a home or is a creating a nuisance under or in a structure. The decision regarding the need to trap an animal will be solely that of the Animal Control Division. This policy is consistent with Prince George’s County Animal Management Division policy on wildlife.
   
6. In the event there are no traps available through the City, you may contact Prince George’s County Animal Management Division to borrow one of their traps. (301-499-8300)
   
7. All citizens that borrow a trap must fill out the Humane Animal Trap Contract and leave a deposit before obtaining the trap. The Contract describes all requirements for using the trap.

City of Greenbelt-Animal Control
Department of Planning and Community Development
15 Crescent Road
Greenbelt, Maryland
Phone: 301-474-6124 FAX: 301-345-5416