Animal Trapping Laws in California: What Property Owners Need to Know
California has some of the most detailed wildlife trapping regulations in the country. Whether you are dealing with gophers tearing up your lawn, ground squirrels burrowing under your foundation, or moles destroying your turf, it is important to understand what is legal before you set a trap. This guide covers the key California trapping laws that affect homeowners and property managers in Southern California.
Nongame Mammals: Gophers, Moles, and Ground Squirrels
Under California Fish and Game Code, gophers, moles, and ground squirrels are classified as nongame mammals. Property owners and tenants may control these animals on their own property at any time when the animals are causing or threatening damage to crops, plants, landscaping, or other property. No special permit is required for property owners to trap nongame mammals on their own land.
Both lethal traps and live traps are legal for controlling gophers, moles, and ground squirrels. However, the method of trapping matters. California banned the use of body-gripping traps (such as Conibear-style traps) for fur-bearing and nongame mammals in most situations following the passage of Proposition 4 in 1998. Standard gopher traps, mole traps, and cage-style live traps remain legal.
Live Trapping and Relocation Rules
One of the most misunderstood areas of California trapping law involves live trapping and relocation. Many homeowners assume they can trap a squirrel, raccoon, or opossum and release it in a park or open space. This is illegal in California.
California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 465.5 prohibits the relocation of most wildlife species. If you live trap an animal, you have two legal options: release it on the property where it was captured, or humanely euthanize it. Transporting and releasing wildlife elsewhere is prohibited because it spreads disease, disrupts local ecosystems, and often results in the death of the relocated animal.
This applies to ground squirrels, tree squirrels, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and most other wildlife commonly encountered in residential areas. The only exceptions are for licensed wildlife rehabilitators operating under specific permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Fur-Bearing Mammals
Certain animals in California are classified as fur-bearing mammals and have additional protections. These include beaver, badger, mink, otter, marten, fisher, and muskrat. Trapping fur-bearing mammals requires a specific Trapping License and is subject to seasonal restrictions and reporting requirements.
Most homeowners dealing with burrowing rodent problems will not encounter fur-bearing mammals. Gophers, moles, and ground squirrels are nongame mammals with fewer restrictions.
Licensing Requirements for Pest Control
Property owners can trap nongame mammals on their own property without any license. However, anyone performing trapping or pest control services for hire must hold appropriate licensing. In California, commercial pest control operators must be licensed through the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, and technicians performing vertebrate pest control work in the field must hold a Branch 2 (Rodent) license or work under the supervision of a licensed operator.
Rodent Guys is fully licensed and insured for vertebrate pest control throughout Southern California. Our technicians are trained in California trapping regulations and use only legal, approved methods.
Common Trapping Methods and Their Legal Status in California
Snap traps and kill traps for gophers and moles — Legal. Standard gopher traps (such as Macabee, Cinch, and GopherHawk) and mole traps (such as scissor traps and harpoon traps) are all legal for use in California.
Live cage traps — Legal, but trapped animals cannot be relocated off the property. This makes live trapping less practical for most rodent situations.
Body-gripping traps (Conibear-style) — Restricted under Proposition 4. Generally not legal for use on nongame and fur-bearing mammals in California, with limited exceptions for certain depredation situations.
Carbon monoxide treatment — Legal. Introducing carbon monoxide into burrow systems is an approved method for controlling burrowing rodents. Rodent Guys uses professional CO equipment as part of our burrow blasting service.
Poison baits and anticoagulants — Heavily regulated. California Assembly Bill 1788 (the California Ecosystems Protection Act) restricts the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. Rodent Guys does not use poisons — our methods are non-chemical and pet-safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to trap gophers in California?
Yes. Gophers are nongame mammals and may be trapped at any time on your property when they are causing damage. Both kill traps and live traps are legal. No permit is required for property owners.
Can you live trap and relocate squirrels in California?
No. California law prohibits relocating most trapped wildlife, including ground squirrels and tree squirrels. Trapped animals must be released where caught or humanely euthanized. Relocation spreads disease and is illegal under California Fish and Game Code.
Do I need a license to trap animals in California?
Property owners can trap nongame mammals on their own property without a license. Commercial trapping for hire requires licensing through the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. Fur-bearing mammal trapping requires a separate Trapping License from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Is it illegal to release mice into the wild in California?
Releasing trapped mice or rats off your property is generally prohibited under California wildlife relocation regulations. Trapped rodents should be released on the same property or humanely dispatched.
What traps are illegal in California?
Body-gripping traps (Conibear-style) are restricted under Proposition 4 for most uses on mammals. Steel-jaw leghold traps are also banned. Standard gopher traps, mole traps, and cage-style live traps remain legal.
Can I use poison to kill gophers in California?
Some rodenticides are available to homeowners, but second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides are heavily restricted under California law. These poisons pose serious risks to pets, children, and wildlife through secondary poisoning. Rodent Guys uses only non-chemical methods including trapping and carbon monoxide treatment.
Need professional help with gophers, moles, or ground squirrels? Rodent Guys provides fully licensed, non-chemical rodent control throughout Southern California. Call 909-599-4711 or request a free estimate.