The City of Cleveland has contracted Freeman Nuisance to manage nuisance groundhogs, raccoons, and skunks. The trapping season will run from May 4, 2026 through October 31, 2026 Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 4:00pm. Trapping will not be conducted on weekends. We strongly discourage the use of resident-owned traps due to safety and liability concerns that the public assumes by using their own traps, limited exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis THIS SEASON ONLY. If you have nuisance animals you would like managed we encourage signing up for our program’s waitlist. This year, we will be utilizing camera-monitored traps that will be set and maintained by Freeman Nuisance. Because the traps are monitored, there is no need to call in to report captured animals. Residents must not move, bait, tamper with, or release any animals from these traps, any interference with the traps will result in disqualification from this program. Traps will be placed at ground level unless deemed unreasonable. This program is strictly for exterior trapping only, interior areas such as attics and basements will not be included. Some repairs may be provided on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by the city; however, repairs for landlord-owned properties will not be covered through this program and would be billed at standard rates. If possible, we will first utilize exclusion and repair-releases techniques. All animals trapped and removed will be humanly euthanized off-site. This program is available to City of Cleveland residents only and does not include surrounding municipalities such as Cleveland Heights or Beachwood. To join the waitlist please ensure you qualify according to the eligibility requirements listed below, then you may complete the request form or call our Cleveland line at (440)647-8772 during business hours. Please note that you will be added onto a waitlist and traps will not be placed immediately upon calling or submitting a request. You will be contacted by phone when we reach your zone for trap placement.

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Households will NOT be eligible for trapping if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Have an active garden of any kind present on property.
• Located adjacent to a Metropark or heavily wooded area.
• Bird/Wildlife feeders present on property.
• Domestic animal feed present outdoors.
• Unsecured trash cans or trash of any kind throughout property.
• No active damage to dwellings on property (if nuisance animals are not causing damage to your property.)

If above requirements are met and you would like to get on the waitlist, fill out the form below. PLEASE BE SURE TO INCLUDE WHERE AT ON THE PROPERTY YOU MOST NOTICE ANIMAL ACTIVITY so we are able to determine proper trap placement. NOTE: This is to be added onto a waitlist, not immediate trap placement.

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