Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-20. Definitions and Miscellaneous: In General (amending 4VAC15-20-160).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 19, 2014 - 9 a.m. - Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4000 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230

Public Comment Deadline: August 8, 2014.

Agency Contact: Phil Smith, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4010 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230, telephone (804) 367-8341 or email phil.smith@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendment defines feral hogs (Sus scrofa), already identified as a nuisance species, as swine that are free-roaming or wild.

4VAC15-20-160. Nuisance species designated.

A. The board hereby designates the following species as nuisance species pursuant to § 29.1-100 of the Code of Virginia.

1. Mammals.

a. House mouse (Mus musculus);

b. Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus);

c. Black rat (Rattus rattus);

d. Coyote (Canis latrans);

e. Feral hog (Sus scrofa) scrofa; any swine that are free-roaming or wild);

f. Nutria (Myocastor coypus); and

g. Woodchuck (Marmota monax).

2. Birds.

a. European starling (Sturnus vulgaris);

b. English (house) sparrow (Passer domesticus); and

c. Pigeon (Rock Dove) (Columba livia).

d. Other nonnative species as defined in the Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act of 2004 and regulated under 50 CFR 10.13.

B. It shall be unlawful to take, possess, transport, or sell all other wildlife species not classified as game, furbearer or nuisance, or otherwise specifically permitted by law or regulation.