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.

Effective Date: September 1, 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 amendment defines feral hogs (Sus scrofa), already identified as a nuisance species, as swine that are wild or for which no proof of ownership can be made.

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 [ or for which no proof of ownership can be made ]);

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.