The correct point of contact for legality questions about vertebrate pest control is which organization?

• A. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
• B. The Federal Bureau of Investigation
• C. The Environmental Protection Agency
• D. The U.S. Department of Agriculture

Answer: (A)

Vertebrate pest control legality is governed by wildlife management rules, permits, and methods at the state level. In Michigan, the department that oversees these wildlife regulations, approves trapping and control methods, and issues related permits is the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. They’re the go-to source for understanding what’s legal to do with vertebrate pests in that state and under what conditions.

The Environmental Protection Agency handles federal pesticide rules and labeling, which is a separate domain focused on the products themselves rather than state wildlife statutes. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has no role in pest-control legality, and while the USDA deals with broader agricultural and wildlife issues at the federal level, the state-specific legality questions about vertebrate pests are best addressed by the state wildlife agency.