Which animal is unlawful to control without prior approval?

In Pennsylvania, whitetail deer are considered a game species and have special regulations surrounding their management due to their significant ecological and economic roles. Because of the potential impacts on the population and the ecosystem, controlling whitetail deer requires prior approval from the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This oversight ensures that any management activities are conducted in a controlled manner that takes into account population sustainability and habitat conservation.

The other animals listed, such as raccoons, groundhogs, and skunks, are generally classified as nuisance wildlife that can be managed by operators with the appropriate licenses without needing to obtain prior approval, as their control is typically more focused on mitigating human-wildlife conflicts rather than managing populations for conservation purposes. Therefore, the requirement for prior approval specifically for whitetail deer highlights the need for regulated management practices concerning this species.