Hi, 

This is a yellow jacket and from the side view it is hard to say which species, although it doesn't really matter except for nest location. German yellow jackets nest in the ground where as easter yellow jackets nest in concealed places above ground, a hollow tree or wall crevice. Some will attach nests to branches in shrubs. 

There could be a nest near by but if you haven't found it, it most likely is not in harms way. They will ignore you unless you try to trap it or disturb the nest. If you do find a nest and it is out of the way, it is fine to leave it. You can either block off the area or put a marker up so no one steps on it or mows near by if its in the ground. 

You can learn about the various wasp species we have in Maryland on our Social Wasp information page.

Emily

you're welcome!