Finally, if a place in the wild or an urban green space is perfect for raccoons, raccoons are probably already there. Trapping also may not be legal in some urban areas; check with local authorities. Free strategy session. The Department of Fish & Wildlife is authorized to classify wildlife as game, as endangered or protected species, or as a predatory bird consistent with RCW 77.08.010 and 77.12.020. Contact your local wildlife office and municipality for current information on trapping restrictions (types of traps to be used, requirements foreuthanasia, species of biological concern in the area) and any required authorization. Coastal raccoons take advantage of low tides and are seen foraging on shellfish and other food by day. Cover the floor of the trap with soil and leave the bait highly visible. Hence, it is more effective to make the site less attractive to raccoons than it is to routinely trap them. The application form expressly lists banding as one of the activities for which permission can be obtained. If all efforts to dissuade a problem raccoon fail, the animal may have to be trapped. Enjoy a hunt of a different kind while remembering these ethical practices during the thrill of the chase. People's opinion on the topic often depends on the experience they have with an animal. More than 289,000 invasive European green crabs were removed from Washington waters in 2022. There is no guarantee that the next animal to move in won't be a problem. Note: Persons working at state wildlife offices do not provide trapping services, but they can provide names of individuals and companies that do. Many animal species have strong homing instincts and, upon release, they begin traveling in the direction of their capture sites, resulting in exposure to roads and other hazards. Place a tennis ball in the trap to give a large animal a way to release energy and frustration; a piece of wood will provide a small animal something to chew. Twenty-four-inch long aluminum or galvanized vent-pipe, available at most hardware stores, can serve as a premade barrier around a narrow support. Animals may cause problems for humans in the vicinity of the release site. Wrap it in paper towels and a baggie to muffle the volume. Permanently separating the nursing female from her young would likely cause the offspring to starve to death. In many cases, moving raccoons will not solve the original problem because other raccoons will replace them and cause similar conflicts. Traps set inside the living area of the house should be placed on top of at least ten sheets of newspaper. Although not great hunters, raccoons can catch young gophers, squirrels, mice, and rats. Gloves, cages, and other objects that have come in contact with infected animals can also contain the virus. A "good death" is one that occurs with minimal pain and distress. Understand the Washington Laws, called Revised Codes of Washington (RCW), which pertain to the wildlife work performed by WCOs. Look and listen for youngeven outside the animal's known birthing season. and (2) Can I do this humanely? Commercial products that prevent climbing are available from farm supply centers and online from bird-control supply companies. Trapped animals expend energy that is normally used to cope with winter conditions and they may die soon after. Contact Jesse Miller Rare Plant Botanist 360-902-1710 jesse.miller@dnr.wa.gov Flush the wound liberally with tap water. In the event young are present but were not noticed prior to trapping, allow the female back inside to tend to her dependent offspring. Stunning, followed by decapitation (amphibians, reptiles, and birds only). Protected wildlife means wildlife designated by the. Fish-flavored cat food, corn, ripe bananas, bacon, sardines, peanut butter, jelly, marshmallows, (resemble eggs and have eye appeal). Large owls and eagles will prey on young raccoons. Single-door type, Cover all sides of the trap with a tarp or other material. Free strategy session. A WCO may assist a landowner, with their permission, by addressing damage to public or private property caused by the following species: raccoon, fox, bobcat, beaver, muskrat, mink, river otter, weasel, hare, opossum, cottontail rabbits, predatory birds (see Terms to Know), and unclassified wildlife, including coyotes, nutria, and eastern gray squirrels. Foxes are long-bodied animals, so the trap must be long. A covered worm box is another alternative. Eliminate access to denning sites:Raccoons commonly use chimneys, attics, and spaces under houses, porches, and sheds as den sites. Its search for a den site may lead it to an attic, chimney, or crawl space. A disease that contributes significantly to raccoon mortality is canine distemper. Providing evidence of the individual being employed in the wildlife abatement field for a minimum of two (2) years, Providing a written statement verifying the individual is currently working with a certified WCO and has done so for a minimum of two years, OR. When locating the trap, consider the possibility of young children approaching the trapped animal, theft of the trap, or damage to the trap by vandals.If setting a trap on concrete or another hard surface, place the trap on plywood or some other protective surface to prevent the animal from damaging its paws when trying to dig its way out. A property owner or the owners immediate family, employee, or tenant may kill or trap a raccoon on that property if it is damaging crops or domestic animals. Single- or double-door type, 9 x 9 x 26 in. Raccoons die from encounters with vehicles, hunters, and trappers, and from disease, starvation, and predation. What are the requirements for becoming a WCO in Washington State? SE Olympia, WA 98501Telephone (360) 902-2515, 2315 North Discovery PlaceSpokane Valley, WA 99216-1566, Telephone: (509) 892-1001Fax: (509) 921-2440, 1550 Alder Street NWEphrata, WA 98823-9699, Telephone: (509) 754-4624Fax: (509) 754-5257, 1701 South 24th AvenueYakima, WA 98902-5720, Telephone (509) 575-2740Fax (509) 575-2474, 16018 Mill Creek BoulevardMill Creek, WA 98012-1541, Telephone (425) 775-1311Fax (425) 338-1066, Telephone (360) 696-6211Fax (360) 906-6776, Telephone (360) 249-4628Fax (360) 249-1229, Introduction to the Best Practices Training Manual for nuisance wildlife control operators, Balancing the Needs of People and Wildlife, Rabbit, Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), Florida Black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus), Louisiana Black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus), Mississippi Nuisance Wildlife Trapping/Relocating Permit Application, Nuisance Bat Encounters Temporary Prohibition on Release of Bats, RE: Nuisance wildlife control involving bats encountered in residences, Oklahoma Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) Title 800 Information, Introduction to New York WCO Training Program, Pelican Damage Prevention and Control Methods. WCOs are not an employee of the state or agent thereof. Due to the strength and aggressiveness of badgers, it is recommended that a professional trapper trap them. Care should always be taken to guarantee that the animal is euthanized humanely. Do you want to talk to a Tacoma Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? To prevent raccoons and other animals from accessing poultry during the day, completely enclose outdoor pens with 1-inch chicken wire placed over a sturdy wooden framework. There are a variety of options: With this option, an animal is trapped and released on site after its reentry into a structure is prevented by physical exclusion. Whether to use euthanasia is a personal question and a matter of an individual's perspective and values. Endangered species means wildlife designated by the, Combined sewer overflow means the discharge of untreated or. To prevent raccoons and opossums from toppling the trap, make sure the protective material extends out from the trap at least 8 inches and locate the trap away from shrubs or other objects that they could grab. Corn, carrot greens, sweet apples, cattail roots. The hide, skin, viscera, head, or bones of wildlife;(ii) The skinned carcass of a furbearer;(iii) Squirrels, hares (rabbits), grouse, or ptarmigan; however, you may not use the breast meat of grouse and ptar- migan as animal food or bait;(iv) Unclassified wildlife. Before trapping an animal, you need to know what you are going to do with it after the animal has been captured. An injection of sodium pentobarbital or other pharmaceutical. Species marked AIS are aquatic invasive species. A downside to this approach is the possibility that the animal may simply enter someone else's attic, chimney, or similar place. Unclassified wildlife: Taking unclassified wildlife in violation of any department rule by killing, hunting, taking, holding, possessing, or maliciously injuring or harming wildlife that is not classified as big game, game animals, game birds, protected wildlife, or endangered wildlife. This permit is only valid for 30 days and requires a report within 10 days of the permit expiration, regardless of trapping success. It is best to use a larger trap than used on rabbits. Mountain beavers are very prone to hypothermia, so wrap the trap with black plastic or burlap and cover it with soil. If a dead bird is found with no apparent injuries, skinning it may determine what killed it. Living with wildlife: Moles Figure 1. In developed areas, raccoon travel along fences, next to buildings, and near food sources. Understand the Washington Rules, called Washington Administrative Codes (WAC), which pertain to the wildlife work performed by WCOs. Chicken and attractors such as feathers and eggshells, cotton balls, or marshmallows. Raccoons make several types of noises, including a purr, a chittering sound, and various growls, snarls, and snorts. After a 65-day gestation period, two to three kits are born. Look for tracks in sand, mud, or soft soil, also on deck railings, fire escapes, and other surfaces that raccoons use to gain access to structures. Then, if someone else has to trap the animal, they will be dealing with a trap-smart animal, making its capture difficult. They may euthanize the animal for a fee. Place the trap where the animal, or evidence of the animal has been seen, or at its den entrance. To prevent raccoons and other animals from accessing birds in their night roosts, equip poultry houses with well-fitted doors and secure locking mechanisms. The most effective way to prevent conflicts is to modify the habitat around your home so as not to attract raccoons. The only three traps that may be authorized with this permit are a 1) Conibear-type trap submerged in water, 2) padded leg-hold trap, or 3) non-strangling foot snare. Refrain from setting a trap near a shallow well, garden, playpen, or where a dog is tethered. (a) The fee for this license is thirty-five dollars for residents, one hundred sixty-five dollars for nonresidents, and fifteen dollars for youth. High global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons means any hydrofluorocarbons in a particular end use for which EPAs Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program has identified other acceptable alternatives that have lower global warming potential. (4) Wildlife control operators may assist property owners under the conditions of their certification or permits to remove animals causing damage. The person responsible for disposal of dead wildlife must dispose of it by burial, landfilling, incineration, composting, rendering, or another method approved (such as natural decomposition) that is not otherwise prohibited by federal, state, or local law or regulation. If it cannot, or you do not have the necessary training, an alternative would be to contact your local wildlife damage control company, veterinarian, or animal shelter. A firearm may be used to euthanize a trapped animal. As long as raccoons are kept out of human homes, not cornered, and not treated as pets, they are not dangerous. To avoid injuring people or trapping pets and other non-targeted animals in urban or suburban settings, cage traps often are the only traps permitted for use in these areas. Sift dirt onto the bottom of the cage to cover the wire bottom. Raccoons use trails made by other wildlife or humans next to creeks, ravines, ponds, and other water sources. People, organizations, or agencies that illegally move raccoons should be willing to assume liability for any damages or injuries caused by these animals. Only a female with young or an animal holed up during a cold spell will use the same den for any length of time. (67) "Unclassified wildlife" means wildlife existing in Washington in a wild state that have not been classified as big game, game animals, game birds, predatory birds, protected wildlife, endangered wildlife, or deleterious exotic wildlife. Wild Animal Those species of the class Mammalia whose members exist in Washington in a wild state. (1) A big game hunting license is required to hunt for big game. Often their solution to a conflict will involve setting several cage traps to make sure the entire family of animals is caughtor as many as possible at one time. Dens are used for shelter and raising young. Air guns do not meet the definition of a firearm (RCW 9.41.010) and are prohibited for the euthanasia of trapped wildlife. If the answer to either of these is no, consider hiring a professional who is better able to meet these ends. Relocate In Washington, wildlife may not be captured and transported or relocated off the owners property (parcel where damage occurred) unless by order of the WDFW Commission or by written permit by WDFW. Placing a wire mesh barrier that is held in place with a heavy object over the in-ground compost will prevent problems. Small marshmallows (resemble eggs), tainted meat, sardines, bacon, canned fish. Wildlife Service Imports and Exports of Fishery Products, Annual Summary Current Fisheries Statistics . Description and Range Living with wildlife Raccoons in Washington often have roundworms (like domestic dogs and cats do, but from a different worm). Additional conditions defined by the department may also be important, depending on individual situations. If shooting is used, the operator and firearm must be capable of producing a quick death. Therefore, WDFW does not recommend, encourage, or condone drowning as a method of euthanasia of live-captured nuisance wildlife. Some rental business and wildlife damage control companies rent them. Tribal members operating under subsection (5) of this section are required to meet tribal hunting license, tag, and permit requirements. The most widely acceptedbut still disputedguidelines for euthanasia practices follow the standards set by the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA), which include: Unfortunately, the majority of the above agents of euthanasia require training and care to administer. WASHINGTON (AP) Biden administration officials urged Congress on Tuesday to renew a surveillance program that the U.S. government has long seen as vital in countering overseas terrorism . The length is 3 to 5 inches, but this is usually broken into segments. All animals trapped by a WCO must be released on-site (the same property where it was captured) or euthanized and properly disposed of. Trapping bats is not recommended. Animals that are released may harm or be harmed by resident animals (e.g., by territorial disputes, disease transmission, gene-pool disruptions, etc.). If a skunk is accidentally caught, use a long stick or other device to slowly cover the trap with a towel or blanket before moving it. Wildlife Interaction The negative interaction and the resultant damage between wildlife and commercial crops, livestock, or other property. Carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO2) supplied to a chamber from a compressed gas cylinder (small and medium sized animals). A salt-soaked cloth, sponge, or piece of wood, also water softener tablets, sweet potatoes, apples, roasted peanuts. (e) An owner may kill an individual (one) black bear or cougar during the physical act of attacking livestock or domestic animals with or without an agreement or permit within a twelve-month period. Piece of apple, sweet potato, or whatever is being eaten in the area. Failure of a WCO or recreational trapper to identify their traps is a misdemeanor. What comes next for coastal steelhead Coastal steelhead sustainability and what the future could hold for these fisheries. Shooting is considered too hazardous in more populated areas, even if legal. The fish and wildlife commission is authorized to classify wildlife as game, and/or as endangered species or protected wildlife, and/or as a predatory bird consistent with RCW, The conditions for killing wildlife vary, based primarily on the classification of the wildlife species, the imminent nature of the threat to damage private property, the type of private property damage, and the preventive and nonlethal methods employed by the person prior to the damage event. A short line of bait leading to the entrance of the trap will increase capture success. Stake the basket down so it cannot be moved. Single-door type, 7 x 7 x 17 in., longer if a double-door trap is used. Overlap and securely wire all seams on top to prevent raccoons from forcing their way in by using their weight and claws. longer if a double-door trap is used. Unroasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, grain, popcorn, apple slices. They also recognize signs of diseases and nursing females. Methods of documenting experience include, but are not limited to: Possessing a recreational trappers license for two (2) years. While shooting an animal may sound extreme, in many cases it is the best available method because of its quickness, and it may cause the least amount of stress and pain to the animal. (Eastern gray and fox squirrel), Single- or double-door type, 6 x 6 x 24 in., Put garbage cans out for pickup in the morning, after raccoons have returned to their resting areas. Monofilament recovery and recycling program, authorized to use these traps under permit, the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Note: In order to properly check an animal for possible rabies, the animal must not be shot in the head; instead, aim for the lung area directly behind the front shoulder. Mortality rates increase when animals are subjected to stress and trauma associated with capture, handling, transport, and being released into an unfamiliar territory. Main reception for WDFW is (360) 902-2200 Licensing questions can be directed to the Licensing Division or you may call (360) 902-2464 or email at licensing@dfw.wa.gov. Alternatively, place a plastic laundry basket over the hole and cut out an opening just large enough to insert the door of a trap into the basket cut-out. All bats in Washington are protected and cannot be hunted, trapped, or killed. A criminal background check is conducted upon initial certification and for each recertification. Home range diameters of 1 mile are known to occur in urban areas. It isnt fair to the animals already living there to release another competitor into their home range. When euthanasia of live-captured nuisance wildlife is necessary, the euthanasia must be done humanely, consistent with the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association. WDFW moving forward with estuary restoration projects in North Puget Sound Most comprehensive library of legal defined terms on your mobile device, All contents of the lawinsider.com excluding publicly sourced documents are Copyright 2013-, High global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons. Orphaned wildlife must be cared for by licensed professionals. A WCO Certificate is valid for three (3) years. Free strategy session. . Alternatively, place a plastic laundry basket over the hole and cut out an opening just large enough to insert the door of a trap into the basket cut-out. If you euthanize an animal, you must use humane methods to do so. When an animal is captured, move the trap to a quiet, protected spot and cover it with a tarp until time of release or euthanasia. The average life span of a raccoon in the wild is 2 to 3 years; captive raccoons have lived 13. The term euthanasia is derived from the Greek terms eu meaning good, and thanatos meaning death. Place the trap where the chipmunk is active. Environment means indoor air, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface, subsurface strata, and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna. Opinions also depend on what will be killedpeople are often less upset if it's a mouse or a snake that is killed, and more upset if it is a raccoon or a beaver. Coyote sightings often increase in winter and spring when they are more active. All wildlife taken and euthanized by a WCO must be lawfully disposed of as specified by WDFW or as otherwise provided in statute, rule, or local ordinance. Cut the material with tin snips and file down any sharp edges. If the doors do not work fast enough, place small stones or other weights on top of the door to make it drop faster. [1998 c 190 15.] Look for wear marks, body oil, and hairs on wood and other rough surfaces, particularly around the edges of den entrances. Note:Other killers of poultry include coyotes, foxes, skunks, feral cats, dogs, bobcats, opossums, weasels, eagles, hawks, owls, other poultry, and disease. Immediately complete all repair work necessary to prevent another conflict. If you need help with nuisance wildlife, call a WDFW-certified wildlife control operator. Trip the trap by using a pen or pencil, sticking an end through the side of the cage and pushing down on the treadle. Peanut butter, nuts, corn, sunflower seed, popcorn, bread. Placing guide logs on either side of the path between the burrow opening and the trap will help funnel the animal into the trap. or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. An animal that is simply passing through the yard or living in a tree in the backyard should not be trapped. (73) "Wildlife" means all species of the animal kingdom whose members exist in Washington in a wild state. Tribes must be in compliance with the agreements including, but not limited to, adhering to reporting requirements, possession, and harvest restrictions. Please check official sources. Apples, sunflower seeds, roasted peanuts. If it is not feasible to dispose of a carcass on-site, contact a local veterinarian or wildlife damage control company for assistance with disposal. Traps can be fatal to bats if left unattended, or if they become overcrowded. If the use of these traps or other non-lethal methods do not mitigate a wildlife damage problem, a person may apply for a Special Trapping Permit in order to use a body-gripping trap. Captured animals may also suffer from exposure to extreme weather and lack of water. WDFW enlists the help of private citizens who have skills and training in the capture and handling of many wildlife species that commonly generate wildlife complaints. If the captured animal appears injured or sick (i.e., having a discharge from eyes or nose, or a dull, sparse coat or scabby skin) and you don't want to euthanize it or have it euthanized, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. These are the traps most often used by people dealing with human/wildlife conflicts in yards, gardens, and houses. If they remain in the new area, they may get into fights (oftentimes to the death) with resident raccoons for limited food, shelter, or nesting sites. Peanut butter, oats, barley, fresh fruit, vegetables, greens. Peanut butter, bananas, honey, or molasses spread on a piece of bread or dried fruit; also yogurt, cheese, raw egg (trail some through the trap and leave the rest in the back of the trap). If burying food scraps, cover them with at least 8 inches of soil and dont leave any garbage above ground in the areaincluding the stinky shovel. (a) Federally listed threatened or endangered species will require federal permits or federal authority, in addition to a state permit. Around humans, raccoons often eat garbage and pet food. To prevent raccoons from reaching in at ground level, surround the bottom 18 inches of the pen with smaller-mesh wire. Look for raccoon tracks in sand, mud, or soft soil at either end of the culvert.