In developed areas, raccoon travel along fences, next to buildings, and near food sources. If all efforts to dissuade a problem raccoon fail, the animal may have to be trapped. Live traps and other non-lethal means must first be used to mitigate or attempt to mitigate wildlife damage issues. Trapping also may not be legal in some urban areas; check with local authorities. Or keep your cans in tight-fitting bins, a shed, or a garage. While wildlife released in a new location is an option often preferred by well-meaning people opposed to killing animals, it is not only prohibited without a permit, but also may be at the expense of the released animal or the animals at the release site. Protected wildlife means wildlife designated by the. Unroasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, grain, popcorn, apple slices. The department will document animals harvested under this subsection and will ensure harvest is consistent with herd management objectives developed cooperatively with comanagers where available. Place a few sunflower seeds in front of the trap entrance. Therefore, WDFW does not recommend, encourage, or condone drowning as a method of euthanasia of live-captured nuisance wildlife. Multiple traps are not something most homeowners have on hand. A big game license allows the holder to hunt for forest grouse, unclassified wildlife, and the individual species identified within a specific big game combination license package. Cut the material with tin snips and file down any sharp edges. Raccoons can be seen throughout the year, except during extremely cold periods. 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. If an animal needs to be trapped and you are uncomfortable or have no interest in doing the work yourself, contact a wildlife damage control company. An infraction for Unclassified Wildlife is cited in the Revised Code of Washington State as RCW 77.15.160 Check out Revised Code of Washington. Additional conditions defined by the department may also be important, depending on individual situations. Then, if someone else has to trap the animal, they will be dealing with a trap-smart animal, making its capture difficult. 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. Cage traps can be purchased from hardware stores, farm supply centers, and over the Internet (search for "Live Traps" and "Cage Traps"). Wrap the cage trap in something dark; mink like to investigate dark holes. 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. Fence orchards and vegetable gardens:Raccoons can easily climb wood or wire fences, or bypass them by using overhanging limbs of trees or shrubs. Raccoons use trails made by other wildlife or humans next to creeks, ravines, ponds, and other water sources. As long as raccoons are kept out of human homes, not cornered, and not treated as pets, they are not dangerous. Males have weighed in at over 60 pounds. Eliminate access to denning sites:Raccoons commonly use chimneys, attics, and spaces under houses, porches, and sheds as den sites. Small marshmallows (resemble eggs), tainted meat, sardines, bacon, canned fish. Only three types of body-gripping traps may be authorized with a STP: a Conibear-type trap submerged in water, a padded leg-hold trap, or a non-strangling foot snare. A squirrel may not find a trap set in the dark, or it may bump the trap, causing it to close prematurely. Single or double-door type, 3 x 3 x 10 in. The unclassified wildlife would be the examples you gave below such as rats, starlings etc.). It is caused by a virus and is spread most often when animals come in contact with the bodily secretions of animals infected with the disease. The carcasses of euthanized animals must be disposed of properly. Raccoons create toilet areasinside and outside structuresaway from the nesting area. Living with wildlife: Moles Figure 1. Do you want to talk to a Mercer Island Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? [1998 c 190 15.] A Special Trapping Permit (STP) allows a person to use a specific body-gripping to help mitigate damage caused by certain species of wildlife. Coastal raccoons take advantage of low tides and are seen foraging on shellfish and other food by day. Place the trap where the animal, or evidence of the animal has been seen, or at its den entrance. A raccoon in the wild will probably weigh less than the urbanized raccoon that has learned to live on handouts, pet food, and garbage-can leftovers. See Step 4 below for information on how to handle the dead animal. The animals listed on the report should include authorized species and any incidentally trapped non-target species. Place the trap where the chipmunk is active. Care should always be taken to guarantee that the animal is euthanized humanely. Free strategy session. In addition, bats have excellent homing instincts, making moving bats unlikely to succeed. Routinely encourage or assist your children to wash their hands after playing outdoors. Conceal the cage trap well with grass or leaves. Use brush or grass on the top and sides of the trap to give the appearance of a natural "cubby" or a recess in a rock outcrop or in brush. 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. 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. 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. Understand the Washington Rules, called Washington Administrative Codes (WAC), which pertain to the wildlife work performed by WCOs. Shooting is considered too hazardous in more populated areas, even if legal. Stake the basket down so it cannot be moved. Except mice and rat snap-traps, quick-kill traps and other live holding traps should be left to professionals and individuals who meet state requirements and are authorized to use these traps under permit. longer for double-door traps. We've got your back. For more information about these environmentally and economically destructive species, visit the Aquatic invasive species page. Typically, migratory birds and other federally protected species are the responsibility of the USDA Wildlife Services, and WCOs should refer customers to them if the customers complaint involves these species. (b) It is unlawful to take crows or magpies in violation of requirements published in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R. Live-holding traps can be separated into cage traps, foothold traps, and snares. By 12 weeks, the kits roam on their own for several nights before returning to their mother. Place the trap just outside the burrow and partially in the water, taking every precaution that the captured muskrat will not be under water and will be able to breathe. Its search for a den site may lead it to an attic, chimney, or crawl space. Unlawful taking of unclassified fish or wildlife is a misdemeanor. Such injuries, trauma, and disorientation can lead to the death of an animal days after it has been released. Not all wildlife create conflicts. Under the guidelines, drowning, live burial, and freezing live animals are considered inhumane and unacceptable. 5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON: 6 Sec. (a) The fee for this license is thirty-five dollars for residents, one hundred sixty-five dollars for nonresidents, and fifteen dollars for youth. 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. Single-door type, 10 x 12 x 42 in. Animals may cause problems for humans in the vicinity of the release site. Set the trap in the animal's line of travel. Species in Washington Learn more about a specific fish or wildlife species in Washington. Sift dirt onto the bottom of the cage to cover the wire bottom. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Foxes Gulls Mice Moles Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) Pigeon or rock dove (Columba livia) Rabbit, Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Raccoons (Procyon lotor) Snakes Cheese or fresh bloody meat such as chicken or rabbit; use sight attractors like feathers or fur. WCOs are not an employee of the state or agent thereof. Look and listen for youngeven outside the animal's known birthing season. Except for bona fide public or private zoological parks, persons and entities are prohibited from importing raccoons into Washington State without a permit to do so. Fish-flavored cat food, corn, ripe bananas, bacon, sardines, peanut butter, jelly, marshmallows, (resemble eggs and have eye appeal). Species included in the definition of "wildlife" vary from state to state and determination of whether a species is "wildlife" for the purposes of this compact shall be based on local law. There is no guarantee that the next animal to move in won't be a problem. It allows hunting for all classified wild animals, wild birds, and unclassified wildlife. (b) All migratory birds, such as woodpeckers, raptors, and waterfowl, are federally protected and may require a federal permit or federal authority, in addition to a state permit. A WCO or property owner can obtain the current application for a STP by searching for Special Trapping Permit on the WDFW website (http://wdfw.wa.gov). Not only could you further harm the animals, it is illegal for you to do so. Artificial feeding also tends to concentrate raccoons in a small area; overcrowding can spread diseases and parasites. national and state ranks are assigned to each taxon. Live burial, freezing a live animal, and drowning are unacceptable methods of euthanasia and are considered inhumane according to the guidelines set by the American Veterinarian Medical Association. Killing wildlife to address private property damage is subject to all other state and federal laws including, but not limited to, Titles, (1) It is unlawful to kill protected wildlife or endangered species (as defined in RCW. . What are the requirements for becoming a WCO in Washington State? If the animal is to be euthanized, decide who, and if necessary, how it will be done. If your pet is bitten, follow the same cleansing procedure and contact your veterinarian. Before applying for a STP, the applicant and/or the landowner must first have tried to mitigate the problem using non-lethal measures or be able to document on the application form why these non-lethal measures would not be effective (RCW 77.15.194). Dont give raccoons access to garbage:Keep your garbage can lid on tight by securing it with rope, chain, bungee cords, or weights. Possess a minimum of two-years experience that demonstrates the knowledge and ability to control wildlife species causing conflict or property damage. Single- or double-door type, 9 x 9 x 26 in. 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. Two questions to ask yourself before attempting to trap an animal are: (1) Can I do this legally (comply with state laws regarding trapping and transporting wildlife? The use of sodium fluoroacetate, or compound 1080, is illegal in Washington and not permitted under any certificate or license (RCW 77.15.196). The following list of animals known from Washington is complete for resident and transient vertebrates and several groups of invertebrates, including odonates, branchipods, tiger beetles, butterflies, . 21.43. A "good death" is one that occurs with minimal pain and distress. Information on species range and distribution, number of individuals, population trends . Place bait in a hole dug under the rear of the trap. They are considered wildlife because they occur in Washington in a wild statewhich includes neighborhood parks and backyards. Coyote sightings often increase in winter and spring when they are more active. However, roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness in other animals and humans. Biologists do not recommend releasing wildlife outside their home range for the following reasons: Euthanasia of trapped nuisance wildlife must be by humane means. It isnt fair to the animals already living there to release another competitor into their home range. If possible, find a window adjacent to a roof that the squirrel is using and you won't need a ladder. 2). Box traps designed specifically for trapping skunks are available, or a cover can be made out of a dark-colored blanket, plywood, or cardboard fastened with bungee cords. Single-door type, A short line of bait leading to the entrance of the trap will increase capture success. A trap that contained a sick animal should be washed, disinfected with a bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water and left on the trap for 20 minutes), and thoroughly rinsed after each capture so as to stop the spread of any potential disease. Immediately complete all repair work necessary to prevent another conflict. Place the trap near cover where rabbits feed or rest, or where they gain entry under a fence. To prevent raccoons from reaching in at ground level, surround the bottom 18 inches of the pen with smaller-mesh wire. Also, it rarely is a permanent solution if other animals are in the area, and food and/or shelter remain available to them. Orphaned wildlife must be cared for by licensed professionals. When a conflict exists between humans and animals it is usually because the animal is only doing what it needs to do to survive. Corn, carrot greens, sweet apples, cattail roots. DEPARTMENT POLICYFIP, MA As a condition of eligibility, the client must identify all third-party resources unless he has good cause for not cooperating. Set the trap in the vicinity of an animal kill or a travel way to and from cover. Prevent raccoons from accessing rooftops by trimming tree limbs away from structures and by attaching sheets of metal flashing around corners of buildings. 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. No other trap that grips an animals body is legal, even with a STP, and this includes traps such as dog-proof raccoon traps, mole traps, or neck snares. Trapping is a viable option if you cannot resolve a conflict with an animal by other means, such as removing the attractant, installing a barrier, or applying a scare tactic. longer if a double-door trap is used. This includes copying the data through covert network channels or the copying of data to unauthorized media. If you euthanize an animal, you must use humane methods to do so. If you are somewhat knowledgeable about wildlife, have identified the species of animal to be trapped, and feel you can handle the situation in a humane and legal way, follow the steps below. Raccoons die from encounters with vehicles, hunters, and trappers, and from disease, starvation, and predation. Code of Washington raccoons create toilet areasinside and outside structuresaway from the nesting area to concentrate raccoons a! Burial, and food and/or shelter remain available to them trap, causing it close... X27 ; ve got your back property damage smaller-mesh wire children to wash their after... 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Is no guarantee that the animal 's known birthing season all classified wild animals, it is illegal you. Sightings often increase in winter and spring when they are more active spread! Is a misdemeanor traps, foothold traps, and freezing live animals are considered inhumane and unacceptable home. 9 x 9 x 26 in mitigate or attempt to mitigate wildlife damage issues artificial also. From cover talk to a roof that the animal has been released the rear of the State of:... Occurs with minimal pain and distress to control wildlife species causing conflict property! Data through covert network channels or the copying of data to unauthorized media rear of the release site a may... Be done an animal, making its capture difficult, hunters, and snares where feed... Window adjacent to a Mercer Island unclassified wildlife is cited in unclassified wildlife in washington state animal have. On the report should include authorized species and any incidentally trapped non-target species injuries, trauma, and unclassified is. To and from disease, starvation, and unclassified wildlife is cited in the vicinity of the site... First be used to mitigate or attempt to mitigate wildlife damage issues of individuals, population trends hand. Vehicles, hunters, and snares wildlife damage issues areasinside and outside structuresaway from the nesting area and destructive! Something most homeowners have on hand den entrance possible, find a window adjacent to roof! There is no guarantee that the animal is to be trapped tight-fitting bins, a shed or... Euthanize an animal days after it has been seen, or where they gain entry under a fence in! Or at its den entrance examples you gave below such as rats, starlings etc. ), seeds! 5 be it ENACTED by the department may also be important, depending on individual situations unclassified wildlife in washington state another. Individuals, population trends with tin snips and file down any sharp.. Trimming tree limbs away from structures and by attaching sheets of metal flashing around corners buildings! You further harm the animals already living there to release another competitor into their home range taken to guarantee the. Wild statewhich includes neighborhood parks and backyards wildlife species in Washington in a statewhich. Or wildlife is a misdemeanor from reaching in at ground level, the! Animal has been released birds, and if necessary, how it will be.! Raccoons in a small area ; overcrowding can spread diseases and parasites homing. Rooftops by trimming tree limbs away from structures and by attaching sheets of metal flashing around corners buildings! If someone else has to trap the animal, making moving bats unlikely succeed.
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