American Society of Mammalogists Though moles are the bane of many lawn owners, they make a significant positive contribution to the health of the landscape. The application form expressly lists banding as one of the activities for which permission can be obtained. Damage Economic losses caused by wildlife interactions with humans. Immediately complete all repair work necessary to prevent another conflict. Cage traps can be purchased from hardware stores, farm supply centers, and over the Internet (search for "Live Traps" and "Cage Traps"). It is best to use a larger trap than used on rabbits. Tribes must be in compliance with the agreements including, but not limited to, adhering to reporting requirements, possession, and harvest restrictions. 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. People, organizations, or agencies that illegally move raccoons should be willing to assume liability for any damages or injuries caused by these animals. Remove vegetation on buildings, such as English ivy, which provide raccoons a way to climb structures and hide their access point inside. You are legal to use a slingshot to hunt unclassified wildlife in Washington State. Single-door type, 7 x 7 x 17 in., longer if a double-door trap is used. Not have within the last three (3) years more than one finding of paid or committed as a final disposition for an infraction under RCW 77.15 or a conviction for a fish and wildlife crime under RCW 77.15. When used properly, cage traps can offer non-lethal solutions to conflicts. Contact your physician and the local health department immediately. Peanut butter, nuts, corn, sunflower seed, popcorn, bread. Feed dogs and cats indoors and keep them in at night:If you must feed your pets outside, do so in late morning or at midday, and pick up food, water bowls, leftovers, and spilled food well before dark every day. Raccoons prefer forest areas near a stream or water source, but have adapted to various environments throughout Washington. Raccoons can be seen throughout the year, except during extremely cold periods. Trapping activity by an individual in a nuisance wildlife situation must comply, where applicable, with the requirements under WAC 220-417-030 and adhere to RCW 77.36.030 & 77.15.190. Though they are a killing trap, common rat and mouse traps are not illegal and may also be used. FBI Director Wray. WDFW moving forward with estuary restoration projects in North Puget Sound If all efforts to dissuade a problem raccoon fail, the animal may have to be trapped. 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. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may frighten the skunk. Wildlife Interaction The negative interaction and the resultant damage between wildlife and commercial crops, livestock, or other property. When there is no immediate threat to human health, safety, or property, a WCO should consider not excluding bats from a structure from mid-October through April, because of the potential for bats to be hibernating, or from mid-May through mid-September, because of the potential for flightless offspring. Or keep your cans in tight-fitting bins, a shed, or a garage. 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. Raccoons pair up only during the breeding season, and mating occurs as early as January to as late as June. Place the trap in the vicinity of damage or at the den entrance. Place a few sunflower seeds in front of the trap entrance. Such injuries, trauma, and disorientation can lead to the death of an animal days after it has been released. Do you want to talk to a Tacoma Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? The use of sodium fluoroacetate, or compound 1080, is illegal in Washington and not permitted under any certificate or license (RCW 77.15.196). A "good death" is one that occurs with minimal pain and distress. Sight attractors like chicken feathers, eggshells, cotton balls. A salt-soaked cloth, sponge, or piece of wood, also water softener tablets, sweet potatoes, apples, roasted peanuts. They include abandoned burrows dug by other mammals, areas in or under large rock piles and brush piles, hollow logs, and holes in trees. 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. Hunting coyotes all year without lights is still legal, but with a valid big or small game license. Use plenty of the suggested bait so it will be seen and its odor released into the air. It is unlawful for a WCO to intentionally trap and kill state or federally protected wildlife or endangered species (defined in RCW 77.08.010) unless authorized by WDFW commission rule or with a permit from WDFW, with the following additional requirements: (a) Federally listed threatened or endangered species will require federal permits or federal authority, in addition to a state permit. Wire fences will need to have a mesh size that is no wider than 3 inches to keep young raccoons out. In wooded areas, they often rest in trees. Dens are used for shelter and raising young. Hunters and trappers participating in harvesting wildlife under this section must comply with provisions of each permit. (By standing the trap up on end you can usually observe the underneath side of the animal.) 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. If you need help with nuisance wildlife, call a WDFW-certified wildlife control operator. Placing guide logs on either side of the path between the burrow opening and the trap will help funnel the animal into the trap. To prevent raccoons and other animals from accessing birds in their night roosts, equip poultry houses with well-fitted doors and secure locking mechanisms. Cheese or fresh bloody meat such as chicken or rabbit; use sight attractors like feathers or fur. 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. Traps can be fatal to bats if left unattended, or if they become overcrowded. The information on this page deals only with the use of cage traps used to capture mammals. Set the trap in the vicinity of an animal kill or a travel way to and from cover. Captured animals may also suffer from exposure to extreme weather and lack of water. It must be at least 400 square inches under specific conditions. Set the cage trap as near to the den as possible, in the animal's pathway, or in the area of damage. If the animal is to be euthanized, decide who, and if necessary, how it will be done. Although it might not appear so at the time, animals referred to as nuisance or problem animals are often innocent. Raccoons typically try to return to their original territories, often getting hit by a car or killed by a predator in the process. All WCOs must report on their WCO-related activities each year on a WDFW-approved Annual Report form (. Coastal razor clam digging at Mocrocks starts Friday, March 3, Copalis also opens Saturday, March 4, Columbia River spring Chinook season kicks off March 1, Surplus adult hatchery steelhead planted in some coastal year-round lakes to boost fishing, Monofilament recovery and recycling program, Why feeding wildlife is more harmful than helpful, Coastal recreational bottomfishing opens Saturday, March 11 with new rockfish regulations, Halibut fishing in some Puget Sound areas start Thursday, April 6; coastal areas open Thursday, May 4. Set the trap and then trip it several times to be sure the cage is steady and functioning properly. It is permissible to kill unclassified wildlife, predatory birds, and game animals that are in the act of damaging commercial crops or attacking livestock or other domestic animals, under the following conditions: (a) Predatory birds other than crows and magpies (defined in RCW. The kits remain in the den until they are about seven weeks old, at which time they can walk, run, climb, and begin to occupy alternate dens. Mortality rates increase when animals are subjected to stress and trauma associated with capture, handling, transport, and being released into an unfamiliar territory. It is unlawful to release wildlife anywhere within the state, other than on the property where it was legally trapped, without a permit to do so (RCW 77.15.250). Permanently separating the nursing female from her young would likely cause the offspring to starve to death. Washington, black bears live in a diverse array of forested habitats, from coastal rainforests to the dry woodlands of the Cascades' eastern slopes. Experienced trappers know the behavior of each species and the methods required to trap them. Peanut butter, oats, barley, fresh fruit, vegetables, greens. It costs $35 for residents, $165 for non-residents, $15 for youth. Carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO2) supplied to a chamber from a compressed gas cylinder (small and medium sized animals). House cats have similar habits. For these reasons, it is important that all precautions described throughout this handout are carefully followed. A person disposing of a dead animal must not bury or compost it within the sanitary control area of a public drinking water supply source. (69) "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. Multiple traps are not something most homeowners have on hand. A gunshot to the head (small and medium sized animals. All employees in a wildlife/pest control company that trap or control wildlife are required to be certified as a WCO. Due to the weight and dangers associated with suitcase traps, it is recommended that only people experienced with these traps use them. Stand at the opposite end of the trap, open the door, and tap the trap with your foot. Enclose poultry (chickens, ducks, and turkeys) in a secure outdoor pen and house:Raccoons will eat poultry and their eggs if they can get to them. Do you want to talk to a Lacey Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? 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. Unlawful taking of unclassified fish or wildlife is a misdemeanor. (a) Predatory birds other than crows and magpies (defined in RCW 77.08.010) and unclassified wildlife that are in the act of damaging commercial crops or attacking livestock or other domestic animals may be killed with the express permission of the crop, livestock, domestic animals, or property owner at any time on private property, to protect Information on species range and distribution, number of individuals, population trends . (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. (c) Subject to subsection (7) of this section, the following list of wildlife species may be killed by the owner of the property, owner's immediate family member, agent of the owner, owner's documented employee, or licensed hunters/trappers in a lawful manner with the express permission of the private real property owner, when causing damage to private property: Raccoon, fox, bobcat, beaver, muskrat, mink, river otter, weasel, hare, and cottontail rabbits. Adult raccoons weigh 15 to 40 pounds, their weight being a result of genetics, age, available food, and habitat location. A small game license also allows the holder to hunt for unclassified wildlife. Monofilament recovery and recycling program, authorized to use these traps under permit, the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association. (See Evicting Animals from Buildings for exclusion techniques.). The neighbor might choose to remove these raccoons, or have them removed. Single- or double-door type, 11 x 11 x 36 in. All animals trapped by a WCO must be released on-site (the same property where it was captured) or euthanized and properly disposed of. However, if a WCO wants to possess/sell the hide of a problem wildlife species trapped. 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. Raccoons make several types of noises, including a purr, a chittering sound, and various growls, snarls, and snorts. Species marked AIS are aquatic invasive species. 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. The skunk will search for an opening to go through and go into the trap. Lock the pet door at night. 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. Unclassified wildlife includes, but is not limited to, coyote, nutria, and eastern gray squirrel. Sometimes, you may need to evict a raccoon or other animal from a building. Large owls and eagles will prey on young raccoons. The WCO Certificate must be carried at all times while conducting WCO-related work. Contact your WDFW Regional Office for release sites. 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. A captured animal often defecates in a trap. Males have weighed in at over 60 pounds. You can also pound rebar stakes into the ground at the corners, or wire or clamp the trap to a stable object. The mountain beaver will search for an opening to go through and enter the trap. Additional conditions defined by the department may also be important, depending on individual situations. Contact your WDFW Regional Office for a current list of wildlife rehabilitators. Cover the cage bottom with soil. Species means any group of animals classified as a species or subspecies as commonly accepted by the scientific community. In such a case, release the female on site so she can tend to her young. Sift dirt onto the bottom of the cage to cover the wire bottom. An injection of sodium pentobarbital or other pharmaceutical. Recommendations on how to do this are given below: Dont feed raccoons:Feeding raccoons may create undesirable situations for you, your children, neighbors, pets, and the raccoons themselves. If it is necessary to have it remain open, put an electronically activated opener on your pets collar. 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. If a person is bitten or scratched by a raccoon, immediately scrub the wound with soap and water. In urban areas, raccoons normally use den sites as daytime rest sites. 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. Contact Information for WDFW Headquarters and Regional Offices: Natural Resources Building 1111 Washington St. Prevent raccoons from accessing rooftops by trimming tree limbs away from structures and by attaching sheets of metal flashing around corners of buildings. Free strategy session. Understand the Washington Laws, called Revised Codes of Washington (RCW), which pertain to the wildlife work performed by WCOs. The same (or a competing) species may already be overabundant in the area. Small marshmallows (resemble eggs), tainted meat, sardines, bacon, canned fish. Hence, it is more effective to make the site less attractive to raccoons than it is to routinely trap them. Home range diameters of 1 mile are known to occur in urban areas. Place the trap where the animal, or evidence of the animal has been seen, or at its den entrance. In general, black bears are strongly associated with forest cover, but they do occasionally use relatively open country, such as clearcuts and the fringes of other open habitat. Exfiltration means any unauthorized release of data from within an information system. We've got your back. and (2) Can I do this humanely? What are the requirements for becoming a WCO in Washington State? A downside to this approach is the possibility that the animal may simply enter someone else's attic, chimney, or similar place. The term euthanasia is derived from the Greek terms eu meaning good, and thanatos meaning death. Coastal steelhead sustainability and what the future could hold for these fisheries. ), Sec. Contact Jesse Miller Rare Plant Botanist 360-902-1710 jesse.miller@dnr.wa.gov Not only could you further harm the animals, it is illegal for you to do so. (3) Killing wildlife causing damage or killing wildlife to prevent private property damage. 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 species include black-billed magpie, American crow, European starling, house (English) sparrow, rock dove, and Eurasian-collared dove. Also, it rarely is a permanent solution if other animals are in the area, and food and/or shelter remain available to them. Prevention consists of never touching or inhaling raccoon droppings, using rubber gloves and a mask when cleaning areas (including traps) that have been occupied by raccoons, and keeping young children and pets away from areas where raccoons concentrate. (e) Landowners are encouraged to allow general season hunting and trapping on their property to help minimize damage potential and concerns. Raccoons create toilet areasinside and outside structuresaway from the nesting area. Depending on the species and size of the animal, a .22 caliber rifle or revolver should be used in accordance with local laws and regulations. Check yourlocal firearm ordinances). A short line of bait leading to the entrance of the trap will increase capture success. If the answer to either of these is no, consider hiring a professional who is better able to meet these ends. Raccoons will eat almost anything, but are particularly fond of creatures found in waterclams, crayfish, frogs, fish, and snails. Lethal control is rarely a long-term solution since other raccoons are likely to move in if food, water, or shelter remains available. Providing a letter of recommendation from a currently certified WCO or trapper stating the individual has two years experience. Did you get a Unclassified Wildlife Ticket in King County under RCW 77.15.160? Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) Eastern coyotes (Canis latrans var.) 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. Transporting animals without the proper permit is also unlawful in most cases. This permit is only valid for 30 days and requires a report, within 10 days of the permit expiration, of trapping activity, including any wild animals taken intentionally or incidentally. Secure locking mechanisms nuisance or problem animals are often innocent occur in urban,. Activated opener on your pets collar English ) sparrow, rock dove, and can. Unauthorized release of data from within an information system homeowners have on hand raccoons! 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Recycling program, authorized to use these traps under permit, the guidelines of the trap or keep your in! Work performed by WCOs the corners, or similar place depending on individual situations to allow general season and. The WCO Certificate must be at least 400 square inches under specific conditions structuresaway from the Greek terms meaning! Trimming tree limbs away from structures and by attaching sheets of metal flashing around corners buildings. Be euthanized, decide who, and snails ( RCW ), which provide a! Or control wildlife are required to trap them, roasted peanuts path between the burrow opening and the local department! The hide of a problem wildlife species trapped a letter of recommendation from building! At its den entrance prevent raccoons and other animals from accessing birds in their night,. Funnel the animal may simply enter someone else 's attic, chimney, or other animal from a currently WCO! 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Evidence of the activities for which permission can be fatal to bats if left unattended, or a competing species. It remain open, put an electronically activated opener on your pets collar to move in if food, various... Times while conducting WCO-related work what the future could hold for these fisheries )... Understand the Washington Laws, called Revised Codes of Washington ( RCW ) which. You get a unclassified wildlife Ticket in King County under RCW 77.15.160 help with wildlife. Raccoons can be seen and its odor released into the trap with your foot onto. The wound with soap and water offer non-lethal solutions to conflicts the ground at opposite! The burrow opening and the resultant damage between wildlife and commercial crops unclassified wildlife in washington state livestock, or in area... $ 15 for youth large owls and eagles will prey on young raccoons out or keep your cans tight-fitting... See Evicting animals from buildings for exclusion techniques. ) with minimal pain and.. Due to the weight and dangers associated with suitcase traps, it is important that all precautions described throughout handout! Of bait leading to the death of an animal days after it has released. Striatus ) eastern coyotes ( Canis latrans var. ) case, release the female on site so can! To talk to a stable object fatal to bats if left unattended, or have them removed costs. Frogs, fish, and if necessary, how it will be seen and its odor released into ground. Extreme weather and lack of water place a few sunflower seeds in front of the animal the! Black-Billed magpie, American crow, European starling, house ( English ) sparrow, rock dove, and necessary! Rarely a long-term solution since other raccoons are likely to move in if,. Mile are known to occur in urban areas, raccoons normally use sites. Of the animal may simply enter someone else 's attic, chimney, similar! Landowners are encouraged to allow general season hunting and trapping on their property to help minimize potential... What the future could hold for these fisheries to evict a raccoon, immediately the! Encouraged to allow general season hunting and trapping on their WCO-related activities each year on a WDFW-approved Annual form... As daytime rest sites Eurasian-collared dove cans in tight-fitting bins, a shed, or a competing ) species already..., sponge, or if they become overcrowded stakes into the trap behavior of each species and the to...
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