Each big game license includes one transport tag for each species purchased in that package. Modern traps fall into two main categories: quick-kill type traps and live-holding traps. WCOs are not an employee of the state or agent thereof. 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. However, releases of this kind should not be confused with moving problem wildlife, which may be illegal. Usually observed at night, they are occasionally seen during the day eating or napping in a tree or searching elsewhere for food. Or keep your cans in tight-fitting bins, a shed, or a garage. Free strategy session. A WCO certificate does not cover the use of drugs, poisons, or chemicals to capture or kill wildlife causing damage. Raccoon populations can get quite large in urban areas, owing to hunting and trapping restrictions, few predators, and human-supplied food. 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. Lethal control is rarely a long-term solution since other raccoons are likely to move in if food, water, or shelter remains available. 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. Make all connections flush and secure to keep mice, rats, and other mammals out. 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. [1998 c 190 15.] Anyone authorized to use a STP is required to follow the most up-to-date version of the AVMA Guidelines for Euthanasia, and AVMA Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals. Single-door type, 7 x 7 x 17 in., longer if a double-door trap is used. The raccoon is classified as both a furbearer and a game animal . and (2) Can I do this humanely? Inhumane and unacceptable methods of euthanasia include live burial, freezing a live animal, or drowning an animal (the exception is a legal killing set sometimes used by trappers). Foxes are long-bodied animals, so the trap must be long. Note:Other killers of poultry include coyotes, foxes, skunks, feral cats, dogs, bobcats, opossums, weasels, eagles, hawks, owls, other poultry, and disease. The SNAP list of alternatives is found at 40 CFR Part 82 subpart G with supplemental tables of alternatives available at (http://www.epa.gov/snap/). You can reference WAC 232-12-047 to show the difference between classified and unclassified wildlife. Understand the Washington Laws, called Revised Codes of Washington (RCW), which pertain to the wildlife work performed by WCOs. Cage traps are rarely effective at capturing healthy adult coyotes and most effective at capturing young or sick coyotes living in urban areas or entering a chicken coop or other holding area for pets, livestock, or birds. Animals taken with the use of a body-gripping trap may not be retained and must be disposed lawfully and in accordance to State and Local ordinances or as specified in WAC 220-440. 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 . Fish and wildlife officers are All non-target or threatened or endangered species should be released unharmed upon discovery, if possible. 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. Anchor the trap so it won't tip or misfire when the animal entersan animal will not enter a tipsy trap, and misfires teach it not to try and enter again. Clean barbecue grills and grease traps thoroughly following each use. Sight attractors like chicken feathers, eggshells, cotton balls. (1) The director shall investigate the habits and distribution of the various species of wildlife native to or adaptable to the habitats of the state. Trip the trap by using a pen or pencil, sticking an end through the side of the cage and pushing down on the treadle. Species means any group of animals classified as a species or subspecies as commonly accepted by the scientific community. This includes Eastern gray squirrels, Eastern cottontail rabbits, raccoons, and opossums. However, despite the perception that live capture in cage traps is humane, animals often experience stress and physical damage during capture. A trap placed on a floating raft will effectively catch nutria, but pre-baiting is necessary. (d) The department may make agreements with landowners to prevent private property damage by wildlife. 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. The unset trap should be closed at dawn to avoid trapping a non-target animal during the day. (3) Killing wildlife causing damage or killing wildlife to prevent private property damage. Typically these individuals are referred to as Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs), and there are many WCOs throughout the state. Monofilament recovery and recycling program, evict a raccoon or other animal from a building. However, if a WCO wants to possess/sell the hide of a problem wildlife species trapped. House cats have similar habits. 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. If possible, call your WDFW Regional office (see contact information at the end of this chapter) and seek the assistance of your Regional District Wildlife Biologist if exclusion of bats is a necessity. 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 captured animal often defecates in a trap. Traps can be fatal to bats if left unattended, or if they become overcrowded. Place bait in a hole dug under the rear of the trap. Each WCO must identify their traps or devices by attaching a metal tag with the owners WDFW-assigned identification number (WILD ID or WCO number) or the name and address of the trapper legibly written in numbers or letters not less than one-eighth inch in height, or by inscribing the WDFW-assigned identification number or name and address of the WCO into the metal of the trap. 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. They also recognize signs of diseases and nursing females. In the event young are present but were not noticed prior to trapping, allow the female back inside to tend to her dependent offspring. Several raccoons may den together during winter storms. Information on species range and distribution, number of individuals, population trends . Permanently separating the nursing female from her young would likely cause the offspring to starve to death. Raccoons generally move to different den or daytime rest site every few days and do not follow a predictable pattern. All animals trapped by a WCO must be released on-site (the same property where it was captured) or euthanized and properly disposed of. While shooting can be effective in eliminating a single raccoon, it is generally limited to rural situations. Many times, not enough consideration is given to the impact of the capture and release process on the animal, or to the animal's impact on the established wildlife populations at the release site. 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. 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. 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. If the animal is reluctant to leave, try placing the open trap on its side and moving away from the trap. 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. "The FBI has for quite some time now assessed that the origins of the pandemic are most likely a potential lab incident," he told Fox News. 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. Freshly cut tree sprouts or branches, commercial scents and lures. You may not sell a fur acquired under a Special Trapping Permit. (1) A small game hunting license is required to hunt for all classified wild animals and wild birds, except big game. Fresh vegetables in summer; apples, carrots, or bread in winter. Wrap it in paper towels and a baggie to muffle the volume. (6) Hunting licenses and/or associated tags are not required to kill wildlife under this section unless the killing is pursuant to subsections (2)(c) and (3)(b) of this section. Better yet, buy garbage cans with clamps or other mechanisms that hold lids on. Overlap and securely wire all seams on top to prevent raccoons from forcing their way in by using their weight and claws. Then, if someone else has to trap the animal, they will be dealing with a trap-smart animal, making its capture difficult. Single or double-door type, 3 x 3 x 10 in. Dens are used for shelter and raising young. A permitted body-gripping trap must be checked at least every 24 hours and may not be used to capture wildlife for recreational or commercial purposes. Habitat conditions in the new area might not be suited to the animal being released. Before trapping an animal, you need to know what you are going to do with it after the animal has been captured. 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. 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 your physician and the local health department immediately. A raccoons search for food may lead it to a vegetable garden, fish pond, garbage can, or chicken coop. (73) "Wildlife" means all species of the animal kingdom whose members exist in Washington in a wild state. Do you want to talk to a Tacoma Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? (1) A big game hunting license is required to hunt for big game. Unless otherwise specified in permits issued by WDFW, humanely dispatched wildlife must be disposed of within twenty-four hours, or as soon as feasible, in a manner so as not to become a public or common problem or cause pollution of surface or groundwater. Some success has also come from using a 4 foot long cage trap set right at the water's edge next to the beaver slide. 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). Washington requires hunters to wear fluorescent orange or pink hunter clothing. Raccoons that are fed by people often lose their fear of humans and may become aggressive when not fed as expected. Because legal status, trapping restrictions, and other information about raccoons change, contact yourWDFW Regional Officefor updates. Not only could you further harm the animals, it is illegal for you to do so. Raccoons die from encounters with vehicles, hunters, and trappers, and from disease, starvation, and predation. Contact your WDFW Regional Office for a current list of wildlife rehabilitators. 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. Reverse this procedure when attempting to capture a diurnal (active during daylight) animal. Raccoons leave droppings on logs, at the base of trees, and on roofs (raccoons defecate before climbing trees and entering structures). Den sites also include wood duck nest-boxes, attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and abandoned vehicles. A captured animal should not remain in the trap longer than necessary. Understand the Washington Rules, called Washington Administrative Codes (WAC), which pertain to the wildlife work performed by WCOs. A disease that contributes significantly to raccoon mortality is canine distemper. Fence orchards and vegetable gardens:Raccoons can easily climb wood or wire fences, or bypass them by using overhanging limbs of trees or shrubs. A short line of bait leading to the entrance of the trap will increase capture success. The raccoon is a native mammal, measuring about 3 feet long, including its 12-inch, bushy, ringed tail. Single- or double-door type, 5 x 5 x 24 in. An injection of sodium pentobarbital or other pharmaceutical. The neighbor might choose to remove these raccoons, or have them removed. The most effective way to prevent conflicts is to modify the habitat around your home so as not to attract raccoons. Change the trap location or try different bait if it doesn't produce a catch within three days. Raccoons may also transmit diseases to rural populations that they have picked up from urban pets. Species marked AIS are aquatic invasive species. 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. 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. Unclassified Wildlife Wild animals in Washington that are not classified as Game, Furbearer, Endangered, Threatened, or Protected species. The best prevention against canine distemper is to have your dogs vaccinated and kept away from raccoons. Free strategy session. Body-gripping Trap In Washington, this is defined as a trap that grips and holds an animals body or body part. 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. Raccoon droppings are crumbly, flat-ended, and can contain a variety of food items. 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. Sprinkling a layer of garden lime on the carcass will also help reduce the odor, which attracts digging animals. Before using a trap, be sure it is clean, to prevent the animal coming in contact with or spreading potentially dangerous organisms. Note: Skunks and opossums often take their time when leaving a cage trap. (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. Do you want to talk to a Lacey Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? Environment means indoor air, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface, subsurface strata, and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna. Placing guide logs on either side of the path between the burrow opening and the trap will help funnel the animal into the trap. 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. Tribes must be in compliance with the agreements including, but not limited to, adhering to reporting requirements, possession, and harvest restrictions. An auditory lure that "squeals" can be effective. Excess animals have to move or die. To protect yourself, always wear gloves when handling the trap. The application form expressly lists banding as one of the activities for which permission can be obtained. 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. When a conflict exists between humans and animals it is usually because the animal is only doing what it needs to do to survive. Raccoons create toilet areasinside and outside structuresaway from the nesting area. 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. 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. Fish, fresh chicken liver, chicken entrails. Single- or double-door type, 9 x 9 x 26 in. 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. Raccoons will eat almost anything, but are particularly fond of creatures found in waterclams, crayfish, frogs, fish, and snails. (2) Killing wildlife causing damage to a commercial crop or to livestock. 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 21.43. 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. 2 min read. 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. (e) Landowners are encouraged to allow general season hunting and trapping on their property to help minimize damage potential and concerns. Unlawful taking of unclassified fish or wildlife is a misdemeanor. Methods of documenting experience include, but are not limited to: Possessing a recreational trappers license for two (2) years. You are legal to use a slingshot to hunt unclassified wildlife in Washington State. Be "on call" the entire time a trap is set. Providing a letter of recommendation from a currently certified WCO or trapper stating the individual has two years experience. Raccoons also eat insects, slugs, dead animals, birds and bird eggs, as well as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Apples, sunflower seeds, roasted peanuts. If a person is bitten or scratched by a raccoon, immediately scrub the wound with soap and water. 1. Place the trap along an active trail or where nutria are seen. Hence, it is more effective to make the site less attractive to raccoons than it is to routinely trap them. See notes. 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