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. Species in Washington Learn more about a specific fish or wildlife species in Washington. Please see the definitions for Body-gripping Trap and STP at the beginning of this module. The size of a raccoons home range as well as its nightly hunting area varies greatly depending on the habitat and food supply. 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. Cover the bottom of the trap with sand. Raccoons die from encounters with vehicles, hunters, and trappers, and from disease, starvation, and predation. Endangered species means wildlife designated by the, Combined sewer overflow means the discharge of untreated or. Lethal control is a last resort and can never be justified without first applying the above-described nonlethal control techniques. Look for scratch marks on trees and other structures that raccoons climb. Placing a wire mesh barrier that is held in place with a heavy object over the in-ground compost will prevent problems. The carcasses of euthanized animals must be disposed of properly. Raccoon populations can get quite large in urban areas, owing to hunting and trapping restrictions, few predators, and human-supplied food. What comes next for coastal steelhead Coastal steelhead sustainability and what the future could hold for these fisheries. Predatory Birds Bird species that a WCO may harass, control, or kill, with permission of the property owner, that are causing damage to public or private property. Not have a felony or domestic violence charge that precludes the WCO from carrying a firearm. Around humans, raccoons often eat garbage and pet food. These are the traps most often used by people dealing with human/wildlife conflicts in yards, gardens, and houses. Point the opening of the trap toward escape cover, so the animal can see and move toward it. Remove vegetation on buildings, such as English ivy, which provide raccoons a way to climb structures and hide their access point inside. Traps set inside the living area of the house should be placed on top of at least ten sheets of newspaper. (1) A big game hunting license is required to hunt for big game. Multiple traps are not something most homeowners have on hand. 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. 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. Modern traps fall into two main categories: quick-kill type traps and live-holding traps. To be eligible for WCO certification, applicants must: A Washington WCO Certificate allows a WCO to do the following: As a practice, whenever you have a question about a specific species or use of a specific trap, please refer to the WDFW website, call your regional WDFW office, call the Wildlife Customer Service desk in Olympia at (360) 902-2515, or email specialtrapping@dfw.wa.gov. If shooting is used, the operator and firearm must be capable of producing a quick death. The best prevention against canine distemper is to have your dogs vaccinated and kept away from raccoons. Washington requires hunters to wear fluorescent orange or pink hunter clothing. Cage and box traps, suitcase-type live beaver traps, and common rat and mouse traps are not classified as body-gripping traps and do not require a STP. 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. 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. The WCO certificate does not permit the intentional trapping, killing, or control of domestic animals, such as cats or dogs. (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. The application form expressly lists banding as one of the activities for which permission can be obtained. Take and pass the WDFW-approved WCO basic certification course. Do you want to talk to a Tacoma Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? . Animals that are released may harm or be harmed by resident animals (e.g., by territorial disputes, disease transmission, gene-pool disruptions, etc.). A WCO Certificate is valid for three (3) years. Unclassified Wildlife Ticket Attorney Lacey. Note:Raccoon droppings may carry a parasite that can be fatal to humans. Raccoons are a common sight in much of Washington, often drawn to urban areas by food supplied by humans. Overlap and securely wire all seams on top to prevent raccoons from forcing their way in by using their weight and claws. A covered worm box is another alternative. (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. Animal Problem Any animal that threatens or damages timber or private property or threatens or injures livestock or any other domestic animal. To protect yourself, always wear gloves when handling the trap. The kits remain with their mother in her home range through winter, and in early spring seek out their own territories. River otters may be trapped in suitcase type traps used to capture beavers. Transporting animals without the proper permit is also unlawful in most cases. Set trap directly in the entrance of an active tunnel. Species means any group of animals classified as a species or subspecies as commonly accepted by the scientific community. Failure of a WCO or recreational trapper to identify their traps is a misdemeanor. The use of sodium fluoroacetate, or compound 1080, is illegal in Washington and not permitted under any certificate or license (RCW 77.15.196). (If washing raccoon droppings from a roof, watch where the liquid matter is going.) Although not great hunters, raccoons can catch young gophers, squirrels, mice, and rats. They come in a variety of designs; their sizes range from those that capture mice to those that capture large dogs. Enjoy a hunt of a different kind while remembering these ethical practices during the thrill of the chase. However, a special trapping permit is required for the use of all traps other than live traps (RCW 77.15.192,77.15.194). Raccoons pair up only during the breeding season, and mating occurs as early as January to as late as June. When releasing an animal that offers the potential of a bite or a spray, attach a long string to the door of the trap prior to setting it, so the door can later be opened from a distance. Prevent raccoons from accessing rooftops by trimming tree limbs away from structures and by attaching sheets of metal flashing around corners of buildings. Information on species range and distribution, number of individuals, population trends . Each big game license includes one transport tag for each species purchased in that package. (1) It is unlawful for publicly owned zoos or aquariums who lawfully acquired fish, shellfish, wildlife or the nests of birds under WAC 220-20-045 or 232-12-064 to offer for sale or sell ((that wildlife)) such animals or nests or the progeny of ((that wildlife)) such animals except outside the state or except within the state to other publicly . 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. However, if a WCO wants to possess/sell the hide of a problem wildlife species trapped. In many cases, moving raccoons will not solve the original problem because other raccoons will replace them and cause similar conflicts. In other parts of the United States raccoons can carry rabies. Modify the sides so the otters can't escape. Males have weighed in at over 60 pounds. Raccoons will eat almost anything, but are particularly fond of creatures found in waterclams, crayfish, frogs, fish, and snails. Placing guide logs on either side of the path between the burrow opening and the trap will help funnel the animal into the trap. Use plenty of the suggested bait so it will be seen and its odor released into the air. Young raccoons are the main victims of starvation, since they have very little fat reserves to draw from during food shortages in late winter and early spring. Cover the cage bottom with soil. 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. 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. Common or scientific name Category - Any - "Wildlife" also means food fish and shellfish as defined by statute, law, regulation, ordinance, or administrative rule in a party state. If the carcass is patterned by red spots where pointed teeth have bruised the flesh but not broken the skin, the bird was probably played with by one or more dogs until it died. Mountain beavers are very prone to hypothermia, so wrap the trap with black plastic or burlap and cover it with soil. 5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON: 6 Sec. (73) "Wildlife" means all species of the animal kingdom whose members exist in Washington in a wild state. Piece of apple, sweet potato, or whatever is being eaten in the area. In addition, most are not available to, or do not appeal to, the do-it-yourselfer. Tribal members operating under subsection (5) of this section are required to meet tribal hunting license, tag, and permit requirements. Free strategy session. What are the requirements for becoming a WCO in Washington State? The WCO Certificate must be carried at all times while conducting WCO-related work. An auditory lure that "squeals" can be effective. 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. Permanently separating the nursing female from her young would likely cause the offspring to starve to death. Hunters and trappers participating in harvesting wildlife under this section must comply with provisions of each permit. You are legal to use a slingshot to hunt unclassified wildlife in Washington State. The Enforcement Program may be contacted at enforcement-web@dfw.wa.gov. Unclassified Wildlife Ticket Attorney Mercer Island. (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. 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. Only a female with young or an animal holed up during a cold spell will use the same den for any length of time. FBI Director Christopher Wray has said that the bureau believes Covid-19 "most likely" originated in a "Chinese government-controlled lab". If the animal is reluctant to leave, try placing the open trap on its side and moving away from the trap. People's opinion on the topic often depends on the experience they have with an animal. . (a) The fee for this license is thirty-five dollars for residents, one hundred sixty-five dollars for nonresidents, and fifteen dollars for youth. It is unlawful for a WCO to use body-gripping traps within thirty feet of any exposed animal carcass, meat bait, or nonedible game parts which are visible to flying raptors. (3) Killing wildlife causing damage or killing wildlife to prevent private property damage. Each of their front feet has five dexterous toes, allowing raccoons to grasp and manipulate food and other items. Sprinkling a layer of garden lime on the carcass will also help reduce the odor, which attracts digging animals. Never trap an animal during poor weather with the intention of releasing it. As long as raccoons are kept out of human homes, not cornered, and not treated as pets, they are not dangerous. Unroasted peanuts, sunflower seeds, grain, popcorn, apple slices. RCW 77.15.075 and 2012 c 176 s 8 are each amended to 7 read as follows: 8 (1) Fish and wildlife officers shall have and exercise, 9 throughout the state, such police powers and duties as are vested in 10 sheriffs and peace officers generally. Note: In summer, a trap set where the sun can beat down on it can cause the animal to dehydrate rapidly, suffer a heat stroke, or die. If the doors do not work fast enough, place small stones or other weights on top of the door to make it drop faster. Due to the strength and aggressiveness of badgers, it is recommended that a professional trapper trap them. Dont give raccoons access to garbage:Keep your garbage can lid on tight by securing it with rope, chain, bungee cords, or weights. Although rarely documented anywhere in the United States, raccoon roundworm can infect a person who accidentally ingests or inhales the parasites eggs. Of the chase or inhales the parasites eggs, fish, and predation habitat and food supply it soil. The burrow opening and the trap great hunters, and snails to Unclassified... The chase Certificate must be capable of producing a quick death and by attaching sheets of metal flashing around of... 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