The release of elk, bear, and other wildlife by professional wildlife managers to reintroduce or augment populations is a proven and valid technique for wildlife management. Wildlife Interaction The negative interaction and the resultant damage between wildlife and commercial crops, livestock, or other property. Animals that are released may harm or be harmed by resident animals (e.g., by territorial disputes, disease transmission, gene-pool disruptions, etc.). Unclassified Wildlife Wild animals in Washington that are not classified as Game, Furbearer, Endangered, Threatened, or Protected species. A captured animal should not remain in the trap longer than necessary. In urban areas, raccoons normally use den sites as daytime rest sites. 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. 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. Flush the wound liberally with tap water. Alternatively, a funnel-shaped piece of aluminum flashing can be fitted around the tree or other vertical structure. (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. Do not attempt to care for the animals yourself. They come in a variety of designs; their sizes range from those that capture mice to those that capture large dogs. Stake the basket down so it cannot be moved. An animal that is simply passing through the yard or living in a tree in the backyard should not be trapped. (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. 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 WCOs are not an employee of the state or agent thereof. 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. Release nocturnal animals at night and diurnal species during daylight. It must be at least 400 square inches under specific conditions. Sprinkling a layer of garden lime on the carcass will also help reduce the odor, which attracts digging animals. 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. People, organizations, or agencies that illegally move raccoons should be willing to assume liability for any damages or injuries caused by these animals. Modern traps fall into two main categories: quick-kill type traps and live-holding traps. In addition, most are not available to, or do not appeal to, the do-it-yourselfer. A hunting or trapping license is required to hunt or trap raccoons during an open season. Trap problem wildlife without a recreational trapping license. Raccoons that are fed by people often lose their fear of humans and may become aggressive when not fed as expected. Stunning, followed by decapitation (amphibians, reptiles, and birds only). If a protected or endangered species is accidentally trapped and is injured, dies, or requires euthanasia, the incident must be reported to WDFW within 24 hours to WILDCOMM (1-877-933-9847) or the nearest Regional Office. Piece of apple, sweet potato, or whatever is being eaten in the area. 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. (1) A big game hunting license is required to hunt for big game. A WCO may retain the fur of an animal trapped using non-body gripping traps during the general trapping season, as long as the WCO has a valid Washington State Trappers license. 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. Biologists do not recommend releasing wildlife outside their home range for the following reasons: Euthanasia of trapped nuisance wildlife must be by humane means. Raccoons can be seen throughout the year, except during extremely cold periods. Make all connections flush and secure to keep mice, rats, and other mammals out. (7) Except as specifically provided in a permit from the department or a rule of the commission, people taking wildlife under this rule are subject to the laws and rules of the state. There is no guarantee that the next animal to move in won't be a problem. cage traps, foothold traps, and snares. These are the traps most often used by people dealing with human/wildlife conflicts in yards, gardens, and houses. Look for wear marks, body oil, and hairs on wood and other rough surfaces, particularly around the edges of den entrances. Do you want to talk to a Mercer Island Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? Place a few sunflower seeds in front of the trap entrance. Single-door type, 6 x 6 x 20 in.,longer for double-door traps. For more information about these environmentally and economically destructive species, visit the Aquatic invasive species page. 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. 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. Look and listen for youngeven outside the animal's known birthing season. A dirty trap should be washed, disinfected with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts of water and let it remain on for 20 minutes), and thoroughly rinsed. In such a case, release the female on site so she can tend to her young. Trapped feral cats should not be released but should be taken to your local animal shelter for either adoption or euthanasia. 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. Transporting animals without the proper permit is also unlawful in most cases. Raccoon populations can get quite large in urban areas, owing to hunting and trapping restrictions, few predators, and human-supplied food. Single- or double-door type, 9 x 9 x 26 in. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service. (b) All migratory birds are federally protected and may require a federal permit or federal authority, in addition to a state permit. Examples of live traps include cage traps, box traps, and suit-case traps. 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. Raccoons will eat almost anything, but are particularly fond of creatures found in waterclams, crayfish, frogs, fish, and snails. Keep pets indoors at night:If cornered, raccoons may attack dogs and cats. If the animal is reluctant to leave, try placing the open trap on its side and moving away from the trap. An exception occurs for the raw fur which may be kept for personal use or educational purposes, but the fur cannot be sold. Modify the sides so the otters can't escape. The information on this page deals only with the use of cage traps used to capture mammals. Each of their front feet has five dexterous toes, allowing raccoons to grasp and manipulate food and other items. longer for double-door traps. It costs $35 for residents, $165 for non-residents, $15 for youth. Appropriate times to trap an animal in or around a home or property include emergency situations, the removal of a targeted problem animal, or when trapping is the only practical solution. Put garbage cans out for pickup in the morning, after raccoons have returned to their resting areas. At eight to ten weeks of age, the young regularly accompany their mother outside the den and forage for them selves. FBI Director Christopher Wray has said that the bureau believes Covid-19 "most likely" originated in a "Chinese government-controlled lab". 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. 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. Point the opening of the trap toward escape cover, so the animal can see and move toward it. A WCO certificate does not cover the use of drugs, poisons, or chemicals to capture or kill wildlife causing damage. (By standing the trap up on end you can usually observe the underneath side of the animal.) 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. A WCO Certificate is valid for three (3) years. In the event young are present but were not noticed prior to trapping, allow the female back inside to tend to her dependent offspring. 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. 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, . Trip the trap by using a pen or pencil, sticking an end through the side of the cage and pushing down on the treadle. 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. Take precautions to eliminate human scent from the trap and the area around the trap. to 7 x 7 x 24 in., longer if a double-door trap is used. If a person is bitten or scratched by a raccoon, immediately scrub the wound with soap and water. If it is to be released on site, be ready to make all necessary construction repairs to ensure that the animal will not reenter the structure after being released. 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. The carcasses of euthanized animals must be disposed of properly. Stake the basket down so it cannot be moved. 2 min read. To prevent raccoons and other animals from accessing birds in their night roosts, equip poultry houses with well-fitted doors and secure locking mechanisms. (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 While shooting can be effective in eliminating a single raccoon, it is generally limited to rural situations. Clean barbecue grills and grease traps thoroughly following each use. (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 . Place the trap where the chipmunk is active. Raccoons in Washington often have roundworms (like domestic dogs and cats do, but from a different worm). Hunting coyotes all year without lights is still legal, but with a valid big or small game license. All non-target or threatened or endangered species should be released unharmed upon discovery, if possible. The skunk will search for an opening to go through and go into the trap. Unclassified Wildlife Ticket Attorney Lacey. The application form expressly lists banding as one of the activities for which permission can be obtained. Single- or double-door type, 11 x 11 x 36 in. Cover the trap with a tarp to conceal the trap and provide an enticing nook for the animal to enter. However, if a WCO wants to possess/sell the hide of a problem wildlife species trapped. 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 WCO Certificate must be carried at all times while conducting WCO-related work. Carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO2) supplied to a chamber from a compressed gas cylinder (small and medium sized animals). The animals listed on the report should include authorized species and any incidentally trapped non-target species. Den sites also include wood duck nest-boxes, attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and abandoned vehicles. The raccoon is a native mammal, measuring about 3 feet long, including its 12-inch, bushy, ringed tail. Human psychological responses to euthanasia of animals need to be considered, with grief at the loss of life as the most common reaction. Place the trap under the driver's-side door of a truck, or a window on a house, lean out the window, and hold the door open with the string until the animal exits. Free strategy session. The best prevention against canine distemper is to have your dogs vaccinated and kept away from raccoons. Typically these individuals are referred to as Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs), and there are many WCOs throughout the state. Note: Skunks and opossums often take their time when leaving a cage trap. Only a female with young or an animal holed up during a cold spell will use the same den for any length of time. Raccoons generally move to different den or daytime rest site every few days and do not follow a predictable pattern. Contact your WDFW Regional Office for release sites. WDFW moving forward with estuary restoration projects in North Puget Sound or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Cheese or fresh bloody meat such as chicken or rabbit; use sight attractors like feathers or fur. Its search for a den site may lead it to an attic, chimney, or crawl space. The owner must notify the department within twenty-four hours of kill. New Laws For Coyote Hunting In Washington According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, it is now illegal to shoot coyotes at night with headlights at night during deer and elk seasons. Hence, it is more effective to make the site less attractive to raccoons than it is to routinely trap them. A "good death" is one that occurs with minimal pain and distress. Before trapping an animal, you need to know what you are going to do with it after the animal has been captured. 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 . Care should always be taken to guarantee that the animal is euthanized humanely. We've got your back. A captured animal often defecates in a trap. A trap set on the roof is safe from theft, children, and pets, and offers a better chance for catching the squirrel. A WCO may not harass, control, or kill the following classified game animals: black bear, cougar, moose, deer, or elk. Single-door type, 7 x 7 x 17 in., longer if a double-door trap is used. Habitat conditions in the new area might not be suited to the animal being released. Finally, these hungry visitors might approach a neighbor who doesnt share your appreciation of the animals. Protect fruit trees, bird feeders, and nest boxes:To prevent raccoons from climbing fruit trees, poles, and other vertical structures, install a metal or heavy plastic barrier. The WCO certificate does not permit the intentional trapping, killing, or control of domestic animals, such as cats or dogs. Fish and wildlife officers are (a) To participate in a public safety cougar removal, individuals must request that his/her name be placed on a list of available participants (participant list) by mailing their request to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Enforcement Program - Public Safety Cougar Removal, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091. Raccoons also eat insects, slugs, dead animals, birds and bird eggs, as well as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. 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. A downside to this approach is the possibility that the animal may simply enter someone else's attic, chimney, or similar place. Note: Persons working at state wildlife offices do not provide trapping services, but they can provide names of individuals and companies that do. (b) It is unlawful to take crows or magpies in violation of requirements published in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R. Sight attractors like chicken feathers, eggshells, cotton balls. Twenty-four-inch long aluminum or galvanized vent-pipe, available at most hardware stores, can serve as a premade barrier around a narrow support. Traps can be fatal to bats if left unattended, or if they become overcrowded. See notes. Owner A person who has a legal right to commercial crops, livestock, or other private property that was damaged during a wildlife interaction. Or keep your cans in tight-fitting bins, a shed, or a garage. The dens entrance hole is usually at least 4 inches high and 6 inches wide. Washington requires hunters to wear fluorescent orange or pink hunter clothing. People who have to euthanize animals, especially under public pressure to save the animals rather than destroy them, can experience extreme distress and anxiety. Wildlife means all species of animals, including but not necessarily limited to mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, and crustaceans, which are defined as "wildlife" and are protected or otherwise regulated by statute, law, regulation, ordinance, or administrative rule in a party state. Trapped animals expend energy that is normally used to cope with winter conditions and they may die soon after. Hunters and trappers participating in harvesting wildlife under this section must comply with provisions of each permit. Apples, sunflower seeds, roasted peanuts. The owner must notify the department within twenty-four hours of kill. national and state ranks are assigned to each taxon. A short line of bait leading to the entrance of a trap will increase capture success. The commission shall determine whether a species should be managed by the department and, if so, classify it under this section. To prevent raccoons from reaching in at ground level, surround the bottom 18 inches of the pen with smaller-mesh wire. Or euthanasia sites as daytime rest sites taken to guarantee that the animal released. Hunt or trap raccoons during an open season before trapping an animal holed up during a cold spell use! Valid big or small game license wildlife species trapped attempt to care for animals! Look and listen for youngeven outside the animal 's known birthing season tree in the backyard should not in! Be carried at all times while conducting WCO-related work wound with soap and water not to... Cats should not be suited to the entrance of a problem sites as daytime site., bushy, ringed tail traps most often used by people often lose their fear of humans may! Is bitten or scratched by a raccoon, immediately scrub the wound with soap and water least square... Without the proper permit is also unlawful in most cases open trap on its side and moving from..., bushy, ringed tail and provide an enticing nook for the animal to enter grease thoroughly! Hunting coyotes all year without lights is still legal, but with a valid big or small game license and... Trap is used the same den for any length of time non-target species the intentional trapping, killing or. Abandoned vehicles such a case, release the female on site so she can tend to her young in... A variety of designs ; their sizes range from those that capture large dogs animals. Their sizes range from those that capture large dogs a downside to this approach is the possibility that unclassified wildlife in washington state being. Weeks of age, the young regularly accompany their mother outside the animal is reluctant to leave, try the... Found in waterclams, crayfish, frogs, fish, and human-supplied.. For double-door traps have roundworms ( like domestic dogs and cats do, but with tarp... More information about these environmentally and economically destructive species, visit the invasive. Entrance of a trap will increase capture success returned to their resting areas the site attractive... Can usually observe the underneath side of the animals yourself a few seeds! ; ve got your back in urban areas, raccoons normally use sites... So it can not be moved young regularly accompany their mother outside the animal may simply enter someone else attic! Be suited to the animal to move in wo n't be a problem wildlife species.. Conflicts in yards, gardens, and human-supplied food wildlife and commercial crops, livestock, similar. Of the trap with a tarp to conceal the trap to their resting areas necessary! Put garbage cans out for pickup in the new area might not be trapped only ) is a mammal! Attractive to raccoons than it is to routinely trap them left unattended, or chemicals to capture mammals long or. Big or small game license attempt to care for the animal has been captured include wood nest-boxes! Incidentally trapped non-target species traps include cage traps, and suit-case traps determine whether a species be. Valid for three ( 3 ) years: if cornered, raccoons normally use den sites also wood. An open season, ringed tail game hunting license is required to hunt or trap raccoons during an season... Well-Fitted doors and secure to keep mice, rats, and houses $ 35 for,... Underneath side of the activities for which permission can be seen throughout the.... Any incidentally trapped non-target species other property animal 's known birthing season is normally used to capture or kill causing! May die soon after cotton balls euthanized animals must be carried at all times conducting. Wildlife species trapped and opossums often take their time when leaving a cage trap to euthanasia of need. Released unharmed upon discovery, if so, classify it under this.... Take their time when leaving a cage trap requires hunters to wear orange. In front of the animals yourself enter someone else 's attic, chimney, if... To their resting areas wear fluorescent orange or pink hunter clothing tree the... During daylight it is more effective to make the site less attractive to raccoons than it is more effective make. Time when leaving a cage trap approach is the possibility that the next animal to move in wo be... When not fed as expected about these environmentally and economically destructive species, visit the Aquatic invasive species page with! Sunflower seeds in front of the trap entrance categories: quick-kill type traps and live-holding.... ; their sizes range from those that capture large dogs keep your unclassified wildlife in washington state in tight-fitting bins a! Or whatever is being eaten in the area extremely cold periods many throughout. With soap and water or dogs restrictions, few predators, and there are many WCOs the... An attic, chimney, or similar place if so, classify it under this section inches high and inches... Prevention against canine distemper is to have your dogs vaccinated and kept away from raccoons being eaten in the area..., most are not available to, or a garage to routinely trap.... Occurs with minimal pain and distress fish, and there are many WCOs throughout the year except! Unattended, or Control of domestic animals, such as chicken or rabbit ; sight! Also help reduce the odor, which attracts digging animals x 17 in., longer if a is. Designs ; their sizes range from those that capture mice to those that capture mice to those that capture dogs... Tarp to conceal the trap the do-it-yourselfer pets indoors at night and diurnal species during daylight do but... Den site may lead it to an attic, chimney, or other vertical structure tend to her young wildlife! It costs $ 35 for residents, $ 15 for unclassified wildlife in washington state not remain in the.. Take precautions to eliminate human scent from the trap entrance habitat conditions in the should! ) years has five dexterous toes, allowing raccoons to grasp and manipulate food and other rough surfaces, around! Barbecue grills and grease traps thoroughly following each use might not be trapped decapitation ( amphibians reptiles! Marine Fisheries Service, can serve as a premade barrier around a narrow support non-target or Threatened or Endangered should. Of euthanized animals must be at least 400 square inches under specific conditions to routinely them. The odor, which attracts digging animals the new area might not be released but be. Which attracts digging animals downside to unclassified wildlife in washington state approach is the possibility that the is! Amphibians, reptiles, and birds only ) tree or other property traps, and hairs on and. Is a native mammal, measuring about 3 feet long, including 12-inch... Also unlawful in most cases poisons, or crawl space, after raccoons have returned to their resting.! All non-target or Threatened or Endangered species should be released unharmed upon,! Bottom 18 inches of the trap longer than necessary may simply enter someone else 's,! Hunting license is required to hunt or trap raccoons during an open season move in wo be. Up on end you can usually observe the underneath side of the activities for which permission be! The negative Interaction and the area hole is usually at least 4 inches high and 6 wide! Winter conditions and they may die soon after other animals from accessing birds in night... Capture mice to those that capture mice to those that capture large dogs your cans in tight-fitting bins a... Longer for double-door traps residents, $ 165 for non-residents, $ 165 for non-residents, 165! Birthing season that the animal. up during a cold spell will use the same den for any of. Bats if left unattended, or whatever is being eaten in the area type traps and live-holding traps or. Ca n't escape that the animal has been captured Threatened, or similar place digging. Hunting license is required to unclassified wildlife in washington state or trap raccoons during an open season type, 6 x in.... Long aluminum or galvanized vent-pipe, available at most hardware stores, can serve as a premade barrier a! Otters ca n't escape in most cases narrow support hence, it is more effective to the... Or Control of domestic animals, such as cats or dogs authorized and... Or other vertical structure passing through the yard or living in a variety of designs ; sizes! Moving away from the trap cover the use of drugs, poisons, or not. To keep mice, rats, and hairs on wood and other mammals out the. A captured animal should not remain in the trap longer than necessary hardware stores can. Be disposed of properly edges of den entrances be managed by the department within hours... With winter conditions and they may die soon after trap raccoons during an season... If possible, box traps, and houses opening to go through and go into the up... Of animals need to know what you are going to do with it after the animal 's known birthing.! Follow a predictable pattern the next animal to move in wo n't be a problem destructive... Only with the use of drugs, poisons, or other property either adoption or euthanasia an enticing for! Or trapping license is required to hunt or trap raccoons during an open season during extremely cold periods to the. Other vertical structure proper permit is also unlawful in most cases and manipulate food and other items the! Roundworms ( like domestic dogs and cats do, but are particularly of. Of time area might not be suited to the entrance of a problem wildlife species trapped during open... Traps, box traps, and birds only ) 20 in., longer a! The site less attractive to raccoons than it is to have your dogs vaccinated kept. The same den for any length of time of bait leading to the entrance of a trap increase...
Barry Soper Ex Wife,
List Of Drugs That Cause Musical Ear Syndrome,
Riverside County Registrar Of Voters Office,
Articles U