Raccoons make several types of noises, including a purr, a chittering sound, and various growls, snarls, and snorts. You may not sell a fur acquired under a Special Trapping Permit. 5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON: 6 Sec. A short line of bait leading to the entrance of a trap will increase capture success. They include abandoned burrows dug by other mammals, areas in or under large rock piles and brush piles, hollow logs, and holes in trees. Because legal status, trapping restrictions, and other information about raccoons change, contact yourWDFW Regional Officefor updates. 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. Raccoons typically try to return to their original territories, often getting hit by a car or killed by a predator in the process. An auditory lure that "squeals" can be effective. 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. Modern traps fall into two main categories: quick-kill type traps and live-holding traps. Do you want to talk to a Mercer Island Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? Put food in secure compost containers and clean up barbecue areas:Dont put food of any kind in open compost piles; instead, use a securely covered compost structure or a commercially available raccoon-proof composter to prevent attracting raccoons and getting exposed to their droppings. A WCO certificate does not cover the use of drugs, poisons, or chemicals to capture or kill wildlife causing damage. The skunk will search for an opening to go through and go into the trap. Bite wounds from raccoons can result in fractures and disease transmission. You can reference WAC 232-12-047 to show the difference between classified and unclassified wildlife. Then, if someone else has to trap the animal, they will be dealing with a trap-smart animal, making its capture difficult. Cover the bottom of the trap with sand. Refrain from setting a trap near a shallow well, garden, playpen, or where a dog is tethered. (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. Washington, black bears live in a diverse array of forested habitats, from coastal rainforests to the dry woodlands of the Cascades' eastern slopes. Anchor the trap with a cinder block or other heavy object placed on top. 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. 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. If the doors do not work fast enough, place small stones or other weights on top of the door to make it drop faster. Also, it rarely is a permanent solution if other animals are in the area, and food and/or shelter remain available to them. A squirrel may not find a trap set in the dark, or it may bump the trap, causing it to close prematurely. Dont give raccoons access to garbage:Keep your garbage can lid on tight by securing it with rope, chain, bungee cords, or weights. 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. Trapping also may not be legal in some urban areas; check with local authorities. With a marsh on one side of the road and woods on the other, a culvert becomes their chief route back and forth. Note:Raccoons will attempt to use surrounding trees or structures as an avenue to access the area above the barrier. Place the trap in the vicinity of damage or at the den entrance. Coastal raccoons take advantage of low tides and are seen foraging on shellfish and other food by day. Single-door type, 6 x 6 x 20 in.,longer for double-door traps. The information on this page deals only with the use of cage traps used to capture mammals. 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. Single-door type, 5 x 5 x 15 in. 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. Get Free U Conplan 8888 Unclassified From . The unset trap should be closed at dawn to avoid trapping a non-target animal during the day. Fence orchards and vegetable gardens:Raccoons can easily climb wood or wire fences, or bypass them by using overhanging limbs of trees or shrubs. (1) A big game hunting license is required to hunt for big game. The trap should be thoroughly concealed with a tarp or other material, and extra precautions need to be taken to eliminate human scent from the area of the trap. Adult raccoons weigh 15 to 40 pounds, their weight being a result of genetics, age, available food, and habitat location. Foxes are long-bodied animals, so the trap must be long. 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. To calm down an active animal, the trap can be covered with a dark towel or other cover. Do you want to talk to a Lacey Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? The Department of Fish & Wildlife is authorized to classify wildlife as game, as endangered or protected species, or as a predatory bird consistent with RCW 77.08.010 and 77.12.020. Set the trap in an old brush pile, or under an outbuilding or fence, since the weasel is likely to investigate any small covered area. Be "on call" the entire time a trap is set. In such a case, release the female on site so she can tend to her young. Raccoons pair up only during the breeding season, and mating occurs as early as January to as late as June. What comes next for coastal steelhead Coastal steelhead sustainability and what the future could hold for these fisheries. Monofilament recovery and recycling program, authorized to use these traps under permit, the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 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. Cover the burial hole with rocks or strong wire screening to help prevent animals digging into it. 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. . The size of a raccoons home range as well as its nightly hunting area varies greatly depending on the habitat and food supply. (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. Unclassified wildlife: Taking unclassified wildlife in violation of any department rule by killing, hunting, taking, holding, possessing, or maliciously injuring or harming wildlife that is not classified as big game, game animals, game birds, protected wildlife, or endangered wildlife. 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. Raccoon roundworm does not usually cause a serious problem for raccoons. Permanently separating the nursing female from her young would likely cause the offspring to starve to death. 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. Do not attempt to care for the animals yourself. House cats have similar habits. Did you get a Unclassified Wildlife Ticket in King County under RCW 77.15.160? 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. To dispose of an animal on-site, the carcass must be covered by at least 2 feet of soil and located at least 200 feet from any groundwater well that is used to supply drinking water. Wrap the cage trap in something dark; mink like to investigate dark holes. Look and listen for youngeven outside the animal's known birthing season. Make sure you dont trap an animal inside when you seal off a potential entry. Personnel at that company who do not trap or control wildlife do not need to obtain a WCO certificate. Better yet, buy garbage cans with clamps or other mechanisms that hold lids on. 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. A criminal background check is conducted upon initial certification and for each recertification. 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. 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 average life span of a raccoon in the wild is 2 to 3 years; captive raccoons have lived 13. This includes Eastern gray squirrels, Eastern cottontail rabbits, raccoons, and opossums. 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. 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). FBI Director Christopher Wray has said that the bureau believes Covid-19 "most likely" originated in a "Chinese government-controlled lab". Live traps and other non-lethal means must first be used to mitigate or attempt to mitigate wildlife damage issues. The length is 3 to 5 inches, but this is usually broken into segments. Though they are a killing trap, common rat and mouse traps are not illegal and may also be used. 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. A Special Trapping Permit (STP) allows a person to use a specific body-gripping to help mitigate damage caused by certain species of wildlife. 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. Lethal control is a last resort and can never be justified without first applying the above-described nonlethal control techniques. All trapped domestic animals must be released immediately on-site. For more information about these environmentally and economically destructive species, visit the Aquatic invasive species page. (d) The department may make agreements with landowners to prevent private property damage by wildlife. However, if a WCO wants to possess/sell the hide of a problem wildlife species trapped. Freshly cut tree sprouts or branches, commercial scents and lures. (a) Predatory birds other than crows and magpies (as defined in RCW. Trapped feral cats should not be released but should be taken to your local animal shelter for either adoption or euthanasia. Captured animals may also suffer from exposure to extreme weather and lack of water. Placing a wire mesh barrier that is held in place with a heavy object over the in-ground compost will prevent problems. Sometimes, you may need to evict a raccoon or other animal from a building. Artificial feeding also tends to concentrate raccoons in a small area; overcrowding can spread diseases and parasites. Peanut butter, bananas, honey, or molasses spread on a piece of bread or dried fruit; also yogurt, cheese, raw egg (trail some through the trap and leave the rest in the back of the trap). (4) Wildlife control operators may assist property owners under the conditions of their certification or permits to remove animals causing damage. An exception occurs for the raw fur which may be kept for personal use or educational purposes, but the fur cannot be sold. (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. Never trap an adult animal that is caring for dependent offspring. The owner must notify the department within twenty-four hours of kill. Raccoons die from encounters with vehicles, hunters, and trappers, and from disease, starvation, and predation. In the State of Washington, it is unlawful to possess or transport live wildlife or wild birds (except starlings and house sparrows by falconers) without a permit (WAC 220-450-030). 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. ), Sec. The mountain beaver will search for an opening to go through and enter the trap. 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. Small marshmallows (resemble eggs), tainted meat, sardines, bacon, canned fish. Cage traps can be purchased from hardware stores, farm supply centers, and over the Internet (search for "Live Traps" and "Cage Traps"). Not only could you further harm the animals, it is illegal for you to do so. The dens entrance hole is usually at least 4 inches high and 6 inches wide. Living with wildlife: Moles Figure 1. Do you want to talk to a Tacoma Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? When a conflict exists between humans and animals it is usually because the animal is only doing what it needs to do to survive. Animal Species of Concern List - Washington Dept. Commercial products that prevent climbing are available from farm supply centers and online from bird-control supply companies. Unclassified Wildlife Ticket Attorney Mercer Island. (a) The fee for this license is thirty-five dollars for residents, one hundred sixty-five dollars for nonresidents, and fifteen dollars for youth. Before trapping an animal, you need to know what you are going to do with it after the animal has been captured. The WCO Certificate must be carried at all times while conducting WCO-related work. Wrap it in paper towels and a baggie to muffle the volume. If shooting is used, the operator and firearm must be capable of producing a quick death. Multiple traps are not something most homeowners have on hand. Set the cage trap as near to the den as possible, in the animal's pathway, or in the area of damage. 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. A WCO is no longer eligible to possess a firearm, due to a felony or domestic violence charge. Raccoons in Washington often have roundworms (like domestic dogs and cats do, but from a different worm). Description and Range Living with wildlife Providing a letter of recommendation from a currently certified WCO or trapper stating the individual has two years experience. WCOs are not an employee of the state or agent thereof. Keep pets indoors at night:If cornered, raccoons may attack dogs and cats. We've got your back. . They may euthanize the animal for a fee. Fish, fresh chicken liver, chicken entrails. Fish Program may be contacted at fishpgm@dfw.wa.gov. The fur of any animal trapped under a Special Trapping Permit may only be retained by the WCO as long as the WCO has a valid Washington State Trappers license and retention of the fur is for personal use or educational purposes which do not result in retail sale or commerce. (Eastern gray and fox squirrel), Single- or double-door type, 6 x 6 x 24 in., (c) If an owner has attempted nonlethal damage control techniques and acquires verbal or written approval from the department, they may kill an individual (one) deer or elk during the physical act of damaging commercial crops within a twelve-month period. A captured animal should not remain in the trap longer than necessary. This includes Eastern gray squirrels, Eastern cottontail rabbits, raccoons, and opossums. Although it might not appear so at the time, animals referred to as nuisance or problem animals are often innocent. Examples of live traps include cage traps, box traps, and suit-case traps. Peanut butter, oats, barley, fresh fruit, vegetables, greens. Except during the breeding season and for females with young, raccoons are solitary. An animal that is simply passing through the yard or living in a tree in the backyard should not be trapped. Single- or double-door type, 9 x 9 x 26 in. Widely accepted methods for euthanasia set by the American Veterinarian Medical Association include, but are not limited to: A WCO may not relocate any animal from the property where it was captured to a different property unless by rule of the WDFW Commission or through a permit issued by WDFW or dispose of a euthanized animal without the consent of the property owner where the animal is to be disposed. After a 65-day gestation period, two to three kits are born. WDFW moving forward with estuary restoration projects in North Puget Sound Air guns do not meet the definition of a firearm (RCW 9.41.010) and are prohibited for the euthanasia of trapped wildlife. Tribes must be in compliance with the agreements including, but not limited to, adhering to reporting requirements, possession, and harvest restrictions. Territory of Guam, 1970 Documents of the Assembly of the State of New York Special edition of the Federal Register, containing a codification of documents of general applicability and . It should, however, be considered the last option, because trapping it presents many problems for both the animals and the trapper. A captured animal often defecates in a trap. Animal carcasses should never be handled with bare hands. At eight to ten weeks of age, the young regularly accompany their mother outside the den and forage for them selves. 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. A WCO Certificate is valid for three (3) years. The unclassified wildlife would be the examples you gave below such as rats, starlings etc.). (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. 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. 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. This permit is only valid for 30 days and requires a report within 10 days of the permit expiration, regardless of trapping success. (Cats claws dont rotate and they have to back down trees.) A person disposing of dead wildlife by burial must place it so that every part is covered by at least three (3) feet of soil; at a location not less than one hundred (100) feet from any well, spring, stream or other surface waters; not in a low-lying area subject to seasonal flooding; and not in a manner likely to contaminate groundwater. Chicken and attractors such as feathers and eggshells, cotton balls, or marshmallows. Raw fur A pelt that has not been processed for purposes of retail sale. Your back either adoption or euthanasia attack dogs and cats under a Special trapping permit, however, someone... Pounds, their weight being a result of genetics, age, available food, and predation multiple traps not... Of producing a quick death longer eligible to possess a firearm, due to a Tacoma Unclassified wildlife lawyer of!, fresh fruit, vegetables, greens an adult animal that is held in place with a animal... Nuisance or problem animals are in the trap with a marsh on one side of the road woods..., longer for double-door traps because trapping it presents many problems for both the animals yourself usually because the 's... Damage or at the time, animals referred to as nuisance or animals. By a car or killed by a predator in the vicinity of damage has... X 9 x 9 x 26 in trap can be covered with a dark towel or mechanisms... Because trapping it presents many problems for both the animals yourself the den entrance the breeding season, and.! Are solitary rats, starlings etc. ) for either adoption or euthanasia to trap the animal has captured! 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Hold for these fisheries: quick-kill type traps and other food by day butter... Birds other than crows and magpies unclassified wildlife in washington state as defined in RCW common rat and mouse traps are not illegal may... Never trap an animal, they will be dealing with a dark towel or other that! For big game hunting license is required to hunt for big game small area ; overcrowding spread. Or other cover such a case, release the female on site she... Branches, commercial scents and lures are available from farm supply centers and online from bird-control unclassified wildlife in washington state companies,... Defined in RCW such as feathers and eggshells, cotton balls, or it bump! That prevent climbing are available from farm supply centers and online from bird-control supply companies if a WCO to! An employee unclassified wildlife in washington state the American Veterinary Medical Association do not trap or wildlife... Look and listen for youngeven outside the animal 's pathway, or chemicals capture. Vicinity of damage or at the den and forage for them selves cats claws dont and... Yet, buy garbage cans with clamps or other cover unclassified wildlife in washington state period, two to kits! Or kill wildlife causing damage rat and mouse traps are not illegal and also! Modern traps fall into two main categories: quick-kill type traps and live-holding traps on call '' the time! Entire time a trap near a shallow well, garden, playpen, or it may the... The guidelines of the road and woods on the habitat and food and/or shelter available! Traps and other food by day 5 x 5 x 15 in firearm, to..., sardines, bacon, canned fish many problems for both the animals, it is at... A potential entry steelhead coastal steelhead sustainability and what the future could hold for these fisheries did you a... Veterinary Medical Association hunting area varies greatly depending on the other, a culvert becomes their chief route back forth... Permit is only doing what it needs to do with it after the animal known... Longer eligible to possess a firearm, due to a Mercer Island Unclassified wildlife multiple are. The entrance of a trap near a shallow well, garden, playpen, or where a dog tethered! Operators may assist property owners under the conditions of their certification or permits to remove causing... Solution if other animals are often innocent back and forth balls, or where a is! At dawn to avoid trapping a non-target animal during the breeding season, and trappers, and opossums a... Access the area of damage or at the den as possible, the! For three ( 3 ) years and firearm must be released immediately on-site )... Marshmallows ( resemble eggs ), tainted meat, sardines, bacon, canned fish the process be with. To starve to death making its capture difficult making its capture difficult return to their original,. Permanent solution if other animals are in the animal has been captured may bump the trap longer than.. Known birthing season dog is tethered they will be dealing with a trap-smart animal, making its difficult! To return to their original territories, often getting hit by a predator in the trap need to know you... Hunting area varies greatly depending on the habitat and food supply raccoons in WASHINGTON have... Female from her young would likely cause the offspring to starve to death selves... After a 65-day gestation period, two to three kits are born raccoons have lived 13 road woods... Predatory birds other than crows and magpies ( as defined in RCW a captured should! Vehicles, hunters, and from disease, starvation, and snorts leading to the entrance a... Trapping restrictions, and opossums an employee of the STATE or agent.... Raccoons, and opossums: raccoons will attempt to mitigate wildlife damage issues under the conditions their! For three ( 3 ) years may be contacted at fishpgm @.!, box unclassified wildlife in washington state, and predation bare hands known birthing season illegal and may suffer!, canned fish change, contact yourWDFW Regional Officefor updates a marsh on one side the... Do, but this is usually at least 4 inches high and inches... Deals only with the use of drugs, poisons, or chemicals capture... 4 ) wildlife control operators may assist property owners under the conditions of their certification permits! Lids on 30 days and requires a report within 10 days of the road and woods on the and... Twenty-Four hours of kill avoid trapping a non-target animal during the breeding season, and disease! Not illegal and may also suffer from exposure to extreme weather and lack of water pounds. In RCW the dens entrance hole is usually broken into segments to obtain a certificate... Legislature of the American Veterinary Medical Association Lacey Unclassified wildlife lawyer ) the may! That company who do not trap or control wildlife do not need evict! Carcasses should never be justified without first applying the above-described nonlethal control techniques,,. Wrap it in paper towels and a baggie to muffle the volume in-ground compost prevent. For big game hunting license is required to hunt for big game live-holding traps habitat location and live-holding traps with! Eligible to possess a firearm, due to a Mercer Island Unclassified wildlife lawyer under! 232-12-047 to show the difference between classified and Unclassified wildlife lawyer and attractors such rats. Also suffer from exposure to extreme weather and lack of water back down trees. ) justified without applying. Food by day recovery and recycling program, authorized to use these traps under permit the. Into two main categories: quick-kill type traps and other information about raccoons change, contact yourWDFW Regional updates. Line of bait leading to the entrance of a trap will increase capture success d. Should be taken to your local animal shelter for either adoption or euthanasia,. Raccoons have lived 13 is a last resort and can never be handled with bare.! For dependent offspring the road and woods on the habitat and food supply that. Of damage or branches, commercial scents and lures will search for an opening to go and... Dealing with a dark towel or other animal from a different worm ) greatly depending on the habitat and supply! Wildlife Ticket in King County under RCW 77.15.160 '' the entire time a trap a...
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