Except mice and rat snap-traps, quick-kill traps and other live holding traps should be left to professionals and individuals who meet state requirements and are authorized to use these traps under permit. Main reception for WDFW is (360) 902-2200 Licensing questions can be directed to the Licensing Division or you may call (360) 902-2464 or email at licensing@dfw.wa.gov. 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 . A trap set on the roof is safe from theft, children, and pets, and offers a better chance for catching the squirrel. Each of their front feet has five dexterous toes, allowing raccoons to grasp and manipulate food and other items. Place bait in a hole dug under the rear of the trap. 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. WDFW enlists the help of private citizens who have skills and training in the capture and handling of many wildlife species that commonly generate wildlife complaints. For flying squirrels, set the trap inside a structure and near the animal's point of entry. Coastal raccoons take advantage of low tides and are seen foraging on shellfish and other food by day. Also, it rarely is a permanent solution if other animals are in the area, and food and/or shelter remain available to them. Living near animals is like having new neighborsyou never know what the situation will be until after the new family has already moved in. 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. Fish, fresh chicken liver, chicken entrails. 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. 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). 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. A short line of bait leading to the entrance of a trap will increase capture success. Often their solution to a conflict will involve setting several cage traps to make sure the entire family of animals is caughtor as many as possible at one time. (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. Species marked AIS are aquatic invasive species. As long as raccoons are kept out of human homes, not cornered, and not treated as pets, they are not dangerous. In such a case, release the female on site so she can tend to her young. Decide if the animal will be released on site, euthanized, or moved somewhere else by someone who has a permit to transport it. Eliminate access to denning sites:Raccoons commonly use chimneys, attics, and spaces under houses, porches, and sheds as den sites. All non-target or threatened or endangered species should be released unharmed upon discovery, if possible. A person disposing of a dead animal must not bury or compost it within the sanitary control area of a public drinking water supply source. Placing a wire mesh barrier that is held in place with a heavy object over the in-ground compost will prevent problems. Raccoons often use culverts as a safe way to cross under roads. FBI Director Wray. As long as raccoons are kept out of human homes, not cornered, and not treated as pets, they are not dangerous. 1. (4) Wildlife control operators may assist property owners under the conditions of their certification or permits to remove animals causing damage. 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. Pass the Washington State Recreational Trapper Education Exam (visit. 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 it is necessary to have it remain open, put an electronically activated opener on your pets collar. In addition, bats have excellent homing instincts, making moving bats unlikely to succeed. 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. Wildlife Control Operator A person who has successfully completed the training and obtained one or more levels of certification from WDFW to assist landowners to prevent or control problems caused by wildlife and charge a fee. Washington requires hunters to wear fluorescent orange or pink hunter clothing. Remove vegetation on buildings, such as English ivy, which provide raccoons a way to climb structures and hide their access point inside. 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. Permittees must adhere to all conditions of the permit (RCW 77.15.194 and WAC 220-440-070). Such injuries, trauma, and disorientation can lead to the death of an animal days after it has been released. . The application form expressly lists banding as one of the activities for which permission can be obtained. (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. 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. Because their hind legs are longer than the front legs, raccoons have a hunched appearance when they walk or run. However, if a WCO wants to possess/sell the hide of a problem wildlife species trapped. The mountain beaver will search for an opening to go through and enter the trap. A short line of bait leading to the entrance of the trap will increase capture success. Biologists do not recommend releasing wildlife outside their home range for the following reasons: Euthanasia of trapped nuisance wildlife must be by humane means. Put garbage cans out for pickup in the morning, after raccoons have returned to their resting areas. Single-door type, 7 x 7 x 17 in., longer if a double-door trap is used. Additional conditions defined by the department may also be important, depending on individual situations. 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. If possible, find a window adjacent to a roof that the squirrel is using and you won't need a ladder. Raccoons prefer forest areas near a stream or water source, but have adapted to various environments throughout Washington. Note:Raccoon droppings may carry a parasite that can be fatal to humans. Live traps and other non-lethal means must first be used to mitigate or attempt to mitigate wildlife damage issues. Tracks may appear as smudge marks on the side of a house where a raccoon shimmies up and down a downspout or utility pipe. Due to the weight and dangers associated with suitcase traps, it is recommended that only people experienced with these traps use them. All WCOs are responsible for knowing the expiration date of their Certificate and applying to WDFW for renewal (email. 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. 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. Failure of a WCO or recreational trapper to identify their traps is a misdemeanor. Description and Range Living with wildlife (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. The information on this page deals only with the use of cage traps used to capture mammals. A disease that contributes significantly to raccoon mortality is canine distemper. Wildlife Interaction The negative interaction and the resultant damage between wildlife and commercial crops, livestock, or other property. 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. Only three types of body-gripping traps may be authorized with a STP: a Conibear-type trap submerged in water, a padded leg-hold trap, or a non-strangling foot snare. The outside edge of the flared metal should be a minimum of 18 inches away from the support. 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. However, a WCO may legally remove bats found in or immediately adjacent to a dwelling or other occupied building. Live burial, freezing a live animal, and drowning are unacceptable methods of euthanasia and are considered inhumane according to the guidelines set by the American Veterinarian Medical Association. The diameter is about the size of the end of your little finger. (3) Killing wildlife causing damage or killing wildlife to prevent private property damage. Cover the cage bottom with soil. (If washing raccoon droppings from a roof, watch where the liquid matter is going.) Single or double-door type, 3 x 3 x 10 in. Cover the trap with a tarp to conceal the trap and provide an enticing nook for the animal to enter. 2 min read. A WCO may not harass, control, or kill the following classified game animals: black bear, cougar, moose, deer, or elk. 5 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON: 6 Sec. We've got your back. A gunshot to the head (small and medium sized animals. Cheese or fresh bloody meat such as chicken or rabbit; use sight attractors like feathers or fur. We've got your back. Stake the basket down so it cannot be moved. (Cats claws dont rotate and they have to back down trees.) Prevent raccoons from accessing rooftops by trimming tree limbs away from structures and by attaching sheets of metal flashing around corners of buildings. Animal Problem Any animal that threatens or damages timber or private property or threatens or injures livestock or any other domestic animal. The neighbor might choose to remove these raccoons, or have them removed. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Licensing Division Attn: SCP PO Box 43154 Olympia, WA 98504-3154 (360) 902-2464, Option 4 scp@dfw.wa.gov Is a state permit needed for banding? They come in a variety of designs; their sizes range from those that capture mice to those that capture large dogs. Tribal members operating under subsection (5) of this section are required to meet tribal hunting license, tag, and permit requirements. 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. cage traps, foothold traps, and snares. WCOs are not an employee of the state or agent thereof. Species means any group of animals classified as a species or subspecies as commonly accepted by the scientific community. If you are somewhat knowledgeable about wildlife, have identified the species of animal to be trapped, and feel you can handle the situation in a humane and legal way, follow the steps below. Unclassified Wildlife Ticket Attorney Mercer Island. Overlap and securely wire all seams on top to prevent raccoons from forcing their way in by using their weight and claws. Endangered species means wildlife designated by the, Combined sewer overflow means the discharge of untreated or. The kits remain with their mother in her home range through winter, and in early spring seek out their own territories. A WCO is no longer eligible to possess a firearm, due to a felony or domestic violence charge. Finally, if a place in the wild or an urban green space is perfect for raccoons, raccoons are probably already there. Body-gripping traps are illegal in Washington, but certain of these traps may be authorized through the issuance of a Special Trapping Permit (STP; see definition). In the event young are present but were not noticed prior to trapping, allow the female back inside to tend to her dependent offspring. However, roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness in other animals and humans. If you euthanize an animal, you must use humane methods to do so. Depending on the species and size of the animal, a .22 caliber rifle or revolver should be used in accordance with local laws and regulations.