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. 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. A captured animal should not remain in the trap longer than necessary. (b) All migratory birds are federally protected and may require a federal permit or federal authority, in addition to a state permit. Washington, black bears live in a diverse array of forested habitats, from coastal rainforests to the dry woodlands of the Cascades' eastern slopes. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is quite different. Therefore, WDFW does not recommend, encourage, or condone drowning as a method of euthanasia of live-captured nuisance wildlife. All WCOs are responsible for knowing the expiration date of their Certificate and applying to WDFW for renewal (email. If you euthanize an animal, you must use humane methods to do so. Unclassified Wildlife Ticket Attorney Mercer Island. We've got your back. In other parts of the United States raccoons can carry rabies. However, roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness in other animals and humans. Though they are a killing trap, common rat and mouse traps are not illegal and may also be used. 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. In addition, most are not available to, or do not appeal to, the do-it-yourselfer. A Special Trapping Permit (STP) allows a person to use a specific body-gripping to help mitigate damage caused by certain species of wildlife. The dens entrance hole is usually at least 4 inches high and 6 inches wide. People, organizations, or agencies that illegally move raccoons should be willing to assume liability for any damages or injuries caused by these animals. Do you want to talk to a Issaquah Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? The use of sodium fluoroacetate, or compound 1080, is illegal in Washington and not permitted under any certificate or license (RCW 77.15.196). Trap problem wildlife year-round without regard to season. 12 x 12 x 36 in., In developed areas, raccoon travel along fences, next to buildings, and near food sources. To lure the porcupine, blend a cup of raw sweet potatoes and an apple, and dribble the pured mixture at the opening of a single-door live trap. It allows hunting for all classified wild animals, wild birds, and unclassified wildlife. 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. (d) The department may make agreements with landowners to prevent private property damage by wildlife. Coastal steelhead sustainability and what the future could hold for these fisheries. Coyote sightings often increase in winter and spring when they are more active. Note:Floodlights or motion detector lights placed above the pet door to scare raccoons are not long-term solutions. 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). Do not attempt to care for the animals yourself. Individuals will eat together if a large amount of food is available in an area. Single- or double-door type, 11 x 11 x 36 in. 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. If a dead bird is found with no apparent injuries, skinning it may determine what killed it. 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. 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. longer if a double-door trap is used. Information on species range and distribution, number of individuals, population trends . Raccoons are a common sight in much of Washington, often drawn to urban areas by food supplied by humans. Do not handle or smell raccoon droppings and wash your hands if you touch any. Live traps and other non-lethal means must first be used to mitigate or attempt to mitigate wildlife damage issues. (4) Wildlife control operators may assist property owners under the conditions of their certification or permits to remove animals causing damage. As long as raccoons are kept out of human homes, not cornered, and not treated as pets, they are not dangerous. Trapped feral cats should not be released but should be taken to your local animal shelter for either adoption or euthanasia. 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. 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. 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. 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. Single- or double-door type, 5 x 5 x 18 in. Contact your local wildlife office and municipality for current information on trapping restrictions (types of traps to be used, requirements foreuthanasia, species of biological concern in the area) and any required authorization. Raccoons leave droppings on logs, at the base of trees, and on roofs (raccoons defecate before climbing trees and entering structures). 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. 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. The neighbor might choose to remove these raccoons, or have them removed. If they remain in the new area, they may get into fights (oftentimes to the death) with resident raccoons for limited food, shelter, or nesting sites. Single-door type, Sometimes, you may need to evict a raccoon or other animal from a building. (a) Predatory birds other than crows and magpies (as defined in RCW. (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. A criminal background check is conducted upon initial certification and for each recertification. Did you get a Unclassified Wildlife Ticket in King County under RCW 77.15.160? 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. 2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 77.15.140: Unclassified fish or wildlife Unlawful taking Penalty. 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. Wrap the cage trap in something dark; mink like to investigate dark holes. Other method as identified by the department (this on-line course qualifies). Fish Program may be contacted at fishpgm@dfw.wa.gov. Understand the Washington Laws, called Revised Codes of Washington (RCW), which pertain to the wildlife work performed by WCOs. Take and pass the WDFW-approved WCO basic certification course. 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. An auditory lure that "squeals" can be effective. Or keep your cans in tight-fitting bins, a shed, or a garage. Special Trapping Permit (STP) A permit that may be issued by WDFW, upon receipt of a complete and valid application that allows for the use of a specific body-gripping trap to capture a damage-causing wild animal. Single- or double-door type, 5 x 5 x 24 in. Species in Washington Raccoons Raccoons (Procyon lotor) Raccoons Category: Mammals Raccoons are a common sight in much of Washington, often drawn to urban areas by food supplied by humans. After a 65-day gestation period, two to three kits are born. The outside edge of the flared metal should be a minimum of 18 inches away from the support. A raccoons dexterous paws make it possible for it to open various types of fasteners, latches, and containers. 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. Police stops, questions and/or arrests can be frightening experiences. Tracks may appear as smudge marks on the side of a house where a raccoon shimmies up and down a downspout or utility pipe. (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. 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. 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. This includes Eastern gray squirrels, Eastern cottontail rabbits, raccoons, and opossums. Tribes must be in compliance with the agreements including, but not limited to, adhering to reporting requirements, possession, and harvest restrictions. This includes Eastern gray squirrels, Eastern cottontail rabbits, raccoons, and opossums. Cover all sides of the trap with a tarp or other material. Cervical dislocation by stretching the animal so the neck is hyper-extended to separate the first vertebrae from the skull (birds, rabbits, and small rodents only). Monofilament recovery and recycling program, authorized to use these traps under permit, the guidelines of the American Veterinary Medical Association. It should, however, be considered the last option, because trapping it presents many problems for both the animals and the trapper. Never trap an adult animal that is caring for dependent offspring. 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. Not have a felony or domestic violence charge that precludes the WCO from carrying a firearm. 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. Free strategy session. It isnt fair to the animals already living there to release another competitor into their home range. 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. It is best to use a larger trap than used on rabbits. 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. Placing guide logs on either side of the path between the burrow opening and the trap will help funnel the animal into the trap. In such cases, no permit is necessary for the use of live (cage) traps. 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. Precisely for these reasons, raccoons posing a threat to human and pet safety should not be relocated. When an animal is captured, move the trap to a quiet, protected spot and cover it with a tarp until time of release or euthanasia. All bats in Washington are protected and cannot be hunted, trapped, or killed. For each recertification called Revised Codes of Washington ( RCW ), which pertain to the animals and humans unclassified wildlife in washington state! Wrap the cage trap in something dark ; mink like to investigate dark holes ) Predatory other! As identified by the department may make agreements with landowners to prevent private damage! Pertain to the animals yourself considered the last option, because trapping it many! 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