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). Species in Washington Learn more about a specific fish or wildlife species in Washington. Be "on call" the entire time a trap is set. Although rarely documented anywhere in the United States, raccoon roundworm can infect a person who accidentally ingests or inhales the parasites eggs. Raccoons pair up only during the breeding season, and mating occurs as early as January to as late as June. The Enforcement Program may be contacted at enforcement-web@dfw.wa.gov. (See Evicting Animals from Buildings for exclusion techniques.). The mountain beaver will search for an opening to go through and enter the trap. 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 . (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. Cover the burial hole with rocks or strong wire screening to help prevent animals digging into it. Each big game license includes one transport tag for each species purchased in that package. 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. Environment means indoor air, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface, subsurface strata, and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna. Raccoons generally move to different den or daytime rest site every few days and do not follow a predictable pattern. Finally, these hungry visitors might approach a neighbor who doesnt share your appreciation of the animals. If shooting is used, the operator and firearm must be capable of producing a quick death. Before using a trap, be sure it is clean, to prevent the animal coming in contact with or spreading potentially dangerous organisms. Modern traps fall into two main categories: quick-kill type traps and live-holding traps. Stake the basket down so it cannot be moved. Raw fur A pelt that has not been processed for purposes of retail sale. Trap when the weather is mild and check the trap early in the morning. Free strategy session. A covered worm box is another alternative. Habitat conditions in the new area might not be suited to the animal being released. An auditory lure that "squeals" can be effective. (b) All migratory birds are federally protected and may require a federal permit or federal authority, in addition to a state permit. 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. Gloves, cages, and other objects that have come in contact with infected animals can also contain the virus. 21.43. A gunshot to the head (small and medium sized animals. Washington, black bears live in a diverse array of forested habitats, from coastal rainforests to the dry woodlands of the Cascades' eastern slopes. Finally, if a place in the wild or an urban green space is perfect for raccoons, raccoons are probably already there. 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. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may frighten the skunk. (1) A big game hunting license is required to hunt for big game. Animal Problem Any animal that threatens or damages timber or private property or threatens or injures livestock or any other domestic animal. 2). To capture hares (jackrabbits) in open terrain, use a double-door trap with weighted doors to prevent escape. Single- or double-door type, 11 x 11 x 36 in. Single- or double-door type, 5 x 5 x 24 in. Carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO2) supplied to a chamber from a compressed gas cylinder (small and medium sized animals). Stake the basket down so it cannot be moved. More than 289,000 invasive European green crabs were removed from Washington waters in 2022. Canine distemper is also a common disease fatal to domestic dogs, foxes, coyotes, mink, otters, weasels, and skunks. Never trap an animal during poor weather with the intention of releasing it. Cantaloupe rind, ripe bananas, sweet potatoes. Clean barbecue grills and grease traps thoroughly following each use. Two questions to ask yourself before attempting to trap an animal are: (1) Can I do this legally (comply with state laws regarding trapping and transporting wildlife? Relocate In Washington, wildlife may not be captured and transported or relocated off the owners property (parcel where damage occurred) unless by order of the WDFW Commission or by written permit by WDFW. Sprinkling a layer of garden lime on the carcass will also help reduce the odor, which attracts digging animals. The unset trap should be closed at dawn to avoid trapping a non-target animal during the day. The application form expressly lists banding as one of the activities for which permission can be obtained. In urban areas, raccoons normally use den sites as daytime rest sites. Corn, carrot greens, sweet apples, cattail roots. 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. Single-door type, 10 x 12 x 42 in. 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. A criminal background check is conducted upon initial certification and for each recertification. 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. Routinely encourage or assist your children to wash their hands after playing outdoors. cage traps, foothold traps, and snares. The agreements may authorize permits to remove animal(s) to abate private property damage. The most effective way to prevent conflicts is to modify the habitat around your home so as not to attract raccoons. Males have weighed in at over 60 pounds. Living near animals is like having new neighborsyou never know what the situation will be until after the new family has already moved in. Free strategy session. American Society of Mammalogists Though moles are the bane of many lawn owners, they make a significant positive contribution to the health of the landscape. 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. A big game license allows the holder to hunt for forest grouse, unclassified wildlife, and the individual species identified within a specific big game combination license package. Wrap the cage trap in something dark; mink like to investigate dark holes. 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. We've got your back. House cats have similar habits. Den sites also include wood duck nest-boxes, attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and abandoned vehicles. Fresh vegetables in summer; apples, carrots, or bread in winter. Cover the floor of the trap with soil and leave the bait highly visible. A raccoons dexterous paws make it possible for it to open various types of fasteners, latches, and containers. Poultry or rabbit carcass and feathers for a sight attractor. In the event young are present but were not noticed prior to trapping, allow the female back inside to tend to her dependent offspring. Free strategy session. Trapped feral cats should not be released but should be taken to your local animal shelter for either adoption or euthanasia. 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. What are the requirements for becoming a WCO in Washington State? However, despite the perception that live capture in cage traps is humane, animals often experience stress and physical damage during capture. 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. When an adult animal is trapped, look for enlarged teats that are relatively free of hair, which indicate it is a female nursing young. To calm down an active animal, the trap can be covered with a dark towel or other cover. However, roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness in other animals and humans. All non-target or threatened or endangered species should be released unharmed upon discovery, if possible. Kill-type traps are designed to quickly kill the captured animal, much like a common snap-trap used on house mice. (a) Predatory birds other than crows and magpies (as defined in RCW. Each of their front feet has five dexterous toes, allowing raccoons to grasp and manipulate food and other items. Cage traps are rarely effective at capturing healthy adult coyotes and most effective at capturing young or sick coyotes living in urban areas or entering a chicken coop or other holding area for pets, livestock, or birds. The WCO Certificate must be carried at all times while conducting WCO-related work. Whether to use euthanasia is a personal question and a matter of an individual's perspective and values. Around humans, raccoons often eat garbage and pet food. (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. Body-gripping Trap In Washington, this is defined as a trap that grips and holds an animals body or body part. 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. 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. 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. An infraction for Unclassified Wildlife is cited in the Revised Code of Washington State as RCW 77.15.160 Check out Revised Code of Washington. Also, it rarely is a permanent solution if other animals are in the area, and food and/or shelter remain available to them. 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. Cover the trap with a tarp to conceal the trap and provide an enticing nook for the animal to enter. Fence orchards and vegetable gardens:Raccoons can easily climb wood or wire fences, or bypass them by using overhanging limbs of trees or shrubs. Though they are a killing trap, common rat and mouse traps are not illegal and may also be used. However, releases of this kind should not be confused with moving problem wildlife, which may be illegal. Better yet, buy garbage cans with clamps or other mechanisms that hold lids on. Do not attempt to care for the animals yourself. Damage Economic losses caused by wildlife interactions with humans. 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. Contact Jesse Miller Rare Plant Botanist 360-902-1710 jesse.miller@dnr.wa.gov Modify the sides so the otters can't escape. It is unlawful for a WCO to intentionally trap and kill state or federally protected wildlife or endangered species (defined in RCW 77.08.010) unless authorized by WDFW commission rule or with a permit from WDFW, with the following additional requirements: (a) Federally listed threatened or endangered species will require federal permits or federal authority, in addition to a state permit. The owner must notify the department within twenty-four hours of kill. Place the trap near cover where rabbits feed or rest, or where they gain entry under a fence. Coyote sightings often increase in winter and spring when they are more active. Understand the Washington Rules, called Washington Administrative Codes (WAC), which pertain to the wildlife work performed by WCOs. Biologists do not recommend releasing wildlife outside their home range for the following reasons: Euthanasia of trapped nuisance wildlife must be by humane means. 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