Washington Woman Faces Consequences After Feeding Raccoons for 35 Years

Imagine coming home to find your house overtaken by a group of raccoons, all demanding their next meal. That’s exactly what happened to a woman in Poulsbo, Washington, who returned home last week to discover a legion of raccoons surrounding her property. The hungry animals prevented her from entering her home, prompting her to call local authorities for help.

Sheriff’s Deputies Stunned by Raccoon Invasion

When sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene, they were shocked by the sight of so many raccoons gathered in one place. “They had never seen that many raccoons in one place,” said Kevin McCarty, a spokesperson for the Kitsap County Sheriff. “Nobody remembers being surrounded by a swarm of raccoons. This was a first.” Despite their best efforts, as of Wednesday, no solution had been found to remove the raccoons. The homeowner had called an animal control service, but they quoted a steep price of $500 per raccoon. The sheriff’s deputies suggested contacting the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and animal control continues to search for a resolution.

How Did This Happen?

The answer to how this bizarre situation unfolded is much simpler than figuring out how to get rid of the raccoons. It turns out that the woman had been feeding the raccoons for 35 years. Over time, the raccoons became accustomed to regular meals and increased in number. Neighbors also noticed the growing population, with one resident reporting a recent incident where her dog had to be treated at the vet after a run-in with one of the raccoons.

Feeding wild animals, especially over such an extended period, can create significant problems. Once these animals identify a reliable food source, they return again and again. The situation escalates until the animals essentially take over the area, as seen in this case.

How to Keep Raccoons and Other Wild Pests Away from Your Home

While raccoons may seem cute, they can quickly become a nuisance. They can damage gardens, raid trash cans, and even invade attics and chimneys to make nests. Additionally, raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, which can be dangerous for both humans and pets. To avoid attracting raccoons and other wild pests to your home, follow these tips:

1. Don’t feed wildlife – This should be obvious, but feeding raccoons or other animals only encourages them to return.
2. Secure your trash – Don’t put trash cans out too early. Use cans with locking lids or keep them in a secure garage.
3. Cover compost bins – Keep compost bins sealed and away from your home, and protect your garden with fences or crop cages.
4. Install chimney caps – Use chimney caps and vent covers to prevent raccoons from entering your house through these openings.
5. Use deterrent sprays – A popular option is using cayenne pepper diluted in water, which can deter raccoons from approaching your property.
6. Motion-activated lights – These lights can help keep raccoons and other pests away while also serving as security devices for your home.
7. Make loud noises – If you spot raccoons nearby, try scaring them away with loud noises, like banging pots and pans.

If raccoons have already made their way into your home, it’s best to call a professional wildlife removal service to handle the situation.