"Feeding raccoons is a very, very bad idea..." ODFW Suggests Tips for Dealing with Pesky Raccoons

The Clatskanie Chief

by Ruth E. Howard

August 9, 2007

"They are opportunists. Do whatever you can NOT to attract them in the neighborhood," said Dick Caldwell, an assistant wildlife biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

Numerous reports have been made of the black-masked mammals being nuisances in Clatskanie neighborhoods by eating fish and pet food, harassing domestic cats and disturbing the peace, among other irritants. Some of the problems can be traced to homeowners feeding the animals.

ODFW Wildlife Communications Coordinator Michelle Dennehy advised that feeding raccoons is a "very, very bad idea."

The animals carry canine distemper, which infects dogs, cats, foxes, coyotes, and skunks. They also carry roundworm, rabies and other diseases harmful to humans and pets.

Raccoons use areas around homes, such as sandboxes, as latrines and leave feces that contain microscopic roundworm eggs. If a young child comes in contact with the feces, then puts their hands in their mouth, it can lead to blindness or even death, said Dennehy.

Another reason to discourage raccoons is animals that eat them may be attracted to a home that is knowingly or unknowingly providing food and shelter to the furry critters.

It is "always suggested" that homeowners themselves handle raccoon problems, said Caldwell, with the following three options: live with the wildlife, take steps to discourage them or remove them by obtaining a free ODFW trapping permit or hiring a wildlife control operator.

"Try to live with them, but take steps not to attract them into your neighborhood," said Caldwell.

Caldwell and Dennehy suggested the following preventive measures: do not put food or water outside, do not have a compost pile, keep garbage can lids closed, pick up fruit that has fallen from trees; do not provide living spaces, by closing off vents and crawl spaces and trimming brushes and branches that would give the animals access to roofs or attics.

He suggested blocking "entrances" after the raccoons leave to forage for food in the late night or early morning hours.

Raccoon problems are worst in the spring, said Caldwell, when mothers are trying to find food for their young.

Other tactics to discourage the animals include squirting them with a hose, using lights or utilizing chemical repellents such as mothballs and ammonia.

If a homeowner cannot live with the raccoons and has unsuccessfully employed tactics to deter them, Caldwell said the third option is to obtain a free trapping permit from ODFW, which can be used for a designated period of time, or to hire a wildlife control operator.

Trapping, he said, is not always the answer, as the question remains as to how to handle future generations of raccoons.

Because of wildlife disease issues, a statewide policy prohibits relocating the animals once they are trapped.

If raccoons are trapped, they must be released on site or humanely euthanized, using standards set by the American Veterinary Association.

Relocated raccoons have been known to return to a site from 30 miles away. And, if they have become accustomed to people, they will exploit other homeowners and neighborhoods.

The "main message" of ODFW, said Caldwell, is helping "people to try and live with wildlife."

Caldwell said ODFW has an abundance of information to assist those who have raccoon problems. For more information or assistance, persons may call ODFW's Sauvie Island office, 503 621-3488, or Clackamas office, 971 628-6000.