A woman in Poulsbo, Washington, found herself in a bizarre situation when she had to call the police after almost 100 raccoons surrounded her property. Despite having fed the animals for over 35 years, the woman reported that the raccoons only became a problem six weeks ago.
According to Kevin McCarty, a spokesperson for the Kitsap County Sheriff, the woman was unable to enter her home due to the overwhelming presence of raccoons. Deputy officers who arrived at the scene were astonished to find between 50 to 100 raccoons on the property, a sight they described as unprecedented.
One of the woman’s neighbours, Wendy Cronk, also noted a recent surge in raccoon activity in the area. She recounted incidents where her dogs had clashed with raccoons, necessitating veterinary care. Cronk expressed hope that the issue would be addressed promptly and that the woman would cease feeding the wildlife.
Following an investigation, it was determined that no one had been harmed by the raccoons. The woman was then advised to seek assistance from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to address the situation. Despite claims that the woman had been in touch with an organisation willing to trap and relocate the raccoons, a fee of $500 per animal was cited, prompting a change in approach.
Bridget Mire, a representative from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, clarified that feeding raccoons is not illegal under state law. However, she emphasised the importance of refraining from feeding wild animals to prevent such incidents from occurring. Mire reported that the raccoons had begun dispersing after the woman stopped providing food, leading to a positive resolution.
In conclusion, McCarty reiterated the need to avoid feeding wild animals to prevent attracting them in large numbers. The Kitsap County Sheriff shared a video of the raccoon gathering with the caption “On Patrol: Raccoon Invasion,” sparking varied responses online, with some criticising the woman’s actions over the years.
The incident serves as a reminder of the consequences of feeding wild animals and highlights the importance of responsible interaction with local wildlife.