All employees in a wildlife/pest control company that trap or control wildlife are required to be certified as a WCO. A WCO certificate does not cover the use of drugs, poisons, or chemicals to capture or kill wildlife causing damage. 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. A short line of bait leading to the entrance of the trap will increase capture success. Animal Species of Concern List - Washington Dept. To prevent raccoons and opossums from toppling the trap, make sure the protective material extends out from the trap at least 8 inches and locate the trap away from shrubs or other objects that they could grab. 2 min read. Yes. Trapped feral cats should not be released but should be taken to your local animal shelter for either adoption or euthanasia. RCW 77.15.075 and 2012 c 176 s 8 are each amended to 7 read as follows: 8 (1) Fish and wildlife officers shall have and exercise, 9 throughout the state, such police powers and duties as are vested in 10 sheriffs and peace officers generally. Pass the Washington State Recreational Trapper Education Exam (visit. Live traps and other non-lethal means must first be used to mitigate or attempt to mitigate wildlife damage issues. A downside to this approach is the possibility that the animal may simply enter someone else's attic, chimney, or similar place. Note: In summer, a trap set where the sun can beat down on it can cause the animal to dehydrate rapidly, suffer a heat stroke, or die. (d) The department may make agreements with landowners to prevent private property damage by wildlife. Bite wounds from raccoons can result in fractures and disease transmission. Place the trap along an active trail or where nutria are seen. Put garbage cans out for pickup in the morning, after raccoons have returned to their resting areas. 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. Close any potential entries with -inch mesh hardware cloth, boards, or metal flashing. Species means any group of animals classified as a species or subspecies as commonly accepted by the scientific community. A WCO Certificate is valid for three (3) years. Wildlife means all species of animals, including but not necessarily limited to mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mollusks, and crustaceans, which are defined as "wildlife" and are protected or otherwise regulated by statute, law, regulation, ordinance, or administrative rule in a party state. 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. Unclassified Wildlife Ticket Attorney Mercer Island. (a) Predatory birds other than crows and magpies (as defined in RCW. Raccoons used to a particular food source, type of shelter, or human activity will seek out familiar situations and surroundings. While shooting can be effective in eliminating a single raccoon, it is generally limited to rural situations. The unclassified wildlife would be the examples you gave below such as rats, starlings etc.). Before using a trap, be sure it is clean, to prevent the animal coming in contact with or spreading potentially dangerous organisms. House cats have similar habits. Some rental business and wildlife damage control companies rent them. The outside edge of the flared metal should be a minimum of 18 inches away from the support. In such cases, no permit is necessary for the use of live (cage) traps. Trap problem wildlife without a recreational trapping license. Free strategy session. An exception occurs for the raw fur which may be kept for personal use or educational purposes, but the fur cannot be sold. In other parts of the United States raccoons can carry rabies. All trapped domestic animals must be released immediately on-site. Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus) Eastern coyotes (Canis latrans var.) Around humans, raccoons often eat garbage and pet food. Unclassified Wildlife Ticket Attorney Tacoma. All WCOs are responsible for knowing the expiration date of their Certificate and applying to WDFW for renewal (email. To prevent raccoons from reaching in at ground level, surround the bottom 18 inches of the pen with smaller-mesh wire. Sharp, nonretractable claws and long digits make raccoons good climbers. Species in Washington Learn more about a specific fish or wildlife species in Washington. Stunning, followed by decapitation (amphibians, reptiles, and birds only). Note:Floodlights or motion detector lights placed above the pet door to scare raccoons are not long-term solutions. Cover the burial hole with rocks or strong wire screening to help prevent animals digging into it. Never trap an animal during poor weather with the intention of releasing it. Predatory Birds Bird species that a WCO may harass, control, or kill, with permission of the property owner, that are causing damage to public or private property. WCOs are not an employee of the state or agent thereof. (If washing raccoon droppings from a roof, watch where the liquid matter is going.) It is best to use a larger trap than used on rabbits. Lock the pet door at night. Do not handle or smell raccoon droppings and wash your hands if you touch any. A "good death" is one that occurs with minimal pain and distress. Possess a minimum of two-years experience that demonstrates the knowledge and ability to control wildlife species causing conflict or property damage. Do you want to talk to a Issaquah Unclassified Wildlife lawyer? Place the trap in the vicinity of damage or at the den entrance. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that may frighten the skunk. Wrap it in paper towels and a baggie to muffle the volume. Be "on call" the entire time a trap is set. 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. A WCO is no longer eligible to possess a firearm, due to a felony or domestic violence charge. . FBI Director Christopher Wray has said that the bureau believes Covid-19 "most likely" originated in a "Chinese government-controlled lab". The use of sodium fluoroacetate, or compound 1080, is illegal in Washington and not permitted under any certificate or license (RCW 77.15.196). The following list of animals known from Washington is complete for resident and transient vertebrates and several groups of invertebrates, including odonates, branchipods, tiger beetles, butterflies, . 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. (By standing the trap up on end you can usually observe the underneath side of the animal.) Each of their front feet has five dexterous toes, allowing raccoons to grasp and manipulate food and other items. Chicken and attractors such as feathers and eggshells, cotton balls, or marshmallows. Coyote sightings often increase in winter and spring when they are more active. They are considered wildlife because they occur in Washington in a wild statewhich includes neighborhood parks and backyards. Trapping bats is not recommended. (e) Landowners are encouraged to allow general season hunting and trapping on their property to help minimize damage potential and concerns. The peak mating period is March to April. Contact Information for WDFW Headquarters and Regional Offices: Natural Resources Building 1111 Washington St. The carcasses of euthanized animals must be disposed of properly. 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. 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. Living with wildlife: Moles Figure 1. Unfortunately, raccoon roundworm eggs can remain alive in soil and other places for several months. national and state ranks are assigned to each taxon. Fresh vegetables in summer; apples, carrots, or bread in winter. Raccoons can be seen throughout the year, except during extremely cold periods. Not all wildlife create conflicts. To avoid injuring people or trapping pets and other non-targeted animals in urban or suburban settings, cage traps often are the only traps permitted for use in these areas. 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. The neighbor might choose to remove these raccoons, or have them removed. Contact your WDFW Regional Office for release sites. Single or double-door type, 3 x 3 x 10 in. 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. This permit is only valid for 30 days and requires a report within 10 days of the permit expiration, regardless of trapping success. 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). Before applying for a STP, the applicant and/or the landowner must first have tried to mitigate the problem using non-lethal measures or be able to document on the application form why these non-lethal measures would not be effective (RCW 77.15.194). Raccoon roundworm does not usually cause a serious problem for raccoons. The average life span of a raccoon in the wild is 2 to 3 years; captive raccoons have lived 13. Check yourlocal firearm ordinances). For more information about these environmentally and economically destructive species, visit the Aquatic invasive species page. The hide, skin, viscera, head, or bones of wildlife; (ii) The skinned carcass of a furbearer; (iii) Squirrels, hares (rabbits), grouse, or ptarmigan; however, you may not use the breast meat of grouse and ptar- migan as animal food or bait; (iv) Unclassified wildlife. (1) A small game hunting license is required to hunt for all classified wild animals and wild birds, except big game. Look for tracks in sand, mud, or soft soil, also on deck railings, fire escapes, and other surfaces that raccoons use to gain access to structures. Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Based on 15 documents Examples of Unclassified wildlife in a sentence WDFW enlists the help of private citizens who have skills and training in the capture and handling of many wildlife species that commonly generate wildlife complaints. To be eligible for WCO certification, applicants must: A Washington WCO Certificate allows a WCO to do the following: As a practice, whenever you have a question about a specific species or use of a specific trap, please refer to the WDFW website, call your regional WDFW office, call the Wildlife Customer Service desk in Olympia at (360) 902-2515, or email specialtrapping@dfw.wa.gov. Carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO2) supplied to a chamber from a compressed gas cylinder (small and medium sized animals). Change the trap location or try different bait if it doesn't produce a catch within three days. Release nocturnal animals at night and diurnal species during daylight. When a conflict exists between humans and animals it is usually because the animal is only doing what it needs to do to survive. Under the guidelines, drowning, live burial, and freezing live animals are considered inhumane and unacceptable. Failure of a WCO or recreational trapper to identify their traps is a misdemeanor. 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. The owner must notify the department within twenty-four hours of kill. They also recognize signs of diseases and nursing females. Squirrel Trap problem wildlife year-round without regard to season. Stake the basket down so it cannot be moved. The hide, skin, viscera, head, or bones of wildlife; (ii) The skinned carcass of a furbearer; (iii) Squirrels, hares (rabbits), grouse, and ptarmigan; however, you may not use the breast meat of grouse and ptar- migan as animal food or bait; (iv) Unclassified wildlife. To prevent tipping, secure side handles to metal or wooden stakes driven into the ground. Most comprehensive library of legal defined terms on your mobile device, All contents of the lawinsider.com excluding publicly sourced documents are Copyright 2013-, High global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons. 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). Usually observed at night, they are occasionally seen during the day eating or napping in a tree or searching elsewhere for food. Living near animals is like having new neighborsyou never know what the situation will be until after the new family has already moved in. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Licensing Division Attn: SCP PO Box 43154 Olympia, WA 98504-3154 (360) 902-2464, Option 4 scp@dfw.wa.gov Is a state permit needed for banding? (3) Killing wildlife causing damage or killing wildlife to prevent private property damage. Body-gripping Trap In Washington, this is defined as a trap that grips and holds an animals body or body part. Unlawful taking of unclassified fish or wildlife is a misdemeanor. In addition, most are not available to, or do not appeal to, the do-it-yourselfer. [1998 c 190 15.] Single- or double-door type, 11 x 11 x 36 in. longer if a double-door trap is used. Animals that are released may harm or be harmed by resident animals (e.g., by territorial disputes, disease transmission, gene-pool disruptions, etc.). Feed dogs and cats indoors and keep them in at night:If you must feed your pets outside, do so in late morning or at midday, and pick up food, water bowls, leftovers, and spilled food well before dark every day. Wildlife Interaction The negative interaction and the resultant damage between wildlife and commercial crops, livestock, or other property. Common or scientific name Category - Any - 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. However, roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness in other animals and humans. Each WCO must identify their traps or devices by attaching a metal tag with the owners WDFW-assigned identification number (WILD ID or WCO number) or the name and address of the trapper legibly written in numbers or letters not less than one-eighth inch in height, or by inscribing the WDFW-assigned identification number or name and address of the WCO into the metal of the trap. 2). Some success has also come from using a 4 foot long cage trap set right at the water's edge next to the beaver slide. Not only could you further harm the animals, it is illegal for you to do so. Canine distemper is also a common disease fatal to domestic dogs, foxes, coyotes, mink, otters, weasels, and skunks. Cover the floor of the trap with soil and leave the bait highly visible. We've got your back. Set the trap near an active burrow with signs of recent diggings. Enclose poultry (chickens, ducks, and turkeys) in a secure outdoor pen and house:Raccoons will eat poultry and their eggs if they can get to them. To prevent raccoons and other animals from accessing birds in their night roosts, equip poultry houses with well-fitted doors and secure locking mechanisms. People who have to euthanize animals, especially under public pressure to save the animals rather than destroy them, can experience extreme distress and anxiety. Cover the bottom of the trap with sand. Raw fur A pelt that has not been processed for purposes of retail sale. (67) "Unclassified wildlife" means wildlife existing in Washington in a wild state that have not been classified as big game, game animals, game birds, predatory birds, protected wildlife, endangered wildlife, or deleterious exotic wildlife. 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. A disease that contributes significantly to raccoon mortality is canine distemper. If possible, call your WDFW Regional office (see contact information at the end of this chapter) and seek the assistance of your Regional District Wildlife Biologist if exclusion of bats is a necessity. Raccoons are a common sight in much of Washington, often drawn to urban areas by food supplied by humans. (1) The director shall investigate the habits and distribution of the various species of wildlife native to or adaptable to the habitats of the state. It is unlawful for a WCO to use body-gripping traps within thirty feet of any exposed animal carcass, meat bait, or nonedible game parts which are visible to flying raptors. 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. 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