A Washington state woman recently found herself at the center of a raccoon invasion after decades of feeding the local wildlife. Returning home, she discovered over 100 raccoons crowding her yard, blocking her entry and “demanding food.” The incident quickly gained attention, highlighting the unexpected consequences of feeding wild animals and the challenges of resolving such a situation.
A Surprising Welcome Home
After 35 years of feeding neighborhood raccoons, the woman encountered an unusual sight: over 100 raccoons waiting on her property. When she could not enter her home, she called 911 for assistance. Kitsap County Sheriff’s deputies responded, surprised to see so many raccoons in one place. The raccoon population had exploded over the past six weeks, resulting in the unusual sight of these “masked bandits” gathered around the property day and night.
Neighbors Voice Concerns
While the woman saw the raccoons as familiar visitors, her neighbors expressed frustration. One neighbor, Wendy Cronk, reported increased encounters with raccoons, leading to conflicts with her pets and a rise in roadkill along nearby streets. Cronk and others hoped that the woman would stop feeding the animals, fearing for both the neighborhood’s safety and the welfare of the wildlife.
Dealing with the Growing Raccoon Problem
In response to the raccoon surge, the woman consulted a local trapping organization, but removal costs were steep at $500 per raccoon. The Kitsap County Sheriff’s office advised her to reach out to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to address the issue more effectively. Deputies noted that while no raccoons had harmed anyone, the situation underscored the challenges of wildlife overpopulation.
A Lesson in Feeding Wildlife
Sheriff’s office spokesperson Kevin McCarty explained that feeding wild animals creates unintended problems. Reliable food sources encourage animals to return and, in cases like this, increase in numbers beyond manageable levels. The incident served as a reminder to avoid feeding wildlife, as it can lead to overcrowding, dependence on human-provided food, and potential risks to both animals and people.
No Harm
While no harm was reported from the unusual gathering of raccoons, the event highlighted the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries. The woman’s decades-long practice of feeding the raccoons may have seemed harmless at first, but over time, it created a problem too large for her to handle alone. With local officials stepping in, the hope is that the situation can be safely resolved, restoring peace for the woman, her neighbors, and the raccoons themselves.
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