Hundreds of Raccoons Overrun Washington State Woman's Yard After 38 Years of Feeding

The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office has reported an unusual incident involving a woman's yard in Poulsbo, Washington. For over three decades, the woman had been feeding a small group of raccoons. However, the situation took a surprising turn when the number of raccoons visiting her property surged to over 100.

The women reported that she had been feeding the raccoons living around her home for 38 years. She mentioned that only a dozen or so raccoons had come to be fed until six weeks ago. Suddenly, the number of raccoons increased significantly, leading the woman to believe they had started inviting friends over.

Despite the invasion, the woman did not report any damages to her property. However, she mentioned that the raccoons scratched around her house and disturbed her at all hours of the night until she threw food out to them. The situation became so overwhelming that the raccoons would swarm her anytime she stepped outside her house.

The Impact of Feeding Wildlife

Officials emphasized the importance of not feeding wildlife, regardless of how cute they may appear. Kitsap County Sheriff's Public Information Officer Kevin McCarty stated that feeding raccoons can be unhealthy for them and can lead to the spread of diseases among the animals. Additionally, raccoons can become aggressive, making it crucial to give them space and allow them to find food and shelter in their natural habitat.

The woman was subsequently referred to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for assistance in resolving the situation. A spokesperson for the department informed that the report was forwarded to their WILDCOMM Communications Center. The WILDCOMM team connected the resident with wildlife control operators in her area, and she was reported to be working with a trapper to address the issue.

The Risks of Feeding Wildlife

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife echoed the concerns raised by the sheriff's office regarding feeding wildlife. They emphasized that doing so causes animals to lose their natural fear of people, potentially leading to aggressive behavior. Moreover, feeding wildlife can attract predators, such as coyotes and bears, posing additional risks to both humans and pets.

Taking Action

In response to the situation, Bridget Mire, Coastal Region Communications Specialist, emphasized the need to discourage feeding wildlife to prevent the disruption of their natural behaviors and the potential for disease transmission. The department also advised against mixing healthy and sick animals, as this can further exacerbate the risk of disease spread among wildlife populations.

The incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of feeding wild animals and highlights the importance of allowing them to maintain their natural instincts for survival. It also underscores the need for responsible interactions between humans and wildlife to ensure the safety of both parties.

As the woman in Poulsbo continues to work with wildlife control operators to address the raccoon invasion, it is crucial for the community to be aware of the potential impacts of feeding wildlife and to prioritize their well-being by allowing them to thrive in their natural habitats.