Sarah Brady
Almost everyone loves a good wildlife encounter, but what happens when it goes a bit too far? In Kitsap County, Washington, one woman experienced this firsthand when nearly 100 raccoons invaded her yard, prompting a surprising call to 911.
Raccoons Take Over Yard
Last week, video footage surfaced showing a swarm of hungry raccoons surrounding a woman’s home. The scene unfolded in broad daylight as the resident found herself unable to leave her property due to the sheer number of animals. Her call to dispatch not only highlights an unusual situation but also raises questions about the impact of feeding wild animals for nearly four decades.
According to Kevin McCarty, a spokesman for the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, this woman has been feeding raccoons for over 38 years. The interaction quickly turned alarming for her when she noticed the number of raccoons growing significantly in recent weeks. “She said she had never seen the wild animals arrive in such large droves,” McCarty reported.
Signs of Aggression
While not initially aggressive, the raccoons reportedly began displaying more troublesome behavior. The homeowner shared her concerns, explaining to deputies that the usual friendly raccoons were replaced by new ones that made her feel uncomfortable. “The normal raccoons are nice, but the new ones scare her,” McCarty quoted her.
- The raccoons had been scratching on windows or walls at all hours.
- They approached for food and gathered in her wooded backyard.
- The situation escalated to the point where she felt trapped in her own home.
Emergency Response
Responding to her report, deputies arrived around 1 p.m. to assess the situation. The raccoons were not aggressive at that moment, allowing the woman to leave her property safely. Despite the temporary calm, her call highlighted a significant issue: the consequences of feeding wildlife.
Once the deputies left, the Kitsap County dispatch informed the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. They were guided to the agency’s “wildlife control operators” program, which connects residents to certified private trappers for managing small animal populations.
Wildlife Management Advice
Bridget Mire, a spokesperson for the state wildlife department, advised against feeding wild animals. She explained the critical reasons for this guidance:
- Disease Spread: Animals congregating around human-provided food can increase the risk of diseases.
- Loss of Caution: Raccoons and similar animals may lose their natural fear of humans, which can threaten public safety.
- Attracting Predators: Feeding wildlife can lure in predators, leading to more dangerous encounters.
Mire noted that feeding practices could inadvertently create a cycle of dependency, putting both wildlife and residents at unnecessary risk.
The Aftermath
As of Tuesday, the situation regarding the raccoons remains unclear. It is not known what actions were taken by wildlife control following the resident’s call. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of feeding wild animals and the complexities that can arise when animal behavior shifts.
To frame the events, comedians from the popular British show “Have I Got News For You” commented humorously, suggesting the homeowner may have played a pivotal role in attracting the large raccoon gathering. Such light-hearted takes contrast sharply with the serious repercussions of wildlife mishandling.
This incident not only spotlights the curious lives of urban wildlife in Washington but also reminds us of our responsibility toward them. It emphasizes the importance of respecting wild animals and their natural behaviors, ensuring both their safety and ours.
while the sight of a raccoon might be adorable from afar, keeping a safe distance and refraining from providing food could be the best way to coexist peacefully with our furry neighbors
