Officials in Kitsap County, Washington, often receive calls about animals causing trouble, from loose livestock to unruly dogs. However, a recent 911 call from a woman plagued by a swarm of raccoons at her home near Poulsbo was particularly alarming.
The woman described having to flee her property as 50 to 100 raccoons began aggressively demanding food. According to Kevin McCarty, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, the woman had been feeding a family of raccoons for years without issue. But about six weeks prior, the situation escalated drastically, with the raccoons becoming increasingly bold and persistent in their pursuit of food.
McCarty explained, “She said those raccoons were becoming increasingly more aggressive, demanding food, that they would hound her day and night—scratching at the outside of her home, at the door. If she pulled up her car, they would surround the car, scratch at the car, surround her if she went from her front door to her car or went outside at all.”
Authorities determined that no laws were broken in this unusual scenario. While it remains unclear why the raccoon population suddenly exploded, both the sheriff’s office and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife found no legal violations.
Despite the lack of legal repercussions, the woman was left to manage the situation on her own. Bridget Mire, a spokesperson for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, emphasized that while it is illegal to feed large carnivores like bears or cougars, there are currently no state laws prohibiting the feeding of other wildlife.
Video footage captured by the sheriff’s office showed dozens of raccoons congregating around the property, confirming the woman’s distressing account. Mire noted that feeding wildlife can have negative consequences, as it can attract disease-carrying animals and predators like coyotes and bears.
Following a meeting with a wildlife conflict specialist, the woman ceased feeding the raccoons, leading to their gradual dispersal. Mire expressed relief at the positive resolution of the situation.
Poulsbo, located approximately 90 minutes northwest of Seattle by car and ferry, was the setting for this bizarre raccoon encounter.
By Becky Bohrer
