A girl was pressured to flee her residence after 50 to 100 raccoons surrounded it and demanded meals – hounding her day and night time.
She advised officers in Poulsbo, within the US state of Washington, she began feeding a household of raccoons many years in the past.
That appeared innocent till the quantity displaying up at her property rose from a handful to dozens – with some scratching at her entrance door and at her automobile.
A few of those that turned up had been aggressive, mentioned Kevin McCarty, a spokesperson for Kitsap County Sheriff’s Workplace.
Footage from the sheriff’s workplace confirmed between 50 to round 100 raccoons milling round timber outdoors the lady’s residence.
“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,” mentioned Mr McCarty.
“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.
“They noticed this as a meals supply now, so that they saved coming again to it and so they saved anticipating meals.”
He added: “This can be a nuisance downside, sort of her personal making, that she has to take care of.”
It’s unlawful to feed giant carnivores, comparable to bears or cougars – however whereas some areas might have native statutes forbidding the feeding of different wildlife, it’s not in opposition to state legislation to take action, mentioned Bridget Mire, a spokesperson for the Washington Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Nonetheless, the company does discourage folks from feeding wildlife, she mentioned. Raccoons can carry ailments, and meals also can appeal to predators comparable to coyotes and bears.
“The raccoons appear to have started dispersing now that they are no longer being fed, and we are glad for a positive outcome to this case,” she added.
