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Washington Woman's Home Besieged by 100 Raccoons After Decades of Feeding

A Poulsbo resident called 911 as aggressive raccoons swarmed her property, demanding food.

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Kitsap County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a home in Washington state on Oct. 3, 2024, after a resident called to report dozens of raccoons in her backyard. The woman had been feeding raccoons for nearly 40 years, according to KCSO.
A raccoon is seen at the Simon Bolivar National Zoological Park and Botanical Garden in San Jose, Costa Rica, on April 22, 2024.

Overview

  • The woman had been feeding raccoons for 35 years without issues until their numbers surged six weeks ago.
  • Authorities observed 50 to 100 raccoons, which had become aggressive and surrounded her home day and night.
  • No laws were broken, but the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife advises against feeding wildlife.
  • The raccoons' behavior highlights the risks of feeding wild animals, including potential disease spread.
  • The woman has ceased feeding the raccoons, and they are reportedly beginning to disperse.