How do animal control workers humanely remove raccoons?


Quick Answer

Animal control workers must follow a state's regulatory and statutory law governing the removal of raccoons and other wild animals from residential and other human-inhabited areas. Some animal control workers trap the raccoons and relocate the animals to the wild, while other wildlife control companies use state-regulated euthanasia.

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How do animal control workers humanely remove raccoons?
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Full Answer

Raccoons usually inhabit human dwellings to feed, to den and give birth and raise their young ones. They may nest in chimneys, in attics, under the floor and between the walls. Depending on the laws of the state, animal control companies may remove the raccoons by trapping them using a sturdy trap made from steel or a solid wall. If the raccoon is healthy, the wildlife control company may relocate it to the wild.

Before releasing to the wild, the raccoon undergoes a rabies test, and if it is infected, the wildlife control company may need to euthanize the animal as mandated by the law of the state. Sick and injured raccoons may also be humanely euthanized. Most animal control companies inform the customer before performing the euthanasia. In some states, only a euthanasia technician can euthanized the animal, while other states allow even noncertified wildlife control employees to perform the procedure.

The Humane Society does not support the trapping and euthanizing of wild animals. The organization recommends prevention of raccoon recurrence once the animal is out of the house. The Humane Society also provides a denning solution to give the raccoons a home to breed and raise their young.

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