WA woman stops feeding raccoons after 35 years, they leave

Raccoons could face mass euthanasia in WA town

The Poulsbo woman at the center of the raccoon mob invasion has apparently been feeding the animals for 35 years and six weeks ago, she told law enforcement that the number of raccoons began growing steadily in the area. If they do not leave and show aggression, the state law would likely lead to a mass euthanasia.

POULSBO, Wash. - A group of more than 100 raccoons surrounding a Poulsbo woman’s home will not be euthanized, as they have started to disperse after the woman stopped feeding them.

A wildlife conflict specialist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) met with the woman and noticed the animals had started to leave the property.

Back on Oct. 3, the woman called local authorities after being surrounded by raccoons she had been feeding for 35 years.

The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office responded, capturing video footage of the raccoon swarm. The woman told deputies that the raccoons "surround her day and night demanding food," and that relocation would cost as much as $500 per raccoon.

Officials initially raised concerns about the possibility of euthanasia under state law if the animals showed aggression and did not leave. WDFW emphasized that removing food sources is key to preventing conflicts with wildlife.