Backyard Racoon

Raccoons have become common in towns and cities around Treasure Valley.  Part of the draw for raccoons to use these urban areas is that, other than cars and the occasional aggressive dog, there is very little threat to raccoons.  Further, the raccoons find ample food in yards where people feed their pets outside and from garbage cans and bins.  We always encourage people to keep a "clean yard".  For example to keep a clean yard don't leave pet bowls full of food outside and if you have a deck that an animal can find shelter under then put a tight woven fence or screen around the bottom.  Otherwise even if you remove a raccoon from the area more will show up. Now let’s get to the main point of your question.  You basically have two options to trap the raccoon.  Get a live trap and catch the raccoon yourself or hire someone who specializes in catching nuisance wildlife.  If you do it yourself you need to either purchase a trapping license or get a permit to remove a nuisance animal.  You also need to be aware that you cannot release the raccoon on public land.  You can humanely euthanize the raccoon or if you have written permission from a private landowner you can release it on their property.  For more specific information on the types of traps available, rules and laws, or other questions please contact the IDFG Southwest Regional Office (465-8465). Thanks.