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Lamont County ASB Supports Raccoon Control
Lamont County ASB Supports Raccoon Control
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Lamont County Agricultural Service Board met on Oct. 11 and one item up for discussion included racoon control with members recommending promotion as part of its rental program of traps.
Agricultural Fieldman Terry Eleniak says board members were “very supportive” of the initiative. The County has increased the number of traps available for rent from one to four, and Eleniak says producers can rent a trap for 10 days provided they put down a $100 deposit and return the trap within that time period.
Eleniak points out they, (agricultural services) are there to support individuals who want to trap racoons, but they do not actually do the trapping of the racoons as that is the responsibility of producers.
While Alberta’s raccoon population has traditionally resided largely in the province’s southeast, in recent years raccoon territory has expanded to include more central parts of the province. “They are migrating,” notes Eleniak as there have been sightings in rural areas around Mundare and Andrew in the last seven to eight years. “One producer caught 12 racoons and another caught seven racoons.”
Eleniak is urging producers to keep their eyes and ears peeled for racoons as they can have several litters per year, cause damage to wooden building, carry diseases and become aggressive to smaller animals like cats. “People need to take onus for their safety.” He adds, the traps are not designed for eradication, but for control.”
Raccoons are one of several pests included in the Alberta Pests Act. According to the Government of Alberta, raccoons are omnivores and can easily adapt to whatever food sources are available. “Near human habitation, raccoons will eat whatever we deliberately or inadvertently provide, such as garbage, chickens, corn, compost, bird seed or pet food.
Raccoons are nocturnal, though they may also roam in the day. They make their dens in culverts, attics, chimneys, outbuildings, tree hollows, barns, abandoned buildings or rock crevices.”
Raccoons and disease
Some raccoons in Alberta may be infected with diseases or parasites of concern, such as raccoon roundworm, canine distemper, or leptospirosis.
Although we do not see raccoon rabies in Alberta, any raccoon that is unusually aggressive or approaches people and other animals without fear should be avoided.
If you see such behaviour in a raccoon, bring in children and pets then notify the nearest Fish and Wildlife office or municipal animal control organization.
It is always a good idea to keep your pet's rabies vaccinations up to date, especially if it's allowed to roam.
Raccoons use a designated latrine area outside of their den. If it's necessary to clean up such a latrine, keep in mind that raccoon roundworm (a parasite in the intestines) can be transmitted to people through the eggs shed into raccoon feces. Be very cautious – wear gloves and a mask, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Cover outdoor sandboxes to prevent raccoons from using them as a latrine site.
