Langley residents warned after second raccoon injured by rogue trap
Credit to Author: Stephanie Ip| Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2019 20:45:11 +0000
A juvenile raccoon in Langley was euthanized last week after it was caught in a rogue animal trap and left to suffer.
The wildlife non-profit group The Fur-Bearers are now warning residents to call professionals instead of dealing with problem animals on their own, and for pet owners to be on the lookout for other traps when out with their dogs and cats.
The raccoon was found Friday by the Critter Care Wildlife Society after its paws became caught in a Conibear trap, which uses a jaw that snaps shut when triggered. The young raccoon then dragged the trap a short distance before it was found. Rescuers later had to euthanize the raccoon.
It was the second raccoon this month found suffering in a trap in the Langley area.
A raccoon had to be euthanized after its paws were caught in this trap, and left to suffer before being rescued by the Critter Care Wildlife Society.
“We want people to be very aware. Because if these traps are out there catching these raccoons in this way, there is sadly a high probability that we’re going to hear about another type of animal getting caught,” said Michael Howie, spokesman for The Fur-Bearers.
He added that while residents may get fed up with problem animals, it’s important to remember animals are impossible to control and that residents need to contact pros who know how to search for nests, feces and egress points.
“If you corner any living creature — a human, a raccoon, a mouse — they’re going to do what they feel they have to do to get away,” said Howie, warning of potentially dangerous interactions. “I can think of very few cases where an animal genuinely without provocation attacks a human being.”
Howie recommended contacting a B.C. SPCA AnimalKind approved pro who can ensure problem animals are safely and humanely removed from an area.
The trapped raccoon is pictured in this handout image from the Critter Care Wildlife Society.
According to the B.C. SPCA, raccoons aren’t dangerous to humans, but that the animals are attracted by garbage, pet food or learn to expect food from residents intentionally feeding or baiting them. It’s illegal to keep raccoons as pets in B.C.
The best way to scare off a raccoon is to yell, make noise by clapping and stomping your feet. Residents shouldn’t set traps.
“Most of the time, unless you’re a licensed trapper, it’s going to be illegal,” said Howie. “Secondly, setting a trap will not resolve a problem. What a trap does is cause suffering.”
The Fur-Bearers is now offering a $1,500 reward for anyone who provides information that helps identify and convict the individual responsible for setting the rogue traps. Tipsters can contact Langley Animal Protection Services at 604-857-5055 or the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.