"Frequent kindness mistaken for right"... 100 Raccoons Surround Woman's House Saying "Feed Us"

Feeding Raccoons Around the House for Over 35 Years
Raccoons Near the House Demand Food Day and Night
Raccoons Surround the Doorstep When Going Outside

In the United States, a woman was surrounded by about 100 wild raccoons (American raccoons) demanding food, causing her to tremble in fear and eventually call 911 for help.

On the 9th (local time), foreign media such as the AP News and the British Guardian reported the story of a woman in Kitsap County, Washington, who has been feeding raccoons for decades. This woman has played the role of a raccoon mom by feeding raccoons around her house for over 35 years. Until six weeks ago, there were no major issues between her and the raccoons. Then, one day, the number of raccoons visiting her home gradually increased, eventually reaching about 100, causing the situation to change rapidly.

[Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

Kevin McCarthy, spokesperson for the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, explained, "The raccoons became increasingly aggressive, demanding food day and night," adding, "When she stopped her car, the raccoons surrounded it and scratched, and when she stepped outside the front door, the raccoons encircled her." He further stated, "The raccoons see her as a food source and keep coming back," and "She herself created this troublesome problem." Actual footage taken by the sheriff's office at the time shows raccoons gathered in the woman's backyard as if they were having a party. The reason for the sudden increase in the number of raccoons demanding food has not yet been determined.

Kevin McCarthy, spokesperson for the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office, explained, "The raccoons became increasingly aggressive, demanding food day and night," adding, "When we stopped the car, the raccoons surrounded and scratched it, and when we stepped outside the front door, the raccoons encircled us."
[Photo by Kitsap County Sheriff's Office Facebook]

Meanwhile, Bridget Meyer, spokesperson for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, said that it is not illegal for the woman to feed raccoons. According to Washington state law, feeding large carnivores such as bears or cougars is illegal, but there is currently no state law restricting feeding raccoons. However, Meyer warned that feeding wildlife should be avoided. She urged, "Raccoons can transmit diseases such as infectious diseases, and the food given to raccoons may attract predators like coyotes or bears near homes."