US Woman Reports Being Surrounded by "100 Wild Raccoons" While Feeding Them

Surrounded After Feeding Raccoons for 35 Years
Sudden Population Surge in the Last 6 Weeks

An incident occurred in the United States where a woman was surrounded by about 100 wild raccoons (American raccoons). According to an investigation by the local sheriff's office, it was revealed that the woman had been feeding the wild raccoons as a hobby, which led to this situation.

On the 9th (local time), foreign media including the AP News and The Guardian reported that a woman living in Poulsbo, Washington, USA, called 911 and reported that she was "surrounded by 50 to 100 raccoons demanding food."

Raccoons occupying a woman's house located in Poulsbo, Washington.
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Staff from the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office who responded to the call were reportedly surprised. In fact, a swarm of raccoons had surrounded the woman's house. According to video footage taken by the sheriff's office at the scene, the raccoons were causing a ruckus as if holding a feast at the woman's home. The sheriff's office staff said it was the first time they had seen raccoons gather in such a large group and were amazed.

Investigations revealed that the woman who made the report had been feeding wild raccoons as a hobby for the past 35 years. However, over the past six weeks, the number of raccoons visiting her home suddenly surged, eventually leading to dozens of raccoons surrounding the house.

Regarding this, Kevin McCarthy, spokesperson for the sheriff's office, said, "It seems the word got out among the raccoons that this woman was feeding them, so they came to her house expecting a meal." He added, "The woman said the raccoons became increasingly aggressive, demanding food and chasing her, surrounding and scratching her car."

The reason for the sudden increase in the raccoon population has not yet been confirmed. Washington State wildlife authorities prohibit feeding large carnivores such as bears and cougars, but feeding raccoons is not illegal.

However, authorities advise avoiding feeding raccoons because they can transmit diseases to humans, and the food given to raccoons may attract other carnivores like coyotes or bears. Bridget Meyer, spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, stated, "The woman has stopped feeding the raccoons," and "Since the raccoons no longer receive food, they have started to disperse."