RACCOON TRAPPING
Most ground nesting birds, including waterfowl and upland game birds, are adversely affected by raccoons.
The effects of predation were investigated on the wild turkey population on Tallahala Wildlife Management Area (TWMA) in Mississippi from 1984-94 by Dr. George Hurst of Mississippi State University's Wildlife Management Department. Predation of nests (eggs), nesting hens, and poults caused a population decline on TWMA. It was determined that 88% of nest failures were caused by predation. It was also determined that raccoons were the dominant predator responsible for these nest failures.
Over the past several years, there has been a reduction in the number of raccoon and predator hunters, as well as trappers. In turn, this has caused a reduction of predator harvest, particularly of raccoons. A reduction in predator harvest will negatively impact wild turkey populations, as well as waterfowl and upland game bird populations.
In rural areas raccoons often damage landscapes and field crops as they feed on strawberries, peas, potatoes, and their favourite: sweet corn.
Raccoons will also attack poultry and are able to bring down birds as large as turkeys. They can pull down unsuspecting chickens by reaching through the mesh wire fence and are quite adept at gaining access to weakened or open areas of a poultry pen. Signs of raccoon predation on poultry include: carcasses with missing heads, bites on the back, torn necks and breasts, and feeding on the breasts and entrails.
The two illnesses most commonly associated with raccoons are distemper and rabies. Rabies, unfortunately, occurs in the eastern U.S., having spread as far west as eastern Missouri. Distemper occurs throughout the entire range and is highly contagious. Both are fatal to the raccoon. Raccoons also may carry fleas, ticks, lice, mange, and canine and feline parovirus.
Raccoon feces may also contain the roundworm egg. Humans, especially children, that come into contact with raccoon feces containing eggs of this roundworm can also become infected. Clinical symptoms depend on the number of roundworm larvae present in the body and their location. If the larvae migrate to the eyes or brain, blindness or death can be the end result.
Trapping is the most effective management tool for controlling raccoon populations. Trapping should be done in the late fall and winter months, however, summertime trapping may be necessary to prevent crop or poultry losses.
