Investor Presentaiton

Household garbage should be stored in plastic or metal containers with tight fitting lids. These containers should be fastened or secured to racks or poles, so that raccoons will not be able to tip them over. A weight placed on the lid can also help to keep raccoons from getting into the containers. Freezing extremely odorous garbage before putting it on the curbside can drastically cut back its smell as well. Pet food can be a prime target for raccoons. Be sure to feed pets indoors whenever possible. Also, feed pets only as much as they will eat. Left-over food should be removed. When raccoons are getting into chimneys, a commercial cap specially designed to deter wildlife can be used. Be sure to make sure there are no animals left in the chimney before capping it. A diagram of what these chimney caps should entail can be obtained from the Great Swamp Fish and Wildlife Field Office. Scare tactics, such as lights, radios, scarecrows, aluminum pie plates, or cloth streamers can be used to deter raccoons. However, these methods are usually only temporary fixes to the problem. For more suggestions visit www.wildlifehelp.org, a collaborative online resource by government and non-profit wildlife agencies. For more information regarding trapping regulations and proper licensing procedures, contact The Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife Office, Great Swamp Field Headquarters. Email: [email protected], Phone number: (401) 789-0281 or the Department of Health at (401) 222-2577. Selected References Holmgren, Virginia C. (1990). Raccoons: In Folklore, History & Today's Backyards. Capra Pres. p. 157. Whitaker, J. and H. William. 1998. Mammals of the Eastern United States. 3rd ed. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press Raccoon photographs courtesy of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It is the policy of the Department of Environmental Management to offer its services and accommodations to all orderly persons, and, as required, to all properly licensed persons, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, facility, or if you desire further information, please write to the Office for Equal Opportunity, US Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20240. RIDEM/DFW Raccoons p. 4

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