Raccoon question

Pat,

I appreciate the map. It shows the instances of ALL rabies, not just those from raccoons, and judging from this it would hardly seem to be an epidemic in Ohio, regardless of the source,, but whatever.

Most, if not all of the reported cases of rabies west of the Mississippi are from skunks and bats etc., not raccoons.

quote:

Originally posted by flyseye

Pat,

I appreciate the map. It shows the instances of ALL rabies, not just those from raccoons, and judging from this it would hardly seem to be an epidemic in Ohio, regardless of the source,, but whatever.

Most, if not all of the reported cases of rabies west of the Mississippi are from skunks and bats etc., not raccoons.

And just who suggested it was epidemic in Ohio? Although the problem of rabid raccoons is serious enough in Ohio that none may be released alive anywhere in the state, there is no rabies epidemic.

From the Ohio Department of Natural Resources:
“According to Ohio Administrative Code 1501:31-15-03, it is illegal to live trap, move and release raccoons. Persons dealing with a nuisance raccoon cannot relocate the animal. There are only two legal options for nuisance raccoons; euthanize or release on the same property where they were live trapped. Uninformed people who are relocating nuisance raccoons may be contributing to rabies crossing the barrier.”

Ohio as well as other states have done a lot in trying to stem the spread of the disease.
They did have a program of planting and air dropping doses of vaccine in area's where cases have been reported and area's of projected infection.

Natural barriers slow and can even stop the progression but folks relocating infected animals (of all kinds) is a primary culprit in the spread.

It really comes down to what everything does...using some of that grey matter between the ears.
If you would unfortunately have the need to have one make sure it's been checked out vaccinated.
If somehow you end up with a wee one (of anything) that needs hand raised, take it to a vet that works with wild animals and call your local fish and game dept.. Depending on where you live you could face stiff fines if you don't.


Myself, I've never thought coons to be tasty. I had some with a mix of apple cider and apple butter for a marinade and baste that was ok. I think they called it Roasted Raccoon a'la Yankee.
Not my cup 'o tea.

quote:

Originally posted by Pat T Hat


If you would unfortunately have the need to have one make sure it's been checked out vaccinated.
If somehow you end up with a wee one (of anything) that needs hand raised, take it to a vet that works with wild animals and call your local fish and game dept.. Depending on where you live you could face stiff fines if you don't.

It is illegal in the state of Ohio to keep any wild animal without a permit from the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Vets who are not licensed to deal wth wild animals will not take care of them. Injured, or seemingly orphaned, wild animals may be taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator with permission from the Division of Wildlife.

When I lived in Sewickley, PA I was sitting in my back yard and here comes this Mama racoon. She was friendly as all get out. I just let her come and go as she pleased. Her favorite food was my Mother's banana nut cake!!! I fed it to her by hand and she never harmed me. Even the cat could've cared less.








2

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

quote:

Originally posted by flyseye

Pat,

I appreciate the map. It shows the instances of ALL rabies, not just those from raccoons, and judging from this it would hardly seem to be an epidemic in Ohio, regardless of the source,, but whatever.

Most, if not all of the reported cases of rabies west of the Mississippi are from skunks and bats etc., not raccoons.

And just who suggested it was epidemic in Ohio? Although the problem of rabid raccoons is serious enough in Ohio that none may be released alive anywhere in the state, there is no rabies epidemic.

Michael,

Your incorrect statement regarding the law in Ohio " all trapped raccoons must be killed" could certainly lead one to think that there might be an epidemic of sorts.

Knowing the true meaning of the law " trapped raccoons may not be relocated " certainly puts the subject in a different light, and makes much more sense, at least to me.

I have nothing further to add regarding the demographics or the law regarding raccoons, rabid or otherwise.

You have to admit they are cute. Here is my contribution inspired from a 4:00 AM getaway vacation and finding them on our front porch.

quote:

Originally posted by rongmtek
A few years ago, a local police officer responded to a call about a sick raccoon. When he shot it, bone fragments flew in all directions, including his eye.

By any chance was this officer named Harry Callahan?

Brad

quote:

Originally posted by flyseye

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

quote:

Originally posted by flyseye

Pat,

I appreciate the map. It shows the instances of ALL rabies, not just those from raccoons, and judging from this it would hardly seem to be an epidemic in Ohio, regardless of the source,, but whatever.

Most, if not all of the reported cases of rabies west of the Mississippi are from skunks and bats etc., not raccoons.

And just who suggested it was epidemic in Ohio? Although the problem of rabid raccoons is serious enough in Ohio that none may be released alive anywhere in the state, there is no rabies epidemic.

Michael,

Your incorrect statement regarding the law in Ohio " all trapped raccoons must be killed" could certainly lead one to think that there might be an epidemic of sorts.

Knowing the true meaning of the law " trapped raccoons may not be relocated " certainly puts the subject in a different light, and makes much more sense, at least to me.

I have nothing further to add regarding the demographics or the law regarding raccoons, rabid or otherwise.

There was nothing incorrect about my statement. Unless you plan to release the damned raccoon you trapped in your own yard you have to kill the sucker. And if you think that there's some new light because you can trap a coon in your yard and let it go in your yard, well, enjoy yourself.

I have to chuckle about this thread. My wife, although a farm girl, is a firm believer in what I call the Walt Disney School of Animal Husbandry.

TYPICAL DISCUSSIONS

"Aren't the little doves cute?"

"And tasty my Dear"

"How can you shoot that little animal?"

"Number six shot from a twenty bore?"

"Won't that hurt the chicken?"

"Just for a few seconds, until...he's figured out his head is gone."

I have remained fairly quiet on this thread, However I received my monthly newsletter from the Indiana Det. of Natural Resources and the lead story dealt with the great increase in rabid raccoon incidents this year. I hadn't considered this much of a big deal....but if the game wardens do, I guess I better rethink my attitude. Looks like Ranger Rick is gonna bite the big one if he returns to my yard.

quote:

Originally posted by Al-The Mayor-Bowen


I have remained fairly quiet on this thread, However I received my monthly newsletter from the Indiana Det. of Natural Resources and the lead story dealt with the great increase in rabid raccoon incidents this year. I hadn't considered this much of a big deal....but if the game wardens do, I guess I better rethink my attitude. Looks like Ranger Rick is gonna bite the big one if he returns to my yard.

The co-worker who was bitten by a rabid raccoon was bitten in one of the Indiana state parks several years ago. Some years before that, one of the state park lodges had a feeding area for raccoons right outside of the dining room window. I wonder if they've stopped that practice.