VIDEO - Washington Woman Overwhelmed by Raccoons After Years of Feeding Them

 

A woman in Poulsbo, Washington, who had been feeding wild raccoons around her home for over 35 years, found herself trapped in an unusual situation when around 100 raccoons surrounded her house, demanding food. What had once seemed like a harmless, if eccentric, activity escalated as the raccoon population around her property surged in recent weeks.

According to local reports, the woman, who has not been named, called the sheriff’s office in fear, stating that the raccoons had become increasingly aggressive and were present around her home day and night. The sudden increase in their numbers, which started about six weeks ago, left her feeling trapped in her own home.

“Somehow, the word got out in raccoon land, and they all showed up to her house expecting a meal,” said Kevin McCarty, a spokesperson for the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, speaking to 9News. Deputies were dispatched to assist the woman, and McCarty noted that the officers were stunned by the sheer number of raccoons.

“They had never seen that many raccoons in one place. Nobody remembers being surrounded by a swarm of raccoons before. This was a first,” McCarty added. The sheriff’s office even posted footage of the incident on social media, showing the raccoons appearing to hold what looked like a large gathering in her yard.

While the raccoons have caused quite a commotion for the woman, her neighbors are also expressing frustration. Wendy Cronk, who lives nearby, told reporters that she has noticed an increase in raccoon activity over the past month, with some even attacking her dogs. Cronk shared that one of her pets had to be taken to the vet after a scuffle with a raccoon, and she has also seen more raccoons being hit by cars on the main road.

“I just hope someone steps in and helps her deal with this problem,” Cronk said, expressing her concern that the woman will continue feeding the raccoons despite the growing nuisance.

Local authorities have not disclosed any plans for handling the situation, but residents are hopeful the issue will be resolved soon.

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