Question
I probably have one acre of mulched flower beds.  Something is diggins each night and scattering the mulch.  My landscaper thinks it could be wild turkeys, neighbors think racoons.  How can I stop this?

Answer
Both are options. Without high quality photos it would be difficult to make a distinction.

If the problem is turkeys, netting is the solution. Remember turkeys will be a protected species.  If raccoons, electric fencing or trapping.Check your state laws on trapping regulations.

Since skunks are a greater possibility here is info on control of raccoons.

Trapping Transient Raccoons

Transient raccoons are those that are damaging property but not living on the property being damaged. Find out the trapping laws in your state visit your state抯 DNR to learn the laws. http://www.icwdm.org/VendorsService/default1.asp  Then if legal trap them out. Set cage traps that are 10x12x32 inches in size. For best results use at least three.  Be careful to place the traps at least 10 inches away from anything you consider valuable (every direction including up and down. Make sure traps are stable. Cover 50% of trap length with a strong cloth you don抰 care about. Secure to trap so it doesn抰 blow away. Cage traps are incredibly cruel (contrary to popular mythology) as trapped animals can cook in the sun or freeze in the cold.

Understand if you catch a female who is nursing and then kill or translocate her, the young will probably perish. Always where gloves when handling traps.  Remember, wildlife carry diseases dangerous to people so get informed before doing (ANY) work. For some information click You should also be aware of the potential for disease. visit http://icwdm.org/diseases/raccoonroundworm.asp  to learn about this lesser known infection. (Everyone knows about the threat of rabies).

Tips on trapping raccoons  visit http://icwdm.org/handbook/carnivor/Raccoons.asp    Always check with your state laws before doing any trapping.  Also BEFORE you begin trapping learn how to handle a skunk as people often catch skunks while trapping for raccoons. Visit http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/skunk/skunkrelease.asp   Learn how to use cage traps safely at http://www.icwdm.org/ControlMethods/trapsafety.asp

Hiring professional. Visit http://www.icwdm.org/VendorsService/default1.asp  If you choose to hire one. Be sure to read our advice on what to look for before you hire anyone. There are lots of people who think they are professional animal damage controllers but actually aren抰. Click the state you are in and there will be a link on that page giving you tips on how to hire a professional. Many of the professionals I know would have easily handled this problem, provided they could reach the young. But of course, they may have needed a couple of days.
As for a raccoon walking past a trap, that isn't uncommon given the number of people who choose to relocate raccoons. Capturing an educated raccoons can be very difficult. Now for many animal damage controllers cage educated raccoons are no big deal if they live in a state that hasn't been foolish enough to ban traps, Massachusetts, California and Washington are examples of states whose citizens were appropriately duped by the animal rights protest industry. But I digress.



Animal Disposal If you decide to trap, don抰 assume that translocation is humane or necessarily legal in your state. http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/relocation.asp to learn why. If legal in your state, the raccoon should be released on site (often not practical) or euthanized. See http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/default.asp  to learn how.   To learn how to dispose of the carcass visit http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/carcassdisposal.asp



We are always looking for images (if you can safely take them) of wildlife damage to help us in our educational mission. To learn how to take better photos visit http://www.icwdm.org/Photos/shootingphotos.asp We prefer high resolution, (3 mg or higher). Send to [email protected]  or if your e-mail can抰 handle large files upload to http://members.icwdm.org   
Username use all caps.     ICWDM
Password (all lower case)  guest

Please include permission to use the images and where and when the photos were taken. Month/year is fine as is county or city  and state.

Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.