(Des Moines)– New rules and laws this summer will make it easier for Iowans to get rid of raccoons. Vince Evelsizer [[ EH-vehl-size-er ]] with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says outside of city limits, landowners do not need a license to shoot or trap a raccoon, and do not have to notify the D-N-R…
“We have seen racoon populations grow fairly steadily over the last 20 to 30 years.”
Evelsizer says even though the new law takes effect July 1st, local ordinances still need to be observed…
“In urban settings they should be familiar with the city ordinances that affect them, and they should also get to know their city officials and find out if there is a wildlife control person or if there is not one they should contact a nuisance wildlife control operator.”
Evelsizer says there are several preventative measures that can be taken as well…
“And we can take a lot of steps to reduce conflicts and nuisance issues such as putting baffles on birdfeeder posts, you know coon baffles. Or putting away our pet food at night or an electric fence around our sweet corn patch.”
