How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Japan
Raccoons are not native to Japan. According to a 2004 paper written by Ikeda, et. al. for the Association of International Research Initiatives for Environmental Studies, they were introduced in 1962 and, as of 2004, they had spread to 42 of the 47 prefectures. The indigenous Japanese cousin to the raccoon is called tanuki, a word usually translated as raccoon dog, and folktales often depict this animal as jolly and mischievous. Wildlife experts consider North American raccoons, however, to be invasive and alien, even though people originally brought them to Japan as pets. They are not easy to control.
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Instructions
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Prevent raccoons from coming around your house by keeping garbage and pet food inside, making sure doors are closed and blocking access to areas under your house with wire mesh. Close off holes leading to the attic or under the roof. If you have pets or birds, make sure they are inside at night. Cover your fish pond at night.
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Coordinate with your neighborhood association to make sure that no one leaves garbage in the community pick-up pile overnight. Distribute notes in mailboxes if necessary. Fiberglass mesh cloth that is used to keep away crows will not work with raccoons. They will tear through it.
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Consult your local ward office (kuyakusho) for guidelines on what to do if raccoons are infesting your neighborhood. Wildlife control is regulated by the Ministry of the Environment and laws govern the hunting and trapping of wildlife species. According to the Invasive Alien Species Act of 2004, mitigation of alien species is a matter conducted by the National Government. If you cannot get guidance through the ward office, contact the Ministry of the Environment directly through its website.
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Trap raccoons in a cage that is at least 12-by-12-by-32 inches if you receive a permit for trapping or are working in conjunction with the authorities. This must be made of steel mesh or have solid walls. Bait the trap with fruit or vegetables, avoiding meat so you don't attract cats. Be humane. Check the trap frequently so that if you catch an animal, it doesn't starve to death or die of exposure.
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Stay in touch with Ministry officials and call them immediately if you trap a raccoon. Don't try to move it yourself. Caged raccoons are fierce and can bite or scratch you through the cage. If you are bitten, you will probably have to have a rabies shot.
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Watch the news. If raccoons are a local problem, your city or municipality may have an abatement program in progress. If such a program exists, you should be able to get contact information at the ward office or on the Ministry website.
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Consult the authorities immediately if you have raccoons in the attic or in the walls of your house. Don't try to trap them yourself, because they will probably be nesting and there may be babies. If you manage to trap the mother, the babies will create more noise and will eventually die, creating a severe odor problem and unsanitary conditions.
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Tips & Warnings
Raccoons are highly resourceful animals. The best way to get rid of them is to prevent them from coming around in the first place by carefully removing any sources of food. Once they have learned food is at your house, they will keep coming back.
According to Professional Wildlife Removal, an abatement specialist in the United States, you can't rely on commonly available raccoon deterrents like naphthalene, predator urine or ammonia, because they don't really work.
If you see raccoons nearby, stay away from them. They may look cute, but they are dangerous and can inflict serious injury.
References
- Association of International Research Initiatives for Environmental Studies: Present Status of Invasive Alien Raccoon and Its Impact in Japan
- Professional Wildlife Removal: Raccoon Control & Removal
- Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan: Wildlife Protection System and the Hunting Law
- Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan: Invasive Alien Species Act
Resources
- Photo Credit raccoon image by masteraz from Fotolia.com
