Geoff40 wrote about the struggle that takes place when an animal like a raccoon is re-located. I decided to read more on the subject after Geoff40 enlightened me. As it turns out there is usually an often violent struggle when the new coon is confronted by the coon that already has this territory claimed.
The fights usually cause injury to the point where one coon quits. If the resident coon loses, his baby-coon sons and daughters are usually killed by the new guy. Whichever coon loses, he must now move on. Usually, to another place where there is another resident coon and, the whole ordeal starts over again. Most times one or several coons are injured, emaciated or dead!
The scenario is a little different with female raccoons but, the end results are very similar.
Now, those folks who cannot bring themselves to kill a sweet-n-cuddly coonie-poonie, are causing much more pain and suffering to the animals! And, bringing carnage upon many more animals.
The previous posts did a great job covering the possible results to the people who live in the area where you might drop of a raccoon.
Letarae, this is not meant to accuse or to rebuke you personally. I know you were prepared to allow the pellet gun to do the job. I have a Gamo pellet gun that will KILL a raccoon easily and humanely. It most certainly is "a long term solution". At least for that coon. It is not expensive at all.
Coil spring traps, DP traps, guns and electric wire are all great strategies. Again, cage traps do a poor job for me. Building good strong coops and runs is always a good idea.
Because of the furor over the Harp seal harvest, research has proven that clubbing is one of the MOST HUMANE methods of dispatching an animal. Hit it hard enough and he will die instantly and painlessly.
