Dropping a dog or cat off is completely different, they are domesticated and I would never do that. The area I dropped the coon off in is not allowed to have chickens. However, the article I read about trapping and releasing them stated this: "First, bring the raccoon at least five miles from the capture site, preferably ten. Otherwise, there's a good chance that it will track its way back and cause the same problems as before." Then I should have read farther down: "The research shows that the survival rate for the first 2 weeks in a new territory is poor." Hahaha oooooooopppps. Okay I admit it, you guys were right. When people drop dogs and cat off here I just keep them, but I guess I will have to use other methods to deter coons.
Of far more importance than this one raccoon is your ability to concede, for which I give you the coveted 'thumb's up' ~'-)
I, too, often relocate animals and reptiles, but not so far away as to cause them too much difficulty in finding their way back should they wish to ... most usually, they're released on our own property ... I don't particularly care if it's lawful, or if by doing so they're more likely to find themselves on the other side of the food chain: I manage our fifty acres well enough to provide far more, and much better, habitat than any other property around here, so I manipulate their paths and encourage them to live where I don't. And, should that fail, and they persist in their efforts to go where they're not welcome to? Then, I'll kill 'em just as quickly/cleanly as I can.
Not suggesting this is the best solution for everyone, but it's worked for me, and for this farm, for far too many years for me to be easily convinced to change.
The last raccoon fought w/ my dog, and he released and heeled as I instructed him to ... it took me a few minutes to check my dog for injuries and put him up, and get the shotgun and flashlights, so as to check to make sure the raccoon wasn't so badly injured as to require being put down. When I found it? It was standin' it's ground, almost directly in front of my barrel, moving like a miniature wrestler, ready to fight me next ... I simply stood up slowly, adjusted my weapon slightly, and pulled the trigger.
Again? That might not be for everyone ... but, you're gonna have some wildlife that should absolutely be removed from where humans and their animals/fowl/children wish to safely reside.
