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| A new bill has been introduced that would require the city to trap and remove raccoons anywhere in the five boroughs at the public's request. |
A new bill has been introduced that would require the city to trap and remove raccoons anywhere in the five boroughs at the public's request.
New Yorkers fed up with the antics of the city's furry masked bandits could get some relief under a bill that makes it easier to capture and release raccoons.
The bill, being unveiled today by Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley, requires the city to trap raccoons anywhere in the five boroughs simply at the request of the public.
And in a conciliatory nod to the raccoons, the city Health Department would be encouraged to humanely release the critters. Under current guidelines, most trapped raccoons are euthanized because they can carry rabies.
"People have been calling my office complaining that they are seeing a lot of raccoons," Crowley said. "But the Health Department will only come if the raccoon is injured or sick. People are told to hire someone to trap them."
Dozens of raccoons in Central Park have tested positive for rabies, prompting the city to conduct an aggressive trapping and vaccination program.
"I have made reports and no one will listen to me," said a Queens woman, upset that a family of raccoons moved in behind her Ridgewood home. "I have two young daughters and I'm afraid. I was told if I called about a coyote, the city would come right away."
Health Department officials were mute on Crowley's bill, saying they don't comment on pending legislation.
But they encouraged any New Yorker who sees an aggressive or sick raccoon to call 911.
Wildlife experts encouraged New Yorkers to seal up their trash and leave healthy raccoons alone.
"You can't pick up and relocate every animal you see," said Bobby Horvath, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. "They are in the city, and you have to learn to live with them. They will have less contact with us if we don't invite them."
