Where does it go from here?

Here’s a question for you, Beachcomber readers: Is Vashon Island a releasing ground for live raccoons that have been trapped in other parts of King County?

No less than 10 Islanders have told me over chicken-keeping conversations about how King County brings the critters here, but I find no evidence to support it when calling the County or looking online. Raccoons are here with or without the importation of more on Vashon; this I realize. If you’ve ever been to Blake Island, they run the joint over there!

What I did find on the WDFW (state) site was a wonderful resource page about raccoon management and “thwarting” tips. Also in the text the state notes:

It is unlawful to release wildlife anywhere within the state, other than on the property where it was legally trapped, without a permit to do so (RCW 77.15.250; WAC 232-12-271).

So IF (and that is only IF) the County is practicing this, they would need to have a permit. Public disclosure, however, probably not. Who knows the answer to this? Thank you for debunking or affirming this raccoon assumption. I’d love the straight story.