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In some states, the raccoon is classified as a rabies vector species (RVS), which means it's an animal that can carry and transmit rabies. Technically, any mammal can do so, but raccoons are a higher risk. Thus, the animal is
subject to certain laws by state. Here is a response about raccoon relocation that I received from one wildlife expert who wrote to me:
"I just read your web site about raccoons. I don't know where you are located, but I am in Upstate New York. Our Dept of Environ. Conservation licenses us and regulates all wildlife in our care. Here in New York, rehabbers who take in rabies vector species, such as skunks, raccoons, and bats, must have additional training, specialized caging, and a series of three pre-exposure rabies vaccinations before handling any RVS. The vaccinations run around $600.00. This is at the expense of the rehabber of course. Then your facility must be inspected by the USDA. A separate log must be kept for each RVS. All RVS must be released back into the county they came from and the rehabber must be registered with the Health Dept.of each county he/she
receives RVS from. The public is not allowed to transport any RVS, therefore the rehabber must drive to the initial site of where the RVS was found to pick them up and later release them. A rehabber in my area was caught two years ago accepting baby coons from someone who drove them to her. Her license was
revoked for two years and she had to go through a hearing and respond to the charges brought against her. Needless to say, in a State of more than 17 million people there are fewer than 30 RVS licensed rehabbers in the entire state that can take RVS. Last year I got calls about baby coons from Queens in NY City. That is more than 6 hours one way away from where I live and I surely am not registered in that county. I have all I can do to respond to the calls from my own county. I LOVED your web site. It is well done and very informative. Please let people know however, that there might not be any rehabbers in their area that can accept RVS. In the far western part of NY there are no RVS rehabbers in 8 joining counties. I have bookmarked your site and will surely pass it on to everyone I know with raccoons in their attics. Where are you? I know each state has their own laws. I do believe that there are some areas that do not allow any rehabber to take RVS at all for any reason. Keep up the good work. You are doing a great job at educating the public." |
