Control Of Raccoons With Rodenticides

A field test to evaluate anticoagulant rodenticides as a method of controlling raccoon populations was carried out on the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, South Carolina. Fumarin mixed with corn was dispensed at ten permanent feeding stations over a six-week period. A marked decline in the number of raccoons was noted on the study area as a result of the experiment. Feeders for the study were developed by refuge personnel and proved to be relatively bird and mouse proof, but easily accessible to raccoons. In addition to the field study, observations were made of six caged raccoons fed varying amounts of rodenticide to determine lethal dosage and the length of time required to bring death.