RACCOONS BECOME PESTS vs

RESIDENTS IN THE CARMEL AREA ARE EXPERIENCING AN INCREASE IN RACCOON PROBLEMS. THE RACCOONS ARE BECOMING MORE AGGRESSIVE AND REPORTEDLY SOME RESIDENTS HAVE EVEN BEEN CHASED BY THEM. OTHERS SAY THEY'RE AFRAID TO LET THEIR PETS OUT IN THE BACK YARD BECAUSE OF THE GROWING RACCOON POPULATION. RACCOONS ARE USUALLY ATTRACTED TO PLACES THAT PROVIDE FOOD, WATER OR SHELTER. RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED TO COVER GARBAGE CANS, PREVENT PUDDLES FROM FORMING, AND SEAL OFF ACCESS TO TREES, HOUSES, GARAGES AND SHEDS. REPORTEDLY A MIXTURE OF WATER AND LISTERINE IN A SQUIRT BOTTLE DISCOURAGES RACCOONS. CARMEL POLICE CHIEF GEORGE RAWSON REPORTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL THIS WEEK THAT HIS DEPARTMENT IS READY FOR SWIFT RESPONSE, BUT WILL BE FOLLOWING DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME LAWS.