Legislature 2011: Senator wants solution to Reno raccoon problem

Sen. Sheila Leslie,

D-Reno, called on state wildlife officials Wednesday to do something about the growing raccoon problem in her southwest Reno district.

"They are vicious," she told Wildlife Director Ken Mayer, adding she sees them in the neighborhood practically every day.

There have been numerous complaints of raccoons breaking into houses, basements and garages looking for food, attacking family pets and causing damage.

"Yesterday, I was at a light on Plumas Street and there was a raccoon waiting for the light - I swear," she said.

Mayer said the department has information on how to protect a home from nuisance wildlife like raccoons on its website.

Deputy Director Patrick Cates said eradication efforts have to be paid with state dollars because there isn't federal money available for nuisance animal programs.

"Well, the cities won't do anything," said Leslie. "We need your help."

Wildlife officials told lawmakers their general fund budget has been reduced over the past three years from $1.7 million to $500,000 in each of the next two years.

As a result, Mayer said, nuisance wildlife programs including the Bear Aware program have been suspended, although wildlife still responds to bear calls when public safety is the issue.