What are Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs)?
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) receives thousands of calls every year from citizens seeking advice on how to deal with unwanted wild animals. Although laws give citizens substantive latitude to deal with problems, many are either unwilling or unable to handle human/wildlife conflicts.
WDFW enlists the help of private citizens who have skills and training in the capture and handling of many wildlife species that commonly generate wildlife complaints. These individuals are typically referred to as Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs), and there are many WCOs throughout the state. A WCO must be certified through WDFW and conform to its regulations, but they are not state employees and operate as private entities, setting their own fees.
What can Wildlife Control Operators do?
Under the authority of their certification, Wildlife Control Operators are able to trap, capture, and remove small game or unclassified wildlife such as beavers, raccoons, opossums, skunks, and certain other animals year-round. WCOs provide direct assistance to landowners who are willing to pay for the cost of licensed and trained individuals to resolve their wildlife problems. While many conflicts can be solved with information about an animal's activities, or by adopting a more tolerant stance or doing some repair work, WCOs are recommended for work that poses health or safety hazards or work that requires special trap setting skills and knowledge of wildlife to minimize inhumane treatment of animals.
How do I hire a Wildlife Control Operator?
You can search for a WCO by county. WDFW regional offices also can provide you with a list of companies or individuals that specialize in wildlife control work in your county. If you plan to hire a WCO for nuisance wildlife control work, even if through a Pest Control company, inquire whether or not the individual doing the work is certified. It is unlawful to trap nuisance wildlife on the property of another for a fee or other consideration without a current and valid WCO certification (WAC 232-36-065 ). A WCO should be able to provide a copy of their WCO certification upon request.
