Living with Wildlife

Simple Steps to Prevent Unwanted Encounters with Local WildlifeRaccoon climbing tree

Throughout the year, Redmond is home to many different types of wildlife. Occasional deer, raccoon, opossum, rodent, bear, and cougar sightings are not uncommon. You can help prevent wildlife from becoming a nuisance in and around your residence, neighborhood, or business by preventing access to food and water and by taking some simple steps:

  • Securing lids on all waste and compost receptacles
  • Evaluate what is stored in your yard and surrounding your home or building- try to keep the ground clear of junk and debris
  • Keep the ground clear of any fruit and don’t allow garden produce to sit or rot
  • Clean barbecues and areas around them so they are free of grease and food droppings
  • Remove bird feeders
  • Feed cats and dogs inside and don’t store their food outside
  • Eliminate dog waste immediately
  • Eliminate access to water – fix leaky faucets, empty bird baths
  • Seal exterior entry points
  • Prevent trees and vines from growing too closely to your house
  • Call an exterminator if critters persist

Where to Ask Questions and How to Report Issues

Please contact Washington State Fish and Wildlife with wildlife questions at 425-775-1311. 


Our Code Enforcement Offices reminds you that...

  • Coyotes prey on rats, so if you reduce the number of rats going through your property, this should reduce coyote traffic.
  • Raccoons like to prey on cats and dogs, so don’t leave them outside unsupervised.
  • Wildlife issues are under the control of Washington State Fish and Wildlife. The best thing to do is to contact the department or review helpful information on the department’s website.

Rodent Infestation or Abatement

  • Rodent infestation is considered a health issue and is not just an animal control issue. Please contact the King County Health Department complaint line at 206-263-9566 or by visiting their online service portal.   
  • If it is related to rodent abatement prior to building demolition, please review the City's Demolition Submittal Checklist which includes a Rodent Abatement Report. 
    • A Rodent Abatement Report usually involves:
      • Describing the rat abatement steps that will be taken
      • Showing a start date for the abatement before the start of demolition
      • Indicating that rat abatement will be done in phases and will continue until demolition
  • If it is an issue related to litter, junk, and harborage, we can usually get the property owner to remove such items under the following codes: