The Kitsap Public Health District board approved an updated rodent control ordinance, which was first adopted in 1996, as part of its Oct. 7 meeting.
The health district last updated the ordinance in 1999 and aims to improve the agency’s ability to enforce rodent control rules and streamline enforcement measures. Updates also include the adoption of regulatory language as well as feeding wildlife, KPHD environmental health division director John Keiss said.
Regarding enforcement, KPHD doesn’t plan to enforce the ordinance by driving down the street looking for squirrels, Kiess said. Instead, they will evaluate and investigate complaints based on nuisance conditions. The ordinance applies to both residents and businesses, and aims to prevent rodents and wildlife from accessing food sources as well as rodent-proofing buildings.
“No person shall feed wildlife or pets outdoors in such a manner that would allow the food source to attract or be accessible to rodents,” per the ordinance.
This follows proposed updates shared with the health district board in September. In an October 2024 wildlife feeding incident, a North Kitsap woman called 911 and reported 100 raccoons on her property, after she had been feeding them for many years.
“What we’re trying to avoid is the unintended consequences of feeding birds and wildlife that can really attract rodents, which can cause nuisance conditions,” Kiess said.
Cole Janowski, a wildlife conflict specialist with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, shared his support for the ordinance.
“If an individual in Kitsap County were to call the department with an issue regarding wildlife, there is a strong chance they will end up speaking with someone like myself,” he said. “Some examples of wildlife conflict issues I come across include, but are not limited to, cougar attacks on small pets or livestock, bears getting in the garbage cans or bird feeders, coyote sightings and even deer with tomato cages stuck on their heads.”
Janowski said in 2024, DFW received 37 documented reports of cougars and 231 black bear reports in Kitsap County.
KPHD interim health officer Dr. Herbie Duber also provided the board with an update about federal COVID-19 vaccination recommendations from ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices).
In late September, ACIP met and changed federal vaccination guidance for COVID-19 shots from the previous recommendation of anyone 6 months and older to “individual decision making,” which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines as requiring a patient to discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their healthcare provider before getting vaccinated.
In Washington state, private health insurers and AppleHealth (Medicaid) will continue to cover the cost of vaccinations. Since Sept. 4, the state Department of Health issued a standing order that allows healthcare providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines for those 6 months and older, including pregnant patients.
“Now is a great time to get caught up on vaccines so you can enjoy healthy fall and winter seasons,” Duber said. “As we spend more time inside together, it becomes even more important to wash hands, cover coughs, and stay home when we are sick.”
As of Oct. 6, DOH reported 4.7% of people statewide have received an updated COVID-19 vaccine this season, per the respiratory immunization dashboard.
