Wildlife Removal Company

Introduction

Raccoons are fascinating creatures known for their intelligence, adaptability, and dexterous front paws. Native to North America, these nocturnal mammals have successfully adapted to urban environments, often leading to close encounters with humans. This article delves into the life of raccoons, their natural habitat, the diseases they can carry, and what to do if they find their way into your home.

Raccoon Biology and Behavior

Physical Characteristics

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are medium-sized mammals with a distinctive appearance. They typically weigh between 10 to 20 pounds, with a body length ranging from 16 to 28 inches. Their most recognizable features include a bushy tail with black rings and a black “mask” of fur around their eyes, which contributes to their mischievous appearance.

Intelligence and Dexterity

Raccoons are highly intelligent and possess problem-solving skills that rival those of primates. Their front paws are incredibly dexterous, allowing them to manipulate objects, open containers, and even turn doorknobs. This adaptability has enabled them to thrive in various environments, from rural to urban areas.

Nocturnal Habits

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. They have excellent night vision, which helps them forage for food under the cover of darkness. During the day, they seek shelter in tree cavities, burrows, or abandoned buildings.

Habitat and Distribution

Natural Habitat

In the wild, raccoons prefer wooded areas near water sources such as rivers, lakes, and marshes. They are skilled swimmers and often search for food in and around water. Their natural diet includes fruits, nuts, insects, small mammals, and amphibians.

Urban Adaptation

Raccoons have successfully adapted to urban and suburban environments, where they often find abundant food sources in garbage cans, gardens, and pet food dishes. They are known to live in attics, crawl spaces, and under decks in residential areas. Urban raccoons tend to have smaller territories than their rural counterparts due to the concentrated availability of food.

Diseases Carried by Raccoons

Rabies

Raccoons are known carriers of rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites. It’s crucial to avoid contact with raccoons, especially if they appear unusually aggressive or disoriented.

Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis)

Raccoon roundworm is a parasitic worm that lives in the intestines of raccoons. The eggs of this worm are shed in raccoon feces and can contaminate soil, water, and surfaces. Humans can become infected by accidentally ingesting these eggs, which can cause severe neurological damage.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to humans through contact with water or soil contaminated by raccoon urine. Symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe illness affecting the liver, kidneys, and other organs.

Preventing and Managing Raccoon Intrusions

Preventative Measures

To minimize the risk of raccoon intrusions, take the following precautions:

1. Secure Garbage: Use raccoon-proof garbage cans with tight-fitting lids.
2. Eliminate Food Sources: Do not leave pet food or birdseed outside overnight.
3. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points such as gaps in the roof, chimney, or foundation, and seal them appropriately.
4. Maintain Yard: Keep your yard clean and free of debris that could serve as shelter for raccoons.

What to Do if a Raccoon Gets into Your Home

1. Stay Calm: Raccoons are usually more scared of you than you are of them.
2. Do Not Corner Them: Provide an escape route by opening doors and windows leading outside.
3. Avoid Direct Contact: Use gloves if you need to handle items the raccoon has touched.
4. Call a Professional: If the raccoon does not leave on its own, contact a wildlife removal expert to safely and humanely remove the animal.

Conclusion

Raccoons are remarkable creatures with a unique set of characteristics that have enabled them to thrive in diverse environments. While their presence can sometimes lead to conflicts with humans, understanding their behavior and taking appropriate measures can help minimize these encounters. By respecting their natural habitat and implementing preventative strategies, we can coexist with these intelligent and resourceful animals.