Raccoons

Raccoon Facts

Recognized mostly by their mask-like markings on their face, raccoons are found all across North America. They can be rather large, ranging from 26 to 38 inches long.

Raccoons will feed on anything they can get their paws on. Fruit, berries, nuts, insects, fish, garbage, pet food, you name it. In the wild, most live for only five years, but some have been know to live much longer. Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, but it’s not uncommon in spring and summer months to see raccoons looking for food during the day for their young. A raccoon foraging during the day does not necessarily indicate that the raccoon is rabid.

Raccoon Damage

Farmers have the most to lose from the presence of raccoons. They will damage orchards, vineyards, melon patches, cornfields, peanut fields, and even chicken yards. When they are denning, they may create fire hazards if they are in vents. They will also chew on wires, short-circuiting electrical outlets. It is possible for them to also purposefully damage buildings to get inside to nest. Usually, such destructive activity happens on rooftops.

Their droppings may also distribute diseases and parasites. Raccoons commonly carry rabies, a disease that can severely damage the central nervous system. Rabies inflames the human brain, causes fever, violent movements, and confusion. This can be fatal if left untreated. If you are bitten by a raccoon, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to ensure your health and safety.

Raccoon Infestation

There are a few reasons raccoons can be a nuisance including the noises they make. You may hear sounds of whistling, hissing or growling as they feed. Raccoons are also known to scream when attacked. Young raccoons make a lot of noise and can be mistaken for birds.

Their droppings can be found at the base of trees, or along woodpiles and rooftops. Raccoons can cause a lot of damage in search of food as well, leaving black smudges on walls, gutters, or holes in insulation and siding. Orders of urine and feces may also be present. Their feeding habits may leave your vegetables and gardens damaged, or your garbage torn apart.

Types of Raccoons

Raccoon Identification

Raccoons are most commonly identified by the black mask of fur across their eyes and their striped tail. They have light brown to reddish colored fur. Though some seem to think they are related to weasels, they have a closer relation to pandas.

Raccoons in the Yard & Garden

These masked bandits are usually found in hardwood forests, near streams, swamps, or ponds. Raccoons can easily adapt to changing surroundings, denning in trees and logs, under brush piles, in haystacks, attics, crawlspaces, barns, chimneys, and even sewers. If there are empty, hollow areas around your home, these may be probable lodgings for these dumpster divers.