Raccoons

Raccoons are widespread throughout the United States and have extended their range well into Canada. They are found in all types of habitats, but they generally prefer mature woodlands and riparian or wetland regions. Over the past couple of decades, raccoons have grown more comfortable living near humans and often take up residence under buildings, and inside chimneys and attics. Raccoons love to investigate garbage containers in their search for food, where they often find a variety of "delectable" snacks. They are a bold animal and have little fear of humans, and they do quite well living amongst human populations. In fact, suburban and urban raccoon population densities can exceed rural raccoon population densities!

The raccoon is a highly intelligent mammal with a rounded head, a short nose, small ears, and a sturdy body. They can weigh between 15 and 48 pounds and some have even been known to exceed 60 pounds. They average 3-31/2 feet in length (including the tail), and are about 12 inches tall. They can live 10-13 years. They are most distinguishable by their black-masked face and ringed-tail. They have long slender toes and great manual dexterity. Mating season is from March to May, but can sometimes extend into July. Gestation is about 63 days and litters range from 1 to 7 young.

They have more than earned their infamous nickname, Bandit, which was given to them because of their black-masked face. You must remember though, that we have forced them into this title, by inadvertently providing food and shelter sources for them. At one time, we had a problem with raccoons in the RV park. Most of the students had left for the summer, and the garbage cans were not yielding much in terms of a free meal. At least one clever animal had learned to enter the trailers by removing the skylights. Once inside, it ransacked the kitchen in search of food, raiding the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator.

Living With Raccoons

Common Problems

• Overturning garbage cans.
• Rolling up sod, tearing up lawns and gardens in search of insects and grubs.
• Damage to buildings caused by animals trying to gain access for denning and nesting sites.
• Panhandling for food.
• Crop damage.
• Preying upon pond life.
• Dining on pet food

Solutions to Raccoon Nuisances

• Remove attractants (i.e., any identifiable shelter and food sources such as pet food bowls, loose garbage).
• Fasten garbage cans tightly. After depositing garbage, ALWAYS close the dumpster lid.
• Biological nematodes work well to kill insects and grubs that they will search for in lawns and gardens.
• Cayenne pepper sprinkled around is said to deter them.
• Single-strand electric fencing works well around vegetable gardens.
• Metal guards 18" or wider, wrapped around trees five or six above the ground will deprive raccoons access to roof tops etc.
• For ponds: submerge horizontally, a wire mesh around the circumference of the pond. Stretch the mesh, leaving the inside free. This way the fish will have the center of the pond. The raccoons will be discouraged from standing on the unstable wire mesh.