Overview of the Raccoon

Raccoons, those masked bandits of the backyard, are surprisingly widespread across the United States. These adaptable creatures can be found in almost every state, though their population tends to be denser in the eastern and midwestern regions. While they’re active year-round, raccoons are most noticeable during the warmer months when they’re foraging for food and raising their young.

These omnivorous critters have a diverse diet, feasting on everything from insects and berries to small mammals and even garbage. In fact, their love for human-provided food is a major reason for their conflict with us. They have learned that humans provide regular tasty meals year round and seek us out looking for that free/easy meal. Additionally, as we develop more into their space, they find humans closer than ever before.

Fun Fact: Raccoons have incredible dexterity. Their hands are so skilled that they can even open complex locks!

Signs of Raccoons on Your Property

If you suspect raccoons are visiting your property, you can look for these telltale signs:

Trash Issues: Overturned or ripped garbage cans is the classic movie referenced sign.
Damage to Property: Raccoons can cause damage to attics, chimneys, and siding as they search for entry points. Capable of prying open areas of a home like a tin can.
Footprints: Check for small, five-toed prints in muddy areas or soft soil.
Daytime Activity: While primarily nocturnal, raccoons might be seen during the day if their food sources are limited.
Dens: Look for nests in trees, attics, or under sheds.
Excrement: Raccoons prefer to name an area their bathroom and then focus their waste collection there. This means that when you find raccoon poop… you probably will find a lot.

Raccoon Breeding Season

Raccoon breeding typically occurs from late winter to early spring. After a gestation period of around 63 days, a litter of 3-7 kits is born in early summer. The kits are blind and helpless at birth, relying entirely on their mother for care. Raccoon mothers are very parental and protective of their young. If they detect a threat, you may even see a momma raccoon carrying her babies (one at time) to another den site. If they do this, you may find a baby by itself. The mother will most likely come back if you place the baby somewhere safe so it is best to leave the babies alone if you find them.

Fun Fact: Did you know that raccoons have an average 7 den sites complete with food stores? They are ready to bug out to an alternative site at any time.

Raccoons’ Role in the Ecosystem

Despite their reputation as pests, raccoons play a vital role in the ecosystem. As omnivores, they help control insect populations and disperse seeds through their diet. Additionally, they serve as prey for larger predators, contributing to the overall balance of the food chain.

Making Your Home Less Inviting to Raccoons

To deter raccoons from your property, follow these tips:

Secure Your Trash: Invest in heavy-duty trash cans with tight-fitting lids or store garbage in a secure garage or shed.
Eliminate Food Sources: Remove pet food, birdseed, and fallen fruit from your yard.
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal any gaps or holes.
Use Repellents: Commercial raccoon repellents can be effective, but always follow the product instructions.
Habitat Modification: Trim tree branches away from your roof and remove potential den sites like wood piles or brush.
Scare Tactics: Motion-activated sprinklers or loud noises can deter raccoons.

Recapping Raccoons

Whether you call it a raccoon, a bandit, a trash panda or anything else, you can’t deny these cute mammals with their opposable thumbs are super fun to watch. And while living with them in the neighborhood is typically not an issue, sometimes these fluffy garbage collectors bring chaos to our lives. When that happens, it is best to enlist the help of professionals like Prickly Pear who can help you secure your home while letting the raccoon continue to exist in peace.