Raccoon Removal And Control
In the heart of urban areas, a new dweller is becoming increasingly visible—the raccoon. These animals, known for their intelligence and adaptability, are more than just occasional visitors; they're becoming a regular part of the landscape. This shift is not without its challenges. Their presence in densely populated areas is a concern that goes beyond mere inconvenience. Initially, they were a source of food and fur for Indigenous peoples and early settlers. This relationship changed as urbanization took hold, transforming raccoons from forest dwellers to city inhabitants.
Characteristics
They possess a dense underfur which protects them against cold weather, topped with a layer of longer guard hairs that give them a somewhat shaggy appearance. One of their most striking features is their facial mask, made up of black fur that contrasts sharply with their grayish body fur. This "mask" is often thought to reduce glare and enhance their night vision. They also have distinctive ringed tails, with 5 to 10 black rings alternating with lighter ones, adding to their unique appearance. They have highly dexterous front paws; their fingers are capable of opening latches, turning doorknobs, and even untying knots, abilities that are unusual in the animal kingdom and resemble those of primates.
They are omnivores, eating a varied diet that includes fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and garbage. Their adaptability in diet is matched by their flexibility in choosing habitats; they can live in forests, mountains, marshes, and especially cities, where they make homes in attics, sewers, and abandoned buildings.
They are known for their ability to remember solutions to tasks for up to three years, demonstrating a level of cognitive ability that is remarkable for a non-primate species. This intelligence often leads them to explore human dwellings and even learn to navigate complex obstacles to access food. They use a unique method of 'washing' their food by rubbing it between their paws and dipping it in water,. This behavior, while not fully understood, showcases the complexity of their interactions with their environment.
Associated Risks
Raccoons are capable of biting humans or pets if they feel threatened, cornered, or if they are sick. Although such incidents are relatively rare, they can be serious because of the risk of infection and diseases, including rabies and raccoon roundworm, which can have serious health implications.
Their nests can attract mites, fleas, and ticks, which can then infest pets and even humans, leading to discomfort and health issues. Additionally, the leftover food and waste from raccoon activity can attract other pests like rats and cockroaches, compounding the pest control challenges for property owners.
Raccoons have strong paws and can tear off roof shingles, gnaw on wood, and rip open vents or ducts to gain entry into attics or crawl spaces. Once inside, they can destroy insulation as they nest, leading to loss of heat efficiency and increased energy costs. There is also a risk of them chewing on electrical wires, posing fire hazards.
They can create significant odor problems. Areas where they have been living can be marked by the smell of their urine and feces, which can permeate insulation and wood, making it difficult to eliminate. Dead animals in inaccessible areas can also create lasting and unpleasant odors.
Debunking The Pet Myth
Raccoons are wild animals with specific needs, behaviors, and instincts that do not align well with a domestic lifestyle. They can become aggressive as they age, posing risks to their human caregivers and other pets. The legality of keeping them as pets varies by location, but in many places, it is illegal or requires a special permit due to the potential for disease transmission and the complexities of providing appropriate care.
Some people believe that seeing them during the day means that they are rabid or sick, but they can be active during daylight hours for various reasons, including the search for food or the need to care for their young. While caution should be exercised around wildlife, not every raccoon seen during the day is a health risk.
If you're facing an issue in New York, it's time to bring in the experts. Contact Varment Wildlife Control today for professional raccoon removal services that you can trust. Let us help you reclaim your space and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is raccoon-free.
Frequently Asked Raccoon Questions
Q1. Do raccoons have a social structure or hierarchy?
A1. They are generally solitary animals, especially males, which tend to be territorial. However, females can be more social and have been observed forming loose, matriarchal groups, particularly when raising their young. These groups can help in protecting the young from predators and teaching them survival skills. Social structures among raccoons are not as complex or hierarchical as seen in some other mammals, but they do exhibit some level of social behavior.
Q2. How do they communicate with each other?
A2. Raccoons communicate through a variety of sounds, body language, and scent marking. They can make over 200 different noises, including chirps, growls, snarls, and screams, which convey different meanings, from mating calls to expressions of distress. Their facial expressions and posture, such as standing on their hind legs or arching their backs, also play a role in communication, especially in face-to-face encounter.
Q3. Can raccoons survive falls from great heights?
A3. They have a remarkable ability to survive falls from significant heights, thanks to their sturdy build and the way their bodies are designed to absorb impact. They can fall from heights of up to 35 to 40 feet without sustaining serious injuries. This is partly because they have a low center of gravity and loose skin, which helps distribute the force of impact across their body. Additionally, their instinctive ability to twist and turn in mid-air allows them to land on their feet, further reducing the risk of injury.
