Raccoons are among nature’s cleverest mischief-makers, and they can quickly become problem pests, especially in residential areas. Here are some frequently asked questions about these masked bandits.
- Are Raccoons Rodents?
Many people assume that raccoons are rodents, but they’re from the procyonid genus. These small mammalian carnivores have powerful jaws and teeth. Distantly related to cats and dogs, they share a common evolutionary ancestor with bears. Endlessly adaptive, raccoons are among the more intelligent mammal species.
- Do Raccoons Have Thumbs?
Another popular misconception is that raccoons have opposable thumbs due to their ability to grip and manipulate items in their grasp. Instead, raccoons have five remarkably dexterous toes on each of their front paws, making them excellent foragers and expert trash can raiders.
- Why Do Raccoons Touch Everything?
Raccoons are known for touching everything around them. They have highly-developed nerves in the pads of their front paws that function almost like a second set of eyes, helping them identify objects and food sources. Since they are typically nocturnal, raccoons rely on touch and scent more than they do on sight.
- What Do Raccoons Do During the Day?
Most raccoons sleep during the day in dens they build near food sources, naturally-occurring or artificial. Occasionally, female raccoons will scavenge during daylight hours to feed their young or seek a better shelter if food becomes scarce or changes make it less safe. If you see a raccoon behaving strangely during the daytime, do not approach it, as this may be a sign of illness.
- Are Raccoons Dangerous?
Raccoons can be dangerous. They are surprisingly strong for their size, have sharp teeth and claws, and may attack humans or pets when they perceive a threat. Additionally, they may carry diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvo, which can be passed to humans and pets via bites and bodily fluids, and roundworm, which is transmitted via raccoon feces.
Rabies is a particular concern, as raccoons are one of the primary carriers of this viral illness in the Eastern United States. This list of symptoms and behaviors to look for will help you spot raccoons that may have rabies.
- Do Raccoons Eat Cats?
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, but they don’t see cats or small dogs as prey. They may, however, attack a pet if they feel threatened or if their offspring are nearby. The real danger to pets comes from potential disease exposure.
- What Can I Do About Problem Raccoons?
The best way to deal with problem raccoons is to avoid attracting them in the first place. Raccoons are opportunists and will take advantage of any access to food or shelter you give them. Don’t feed your pets outdoors, but if you must, don’t leave the food out overnight when raccoons are active.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts to exclude them, you may still find raccoons on your property. The safest way to handle raccoons is to seek the services of a qualified professional to trap and remove them.
Trust Twin Forks Pest Control® for Raccoon Control
Twin Forks Pest Control® has been eliminating pests, including raccoons, for over 20 years. Our trained wildlife experts will rid your property of unwanted pests, and we offer year-round protection plans so that your home stays pest-free. At the first sign of problems, contact us for a free estimate by calling (631) 287-9020 if you’re in the Southampton region, (631) 324-9020 if you’re in or around Easthampton, or (631) 298-0500 if you’re in or around Southold. We look forward to hearing from you.
FAQs
When considering the mammal IQ scale, raccoons rank closer to humans than most people would normally think. In general, monkeys are ranked right below humans and great apes, and with raccoons scoring average IQ levels below monkeys, they are considerably close to human IQ levels as well.
How high is a raccoons IQ? ›
When considering the mammal IQ scale, raccoons rank closer to humans than most people would normally think. In general, monkeys are ranked right below humans and great apes, and with raccoons scoring average IQ levels below monkeys, they are considerably close to human IQ levels as well.
Is raccoon poisonous? ›
Yes. Raccoons are dangerous.
Most people know raccoons are carriers of rabies, which can be deadly to people and pets. Raccoons are dangerous because they can spread other diseases, destroy your home, and potentially attack.
Why are raccoons special? ›
Communication: Raccoons communicate with each other using over 200 different sounds and 12-15 different calls. Skills: Raccoons possess amazing dexterity that gives them the ability to open doors, jars, bottles and latches. They are also great climbers, which allows them to better access food and shelter.
What is raccoons biggest fear? ›
Raccoons and their predators have a relationship that is similar to any other prey and predator relationship. Raccoons stay away from animals that are their natural predators. These natural predators include; bobcats, coyotes, the great horned owl.
What are raccoons famous for? ›
Raccoons are known for their ringed tails and the masked markings around their eyes. In fact, it's because of this mask that they're often portrayed as bandits, spies or ninjas in cartoons.
What does it mean when a raccoon stares at you? ›
Raccoons are very curious and used to living near people, so they can sometimes seem very bold. A raccoon's natural response to a confrontation is to freeze and stare at you. It's still afraid of you, it's just waiting to see what your next move is.
What do raccoons like to eat the most? ›
The preferred raccoon diet contains food found in or near water, such as crayfish, frogs, fish, snails and clams. They also enjoy insects, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts and even dead animals. Raccoons are not experts at hunting prey, but they do manage to occasionally catch a young mouse, rat or squirrel.
Is it bad to have raccoons around your house? ›
Raccoons also pose a serious property threat. They can damage homes and outbuildings, especially when they try to enter through attics or chimneys that they target as denning sites. In some cases, raccoons have even torn off shingles or boards to gain access to an attic or wall space.
How long do raccoons live? ›
The average lifespan of a raccoon in the wild is about five years, but with abundant food and shelter they're able to survive well past a decade. However, it has been estimated that 50 percent of raccoons die within their first year due to disease, starvation, predators, or human intervention.
Be sure to keep these foods well away from raccoons and other local wildlife:
- Chocolate, Cocoa and Coffee. Like dogs, raccoons cannot eat chocolate, cocoa or coffee. ...
- Avocado and Guacamole. ...
- Onions, Garlic and Spices. ...
- Processed Sugars.
Once a female raccoon is pregnant, she will become isolated and leave the group in search of a den to raise her babies in. If you see a lone raccoon, especially if it is forging around your house, you likely have come across a pregnant female looking for a den.
How fast can a raccoon run? ›
Although not fast, they can reach speeds up to 15 mph. Raccoons are good climbers and climb down trees headfirst. Raccoons are usually nocturnal and usually spend daylight hours at rest. Contrary to common belief, a raccoon active during the day is not necessarily sick.
How many years does a raccoon live? ›
The average lifespan of a raccoon in the wild is about five years, but with abundant food and shelter they're able to survive well past a decade. However, it has been estimated that 50 percent of raccoons die within their first year due to disease, starvation, predators, or human intervention.
What are raccoons eyes facts? ›
Their eyes may appear to glow red at night.
The eyes of raccoons have a structure called a tapetum lucidum that reflects light, allowing them to see well in the dark.
What do raccoons do in a day? ›
Because they are primarily nocturnal, raccoons during the day will be resting. These mammals are able to climb, and are sometimes seen in trees, leading some to wonder, "Do raccoons live in trees?" The answer is no, except in cases where a den is located inside a hollowed tree.
Raccoons are among nature’s cleverest mischief-makers, and they can quickly become problem pests, especially in residential areas. Here are some frequently asked questions about these masked bandits.