Raccoon Proof???

Another wild animal frequently seen around human habitations is the raccoon. Easily recognized by their facial masks and ringed tails, these critters are often too smart for their own good. They have impressive problem-solving abilities and are very adept at finding their way around barriers.

Cuteness aside, raccoons pose more of a threat to human health than possums do. Raccoons are known reservoirs of Rabies. When rabid, they may show symptoms like a sickly appearance, lack of coordination, abnormal vocalizations and possibly aggression. Fortunately, rabid raccoons rarely get aggressive like rabid dogs and will often retire to their dens and perish. Oral vaccine programs started by the US Department of Agriculture in the US and Canada help control the spread of rabies in endangered populations. if you see a raccoon behaving unusually, stay away and call animal control.

They also carry a parasite called Raccoon Roundworms which can be spread to humans through droppings or handling nests. This disease causes progressive neurologic damage in humans and is fatal if left untreated. This parasite is difficult to destroy, requiring burning or treatment with hot sodium hydroxide. Bleach is not strong enough to kill these roundworms. Human health concerns are the reason it is illegal to keep raccoons as pets in many areas.

Originally native to the Americas, raccoons have been transported to almost all corners of the world. As of 2016, raccoons are considered an invasive species in Germany and other parts of the European Union. Historically hunted for their meat and fur, thousands of raccoons are still consumed in the southern United States every year.

Omnivorous scavengers, they prefer easy to catch prey like crayfish, fish, insects, amphibians and eggs, both avian and reptile. They have been known to raid nests, eating both eggs and hatchlings. They are notorious for raiding chicken coops and killing more than they eat.

The perception of raccoons washing their food probably comes from people witnessing them foraging for underwater foods near the edge of a stream. They often rub their food in their hands also. Touch is the sense most important to raccoons. Raccoon forepaws are very sensitive and have vibrissae (whiskers) above their fingers that help them identify an object before touching it.

This highly developed sense of touch combined with natural curiosity and intelligence on a par with primates like rhesus macaques gives the raccoon its impressive problem-solving capabilities. Raccoons have shown themselves adept at figuring out locks and remembering the solution for up to three years, even if they encounter the lock in a different position. Once they have discovered a food source or denning site, they will return to it over and over.

Racoons do not hibernate in the winter like bears but they do fatten up in anticipation of cold weather. When winter temperatures dip below 15°F, they enter a state of dormancy called torpor. Their metabolism slows and they sleep, for weeks at a time if necessary. While in torpor, their bodies rely on their fat reserves, stored mostly in their tails. Racoons wrap their tails around themselves to keep warm. Sometimes they share their dens with other racoons.

Like possums, raccoons have adapted to living near humans and benefitting from our messiness. Even if they seem friendly, humans should respect raccoons as wild animals with potentially unpredictable behavior. While they prefer to climb away from a threat, if that is not an option, they will bite and scratch in self-defense.

As with other wild animals, the best way to interact with raccoons is from a distance. Secure garbage cans and compost containers or store them in a secure outbuilding. Thoroughly clean outdoor eating areas, especially around the barbeque. Do not feed raccoons or leave pet food outside. Bring dogs and cats indoors at night. Deny access to possible denning sites by covering entry holes with sturdy materials like hardware cloth, boards or metal flashing. Raccoons like to climb and have been known to cause a lot of damage in house attics if they can get in.

Compared to opossums, raccoons are more destructive and carry diseases that are life threatening to humans. All homeowners should take appropriate measures to keep raccoons out in the wild.