Are Raccoons Rodents?

Are Raccoons Rodents?

Introduction

Have you ever spotted a raccoon rummaging through your garbage and wondered if it's a rodent? In this article, we'll explore the differences and similarities between raccoons and rodents, discuss their characteristics, and answer the question, "are raccoons rodents?" Let's dive in!

What are Rodents?

Rodents are a diverse group of mammals that belong to the order Rodentia. This order includes more than 2,000 species, such as mice, rats, squirrels, and beavers.

Characteristics of Rodents

Some common characteristics of rodents include:

  1. A pair of continuously growing incisors in both the upper and lower jaws

  2. Gnawing behavior to wear down their incisors

  3. Herbivorous or omnivorous diet

  4. Diverse range of habitats

What are Raccoons?

Raccoons, scientifically known as Procyon lotor, are medium-sized mammals native to North America. They're known for their distinctive facial markings, bushy tails, and high level of intelligence.

Characteristics of Raccoons

Some common characteristics of raccoons include:

  1. Mask-like black fur around their eyes

  2. Ringed tail with alternating light and dark bands

  3. Omnivorous diet

  4. High intelligence and problem-solving abilities

  5. Nocturnal behavior

Raccoons vs. Rodents

Although raccoons and rodents share some similarities, they are, in fact, different in terms of their taxonomy, teeth and jaw structure, diet, and behavior.

Order and Family

Raccoons belong to the order Carnivora and the family Procyonidae. This family includes other animals like coatis, kinkajous, and olingos. On the other hand, rodents belong to the order Rodentia.

Teeth and Jaw Structure

Rodents have two pairs of constantly growing incisors that they use for gnawing. Raccoons, however, have a set of 40 teeth that includes sharp canine teeth, which they use for tearing food, and molars for grinding.

Diet

While many rodents are herbivorous, raccoons are omnivorous. Raccoons have a diverse diet that includes insects, fruits, vegetables, and small animals, while rodents mainly consume plant-based foods.

Behavior

Raccoons are known for their intelligence, dexterity, and problem-solving abilities. They can open containers and doors to access food, which sets them apart from most rodents.

Raccoon Relatives

Raccoons are most closely related to other members of the Procyonidae family, including the ringtail, coati, and kinkajou. These animals share similar features, such as ringed tails and masked faces, but they are not rodents.

Raccoons in Popular Culture

Raccoons have made their way into popular culture, with characters like Rocket Raccoon from Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy



and RJ from the animated movie Over the Hedge. These characters showcase the intelligence, dexterity, and curiosity of raccoons, capturing the essence of their real-life counterparts.

Raccoon Problems and Solutions

As raccoons adapt to urban environments, they can become a nuisance to homeowners due to their curiosity, intelligence, and ability to access food sources.

Nuisance Wildlife

Raccoons are often considered nuisance wildlife because they can cause property damage, raid garbage bins, and spread diseases like rabies. They're also known for taking up residence in attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces, which can lead to further damage and potential health risks.

Pest Control Methods

If you're dealing with a raccoon problem, there are various methods you can use to deter or remove them from your property, including:

  1. Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids or bungee cords

  2. Remove outdoor pet food and water dishes at night

  3. Trim tree branches that provide access to your roof or attic

  4. Seal potential entry points to your home

  5. Use humane traps and relocation methods

  6. Consult with a professional wildlife removal service if the problem persists

Conclusion

So, are raccoons rodents? The answer is no. Although they share some similarities with rodents, raccoons belong to a different order and family within the mammal classification. With their distinctive features, intelligence, and adaptability, raccoons are fascinating creatures that continue to capture our curiosity and attention.

FAQs

What is the primary difference between raccoons and rodents?

  1. Raccoons belong to the order Carnivora and the family Procyonidae, while rodents belong to the order Rodentia.

Are raccoons dangerous to humans?

  1. Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies and parasites that pose risks to humans. It's best to avoid close contact with raccoons and ensure your home and surroundings are not attractive to them.

What do raccoons eat?

  1. Raccoons are omnivorous and have a diverse diet that includes fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals.

Can raccoons be kept as pets?

  1. It's generally not recommended to keep raccoons as pets due to their wild nature, potential to carry diseases, and the legal restrictions in many areas.

How can I deter raccoons from my property?

  1. Secure garbage bins, remove outdoor pet food and water dishes at night, trim tree branches near your home, and seal potential entry points to deter raccoons from your property.

 

All About Animals …

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  • RATS

  • SQUIRRELS

  • RACCOONS

  • OPOSSUMS

  • SNAKES

  • BATS

  • WILDLIFE REMOVAL



 
 
 

Raccoons

 

All About Raccoons …

Raccoons are usually classified as a pest species due to their habits of living in human dwellings. The most common complaints include the following:

  • Raccoons living in the attic

  • Raccoons living in the chimney

  • Tipping over garbage cans

  • Stealing pet food or bird seed

  • Sick, potentially rabid raccoon

  • Presence is alarming dogs/pets

For these reasons, many people wish to have this nuisance animal trapped and removed.

Raccoons are medium-sized mammals native to North America. They belong to the family Procyonidae and the genus Procyon. Raccoons have a distinctive black and white striped tail, and a bandit-like mask of black fur around their eyes. They have thick, grayish fur that helps keep them warm in cold temperatures. Raccoons are omnivores and eat a wide variety of food, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, insects, fish, and small mammals. They are primarily nocturnal and are skilled climbers, swimmers and problem-solvers. Raccoons are known to be carriers of diseases such as rabies and distemper, and can also be a nuisance to homeowners by getting into trash cans and gardens.

Raccoons are highly adaptable animals and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas. They are primarily nocturnal, but may also be active during the day. Raccoons are skilled climbers and can easily climb trees, walls, and other structures to find food or shelter. They are also strong swimmers and can hold their breath for several minutes while diving for food. Raccoons are known to be curious and intelligent animals, and are able to solve complex problems to obtain food or other resources.

In terms of social behavior, raccoons are generally solitary animals, but may form loose colonies in areas with abundant food sources. During the breeding season, males will travel long distances to find a mate, and females will give birth to litters of 2-5 young. Raccoons are known to be vocal animals and communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, including purring, growling, and whining.

Raccoons can be a nuisance to homeowners because they are known to raid trash cans and gardens in search of food. They may also cause damage to structures by gnawing on wood or tearing off shingles to gain access to attics or chimneys. In addition, raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies and distemper and should be avoided or handled with caution.



 
 
 

 

Raccoon life cycle?

The raccoon is a curious and intelligent animal that can adapt to its environment. This makes it possible for them to survive in many areas, including cities. With thriving population densities, one would think that the common raccoon has a long life. However, the truth is that they have one of the shortest life expectancies of any North American mammal. The average raccoon lifespan is just two to three years in the wild.


The raccoon is not a species that has a large number of young at once. They have 63 days of gestation and when they give birth, they usually just deliver between one and five babies per litter, This means that there aren’t many offspring produced each year by a female raccoon. They also don’t typically mate until they are about 15 months old so life expectancy is markedly lower than other mammals. This article will explore raccoon lifespan as well as the factors that influence it.


How long do raccoons live?

The average raccoon lifespan depends heavily on whether or not the raccoons are in the wild or in captivity. In the wild, raccoons have very short lives, young raccoons usually die before they reach sexual maturity (1 year). However, if they make it through the first year, their chances of dying are reduced significantly. Wild raccoons tend to live about three to five years on average but can live up to 16 years.


Life expectancy of raccoons in captivity

In captivity or as domestic animals, the raccoon’s lifespan increases dramatically. With proper care (dietary requirements), habitat (adequate space and climbing structures), and veterinary care; captive raccoons can typically expect between 13-20 years if not longer. This is because their chances of getting injured or contracting disease are far less than in the wild.



Life expectancy of baby raccoons

Baby raccoons have high mortality rates as they are completely dependent on their mothers for food and protection. As many as 50% of baby raccoons may not survive their first year. If their mother dies at this stage, their chance of survival is virtually zero.



Raccoon life cycle

The lifecycle of a raccoon starts with the mating season, which takes place from February till March. During this time males leave their territories to find females ready for breeding. After about two months of gestation, the female gives birth to between three and five kits (also known as cubs). If a female raccoon is not able to give birth during this time, she’ll go through estrus again and can give birth as late as June.


Mothers raise young raccoons for 2 – 4 months. She only leaves the den for short periods of time until they are older. During this time, they teach their young how to survive. This includes foraging skills and climbing techniques that help them scavenge food and evade predators. The young raccoons stay with their mother until 1 year, at which point they head out on their own to find food or mate.


Raccoon life stages

Like many other mammals, raccoons go through several stages throughout their lives: infancy, juvenile, and adulthood.


Raccoon life stages - Infancy

Born blind and helpless, baby raccoons often weigh less than a pound and are about seven inches long. Their eyes open after around two weeks of age. They develop quickly and are weaned after about two months.


Raccoon life stages - Juvenile

At this point, their mother will introduce them to solid food that she has caught, including insects, small rodents, birds, eggs, and fruits. They still stay and travel with their mother until they reach their first year (adulthood) at which point they leave and explore the world on their own. They typically stay in the area for one more year before venturing out to find a new territory (if they haven’t already done so).



Raccoon life stages - Adulthood

At 1 year, they are now sexually mature and are ready to breed. Most male raccoons leave their birth territory at this point and set out to find a mate. This is also the time when they become more aggressive; fighting with each other for mates, food, and space. The age of adulthood differs slightly between genders; females are fully mature when they reach 1 year while males usually start breeding a bit later.



Factors that affect the lifespan of a raccoon

A raccoon’s longevity is affected by several factors such as human intervention, climate, predators, and diseases.


Human intervention

Humans have had a significant impact on the lifespan of raccoons not just through hunting but habitat loss as well. As cities expand more wild raccoons are being driven out to make space for human homes, businesses, and roads which leads to shorter lifespans as they come across more dangers they would not have to deal with in the wild.


A raccoon living in urban areas is also generally considered more of a pest as they raid and knock over trash cans and make dens inside homes. This leads to them being targeted by homeowners which can result in their death or injury from traps, poisoning, etc.


Furthermore, busy highways in large cities and the fact that raccoons are nocturnal creatures means that they frequently fall victim to collisions with vehicles as they roam at night to look for food.


Climate/Weather

While raccoons have adaptations that allow them to survive winter, however, long and extremely cold winters still pose a threat. As raccoons are not true hibernators and still need to come out of their den and find food during the winter, scant food sources and harsh conditions can mean that many raccoons perish during the coldest months.


Prey availability is also a significant factor in climate affecting longevity in raccoons as animals that are unable to hunt effectively due to lack of food will not live long at all.



Diseases

Distemper is the most common disease that kills raccoons. This virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of raccoons which can result in paralysis or even starvation because they are unable to find food on their own. Other viral diseases such as rabies, infectious canine hepatitis, raccoon parvoviral enteritis, and pseudorabies are less common but are still a threat.


There are also bacterial diseases like leptospirosis, yersiniosis, tularemia, Q fever, listeriosis, and pasteurellosis that are known to affect raccoons and further increase their risk of death.


In addition to this, parasitic diseases such as Baylisascarisprocyonis (raccoon roundworm), giardia infection can also reduce a raccoon’s lifespan. Other parasitic conditions that affect raccoons are trichinosis, mange mites (notorious for making the fur of infected animals fall out), fleas and ticks along with ear mites.


Predators

Due to their size, an adult raccoon can have few predators beyond humans and other large mammals like wolves or coyotes who are both common in woods where raccoon dens are located. However, it’s important not to overlook smaller potential dangers such as hawks, owls, bobcats, etc., which hunt raccoons when they are young and leave their den for the first time. This can mean much shorter lifespans than expected if they aren’t able to escape fast enough from these predators.



 

Questions About Raccoons?

 We have tried to compile a list of our most frequently asked questions from out customers . If you have anymore please email us and we will get it answered for you.


How do raccoons get in the attic?

 

Raccoons can enter our attics in several ways, some of the most common ways that raccoons gain access to our attics are through the roof vents or air vents. These caps can be breached whether plastic or metal. We build custom raccoon caps to fit all size air and roof vents for your home. Another common area is through the soffits and soffit intersections. These areas are easy places for raccoons to get their footing and push into our attics. You should call us about an inspection to seal these vulnerabilities and can provide re-enforcement to ensure raccoons cannot target these areas. Lastly, raccoons have feet that enable them to feel weak areas in the roof that otherwise look fine, in addation to animal control we offer roof repairs to make sure that the roof remains raccoon-proof.

 

What do Raccoons eat?

Raccoons are omnivores which means they will eat anything. This is why it is important not to feed wildlife such as Raccoons, or to leave food accessible to them as they will go through garbage, bird feeders, even domestic pet food if left outside.

 

Will raccoons attack humans?

Generally, raccoons will not attack humans. However, during the baby season if the mother feels threatened or you get too close to her and her babies this may provoke an attack. Also, being sick can trigger an attack for the raccoon. We recommend always calling a professional to deal with raccoons on properties




How to keep Raccoons away?

When keeping Raccoons away from your home, simple practices like keeping your garbage contained or keeping it to an area they cannot access can go a long way. Although there are many products that can be purchased, the best way to keep Raccoons away is to hire a professional Wildlife Removal Expert to inspect and protect the vulnerable areas around a home where Raccoons can gain entry.




What are raccoons most afraid of?




One of the key natural survival instincts for any animal is to know when to flee, and one of the main fears that many raccoons will have is a fear of their natural predators, although this will often be stronger in those raccoons living in rural areas where they are more likely to encounter predators.





Do raccoons lay eggs yes or no?

A raccoon can pass millions of eggs in its feces everyday, depending on how many worms are in its intestines. Once deposited in the environment, the eggs develop into the infectious form in 2-4 weeks, and can survive in the soil for several years.





Do raccoons live alone or in groups?




Raccoons are thought of as mostly solitary animals, coming together only for mating purposes and to raise their young. However, they do live in small groups with other raccoons; these are called a gaze or nursery. Raccoon families tend to be found anywhere between two and eight or more individuals.


Where do raccoons go in the daytime?




During the day, raccoons find shelter in all environments. In urban areas, raccoons sleep in abandoned cars, dumpsters, and sewer drains, but hide in attics, garages, and underneath decks in suburban areas. In the wilderness, they live sleep in tree hollows, under rocks, and vacant animal dens.




How far will a raccoon travel to return home?

They will travel far to return to the original territory, so if you don't want to see it again, it's recommended to bring it a minimum of 5, or even 10 miles away from the capture site.




How many raccoons usually live together?

4 - 5 raccoons

Adults live in loose knit communities of 4 - 5 raccoons for better protection against predators. Communication: Raccoons communicate with each other using over 200 different sounds and 12-15 different calls.




Will raccoons leave on their own?

They are uninvited, unwelcome, and totally unpleasant. They are raccoons… and, unfortunately, they will not leave by themselves.





Do raccoons travel in packs?

Even though male raccoons prefer to lead a solitary life, there are circumstances where they will join other groups in order to survive more easily. In general, raccoons can live as solitary animals, not belonging to a community.





How can you tell a male raccoon from a female?

When you look at a raccoon lying on its back, you will see the anus directly below the tail. In front of the anus is the genitals; if the bump is slit-shaped and between the legs, quite close to the anus, it's the female vulva




How long do raccoon families stay together?

The average adolescent raccoon becomes independent at 10 months of age, some leave home as early as 8 months and some as late as 12




Where do raccoons make their dens?

They will make their nests almost anywhere — in tree cavities, brush piles, abandoned burrows, chimneys, attics, crawl spaces, storm sewers, haystacks, and barn lofts — and usually have more than one den site available for use at any one time.







What time do raccoons go back to sleep?

A raccoon can sleep between six to eight hours per day. They typically sleep till it's sundown, which is when they leave their dens in search of food. The amount of sleep they get per day also depends on the time of the year.





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.





Do raccoons return to the same place every year?

Another reason you want to avoid having these animals give birth on your property is that the following year, the female babies will return to the same location to have their litter. And each subsequent year that follows the young females will attempt to return.





What month do raccoons have babies?

Mother raccoons can have between two to five babies in a litter, and they will have just one litter per year. Baby raccoons are called kits, and they are typically born in early spring between March and April, but if a mother's first litter does not survive she may give birth to a second litter as late as June.





Can a 3 month old raccoon survive on its own?

If they are younger than one year and the mother is nowhere near to be found they won't survive without her. But it doesn't mean you should rush to rescue them. Sometimes the mother has to go and find food for her babies and she can stay away from several hours up to a day but always comes back.Jan 14, 2022





How big is a raccoons territory?

0.031 – 0.31 mi²

Male, Urban area

0.012 – 0.15 mi²

Female, Urban area

Raccoon/Size of territory




Do raccoons sleep during the day?

Raccoons are not very social creatures. They are nocturnal and sleep during the day. During the winter, they tend to sleep more, but they do not hibernate in the traditional sense. They simply sleep while their bodies live off stored fat.






Are raccoons smart?

According to a variety of studies, raccoons are very intelligent. Vanderbilt University researchers found that raccoons have an average of 438 million neurons in a relatively small brain, which places them on the higher end of the mammal intelligence scale.Feb 4, 2021





Can racoons swim?

You may think that the stream you have running through your backyard protects you from the animals in the woods beyond, but it won't stop the masked bandit! They are quite capable in the water, even though their bodies are a little heavy to be really efficient swimmers.Feb 14, 2021





Can raccoons see in the dark?




Raccoons have very good hearing and have excellent night vision, but their extremely sensitive sense of touch is what sets them apart from other carnivores. They are constantly feeling around and touching everything.




Can raccoons jump?




Thanks to their elongated hind legs that allow them to extend their body length and leap forward quite quickly, these animals can jump to far distances. Raccoons can jump up to 5 feet far when jumping from the ground and up to 10 feet when jumping from a height.Dec 23, 2021





Do raccoons poop in water?

Raccoons usually choose certain locations to defecate (poop) and then use those same places repeatedly. Raccoons can also be attracted to areas where humans live and play. In pools, raccoons usually defecate in the shallow areas (for example, on the steps).




How do you clean raccoon poop?

If outside, treat feces-soiled surfaces with boiling water. If inside, repeatedly wipe the feces-contaminated area with a damp sponge, rinsing the sponge frequently in a bucket of hot, soapy water. Flush the water down the toilet when done. Disinfect the shovel and bucket with boiling water.




How do raccoons drink water?




When it comes to water, they'll drink from: Decorative fountains and ponds. Puddles. Leaky pipes.





What does raccoon poop look like?




Raccoon droppings are cylindrical in shape, have rounded or broken ends, and are typically dark in color, though coloration varies depending on what the animal has recently eaten. Raccoon scat is likely to contain berries, as they are a favorite food source.




Do raccoons pee?




Raccoons frequently defecate and urinate in the same place and generate piles of feces called raccoon latrines. Raccoon latrine locations include tree bases, stumps, garages, under decks and in attics 





Do raccoons poop where they eat?

Raccoons are actually very clean animals, and will go to the bathroom in the same spot, away from where they eat and sleep. This spot is known as a “Latrine Site”.





How to tell the age of a raccoon?


If you discover a nest of baby raccoons on your property, how can you tell how old they are? Young raccoons are independent at around 12 weeks of age, so if you can make an accurate assessment of their age, you'll have a good idea of how long it will be before they leave your home.




How old is a full grown raccoon?




The raccoon will be almost fully developed around the 4 month mark, however they don't reach full maturity until one year after being born. The raccoons will stay with their mother until being one year old. Raccoons are very solitary creatures and don't need social comfort.





Do raccoons hibernate?

Raccoons are not true hibernators, meaning they do stay active year-round. That being said, you may see fewer raccoons in winter. This is because some raccoons, especially those in more northern states, may store up body fat in the spring and summer so they can spend most of the winter sleeping in their dens






When is the raccoon mating season ?

Their mating season is from mid to late summer. Sixty to 74 days after mating, up to four cubs will be born. Baby raccoons' ears and eyes open about 18 to 24 days after birth. They can walk around by the time they are four to six weeks old





Are raccoons aggressive during mating season?

They really fight! Not just a show of aggression to scare away the other male. They scratch, bite, and apparently even bite-throw each other, as they fight for a female. I would have never thought I'd be curious about the sex life of racoons, but it is Valentine's Day and Family Day long weekend, after all…





Do raccoons stay together after mating?

Although females and males may den with each other temporarily during this time, they do not associate with each other after mating; females raise the young on their own






Additional Facts: from pbs.org

The raccoon’s scientific name, Procyon lotor is neo-Latin and translates to “before-dog washer.”

Christopher Columbus is the first individual we know of to have written about the species.

The raccoon’s taxonomy has been debated over time. Carl Linnaeus placed the raccoon in the Ursus genus—first as Ursus cauda elongate (“long-tailed bear”) and then as Ursus lotor (“washer bear”). In 1780, Gottlieb Congrad Christian Storr created a separate genus for the species, Procyon, meaning doglike.

The English word “raccoon” is an adaptation of a native Powhatan word meaning “animal that scratches with its hands.”

In the winter, the raccoon does not hibernate, but can sleep in its den for weeks.

A raccoon can run at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.

The raccoon is a good swimmer and can stay in water for several hours.

The species makes a variety of vocalizations including hisses, whistles, screams, growls and snarls.

A series of studies in the mid-to-late-twentieth century show that a raccoon can remember solutions to tasks for up to 3 years.

 

Is that a raccoon?

 

 

Sometimes raccoons are blamed for damage they don’t do (it might be your neighbor’s dog who’s rummaging in the trash).General Raccoon Facts :

  • Scientific Name: Procyon lotor

  • Average Size: 12" tall; 24-38" long; 14-23 lbs.

  • Average Lifespan in the Wild: 2-3 years

Identifying Features: Gray fur with a black mask and 4-7 black rings around its tail; pointy snout with a black nose; dexterous front paws.

Fun Facts About Raccoons

  • A raccoon will rinse its food in water prior to eating it. When there is no water close by, a raccoon will still rub its food to remove debris.

  • Cats cannot taste sweet foods, due to a lack of sweet taste buds.

  • Some hypothesize that the purpose of a raccoon's black mask is to reduce glare, helping it to see better in the dark.

  • A group of raccoons is called a nursery.

  • Although raccoons only live 2-3 years in the wild, a raccoon can live up to 20 years in captivity.

 

The first step to take is to make sure it’s a raccoon you’re dealing with. Look at the clock: If you hear sounds in the house or the trash is knocked over during the day, it’s probably not a raccoon who’s causing you concern.

But if the sounds in your house start at dusk and then again around dawn, you may very well have a visitor of the raccoon kind.

Read the signs

In your yard, there are other signs you can look for to determine if a raccoon may be stopping by, although signs of a raccoon don't necessarily mean that the raccoon has committed any misdeeds.






 

 

Here are some signs to help identify a raccoon problem:

 

  • tipped trash cans

  • raided bird feeders

  • pilfered gardens

  • damaged crops (ex. chewed sweet corn, hollowed out watermelons)

  • uncapped chimneys

  • torn shingles

  • raccoon tracks: five long toes and fingers resembling human hands

 

Tracks

The raccoon’s track is hand-shaped and can usually be seen on light surfaces or where the ground is soft enough for their paws to leave an impression. Like bears, they walk on their entire paws, not just the toes, like some other animals.

Rub marks

A noticeable stain or rub may be seen on surfaces that raccoons pass frequently. Other animals can leave such stains as well so seeing the raccoon’s “handprints” on climbable surfaces is a more reliable sign of their presence.

Scat

Raccoon scats vary widely in size, depending upon the raccoon’s age and in content—which is often quite evident, depending on what has been eaten. Typically though they are about 3/4” in diameter and 2-3” long, with segmenting and blunt ends.

Scat stations—also called latrines—are places where one animal has repeatedly left scat or multiple animals have done so. Unfortunately, these are sometimes established on roofs and in attics. Due to the potential of roundworm presence, raccoon latrines should be cleaned up by a hazardous waste professional.





Raccoon Behavior :





  • Activity: Nocturnal in nature, raccoons are mostly active at nighttime. They are most active in spring, summer and fall, and will sleep in their dens for most of the winter.

  • Reproduction: Reproduction begins in late winter. Females, or sows, usually give birth to 1-6 baby kits in April or May. Mothers are very protective of their young until they separate after about a year.

  • Social Interaction: Raccoons are independent after 12-14 months of age. Adults live in loose knit communities of 4 - 5 raccoons for better protection against predators.

  • 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.







Raccoons sometimes get into scraps with cats and they may occasionally prey on small animals housed outside, such as chickens and rabbits.





When no other food is available, raccoons might even prey upon kittens and small cats, but other times, they can be seen eating side-by-side when cats are fed outdoors.





Feeding pets outside is probably the most common reason that raccoons come into contact with them.





Fight or flight

Healthy raccoons are unlikely to pick a fight with a dog, but dogs sometimes chase raccoons. Sick or injured raccoons, cornered mothers protecting their young and orphaned baby raccoons are most likely to be victims of dog attacks. If caught by a dog, a raccoon may fight back to defend herself, and both the dog and raccoon can be injured.





How to stop raccoons from using your pet door





Raccoon rules

To reduce the chances of your pets having a close encounter with a raccoon, follow these simple rules:





Keep pet rabbits and cats indoors at all times. 

If cats or dogs are fed outside, do so only by day and remove food immediately.

Don’t allow dogs to roam unsupervised and unleashed.

These practices are good for your pet, whether or not they're likely to come into contact with a raccoon. Keep your pets' vaccinations up-to-date and if your pet does encounter a raccoon, check with your vet about what to do.








Raccoons often leave their feces in communal sites called latrines.



Because raccoons are the primary host of Baylisascaris procyanis, a roundworm that can harm people, and the roundworm eggs may be present in raccoon feces, their latrines should be removed and cleaned up whenever they might pose a health hazard.  This the task requires extreme caution.

Where might a raccoon latrine be? If not around the base of a tree or on a log, rock, stump or woodpile, a raccoon latrine may be in an attic, garage, roof, deck or patio.

Raccoon latrines in or near a dwelling should be are considered a potential health hazard.

Best left to the professionals

It is safest to hire a professional to do the cleanup, but if you must do it yourself, follow the CDC’s recommendations [PDF] for doing it as safely as possible.

Wear disposable gloves and either rubber boots that can be scrubbed or disposable booties that cover your shoes.

Wear a N95-rated respirator (available at hardware stores).

Use a spray bottle to mist the area to be cleaned up with water to minimize the dust that may be stirred up while cleaning up the latrine.

Remove feces and feces-contaminated material using a shovel or inverted plastic bag; then, burn, bury or bag it and send it to a landfill.

If outside, treat feces-soiled surfaces with boiling water.

If inside, repeatedly wipe the feces-contaminated area with a damp sponge, rinsing the sponge frequently in a bucket of hot, soapy water. Flush the water down the toilet when done.

Disinfect the shovel and bucket with boiling water. Place the sponge in a plastic bag and throw it away.

Scrub boots with hot soapy water or throw away disposable booties in a plastic bag.

Dispose of gloves in a plastic bag and wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water.

Wash clothing thoroughly with hot water and detergent, and wash hands again after putting clothing into the wash.

Do not bring wood on which raccoon feces have been found into the house. Burn such logs outside.






Raccoons and public health






Raccoons—along with foxes (red and gray), skunks, and bats—are considered a primary carrier of the rabies virus in the United States. While any warm-blooded animal can carry rabies, these are the ones we call “rabies vector species.”





According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only one human has ever died from the raccoon strain of rabies.





A rabid raccoon is usually dead within 1-3 days of becoming infectious, and even if you're bitten by a rabid raccoon, effective post-exposure treatment is available.





Is that raccoon rabid?

If you see a raccoon in your yard during the day, don’t panic—she is not necessarily sick or dangerous. It’s perfectly normal for raccoons to be active throughout the day. She may merely be foraging longer hours to support her young, visiting a garden while the dogs are indoors, or moving to a new location.







Raccoon roundworm

Another growing concern is a roundworm (Baylisascaris) found in raccoon feces that can infect humans and pets. Prevention is the key here. Keep raccoons out of attics and crawl spaces, and supervise young children and pets outdoors to make sure they don’t come into contact with raccoon feces. And if you find evidence of a raccoon latrine, make sure you clean it up properly.





Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria that can infect raccoons, skunks, opossums, Norway rats, mice, and white-tailed deer. Humans may be exposed if they come into contact with infected urine or contaminated soil and water. Avoid touching wild animals. If contact is necessary to get a raccoon out of your house, call in a professional.





Attacks and bites

It isn’t uncommon for a healthy raccoon to be active in the daytime, but it's highly unusual for a raccoon to be aggressive toward a person. A female may boldly defend her young, arching her back and growling or giving a loud “whoof,” and perhaps lunging at a person she deems threatening. Only very rarely will a raccoon chase after someone seen as threatening.





A raccoon who appears ill or disoriented, or who engages in unprovoked aggression, may be rabid or infected with canine distemper or feline parvovirus. If you come into contact with a wild animal, obtain professional assistance from your local animal control agency and health department.