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.
What makes a raccoon special? ›
Raccoons have excellent night vision and an acute sense of hearing. They are very agile climbers and strong swimmers. They use their nimble fingers to feel stream bottoms for food, to climb trees and to open containers and garbage cans. They can find their way into a house to get food.
What are raccoons scared off? ›
Predator urine, such as that of coyotes or foxes, can be effective in deterring raccoons. Raccoons are naturally afraid of predators, and the smell of predator urine can make them feel unsafe and stay away.
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.
Are raccoons color blind? ›
Raccoons are thought to be color blind or at least poorly able to distinguish color, though their eyes are well-adapted for sensing green light.
What is the highest IQ animal? ›
9 most intelligent animals in the world
- Chimpanzees. Both bonobos and chimpanzees are extremely intelligent animals with intricate social structures. ...
- Dolphins. Dolphins are rapid learners that exhibit self-awareness, problem-solving skills, and the ability to imitate human conduct. ...
- Octopuses. ...
- Dogs. ...
- Orangutans.
The Common Raccoon has a body height between 10.4”-17.7” (26.5-45 cm), body width of 6.7”-12.2” (17-31 cm), and tail length of 9.8”-13.8” (25-35 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Raccoon is between 2-16 years.
What can raccoons not eat? ›
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.
Raccoons are often referred to as trash pandas and trash bandits thanks to their scavenging ways, but both those nicknames are also a nod to the black "mask" that covers their eyes.
How do raccoons show affection? ›
“Do raccoons show affection?” Raccoon affection is different than affection from a cat or a dog. It is not freely given (at least for Sanchez). It is so special when they take their little hands and wrap them around your neck.
Repellent lights flash a colored beam, usually red, over your yard at night to keep away the unwanted animals. Many nocturnal animals, including raccoons, have eyes that are sensitive to this type of light, and the flashing disturbs them enough to keep them away without fencing or chemical deterrents.
What smell do raccoons hate? ›
Since raccoons have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find convenient food sources, one can take advantage of this feature by using scents they hate. Hot pepper, garlic, peppermint oil, onion, and Epsom salt are a few scents used to repel raccoons.
What noises do raccoons hate? ›
5 Noises That Will Scare Raccoons Away From Properties
- Pots and Pans. If you hit pots and pans together, or strike them with a wooden spoon, they make a loud clanging noise that is likely to scare off any wild animals in your yard, including raccoons. ...
- Shouting. ...
- Radio. ...
- Wind Chimes. ...
- Motion Activated Noise Systems.
Raccoons are often referred to as trash pandas and trash bandits thanks to their scavenging ways, but both those nicknames are also a nod to the black "mask" that covers their eyes.
How many fingers do raccoons have? ›
while they lack opposable thumbs like us humans, their tiny fingers and claws can pry away at even the. most durable material.
What is special about raccoon animal? ›
Known for their intelligence and good memory, raccoons are able to solve puzzles. They don't have opposable thumbs, but that doesn't stop them using their paws and powerful claws to open things, which is where their mischievous reputation comes from.
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.