Raccoon behaviour
Raccoons are hefty omnivores: larger males can weigh up to 28 kg. These mammals adapt well to urban areas, because they eat just about anything: worms, spiders, frogs, eggs, fruit, nuts, corn… And they aren’t at all shy about going through garbage to get their paws on a meal.
Raccoons retire to their dens for the winter around mid-November. Males leave the den in late January; females follow in mid-March. They sometimes use spaces under porches, garden sheds and similar structures as living quarters. And since they are excellent climbers, they’re also attracted to hollow trees and roof structures. Raccoons are born in the spring and spend the next three seasons with their mother.
Are raccoons useful or bothersome?
Useful
- A raccoon’s diet includes small rodents and insect pests.
Bothersome
- Raccoons wreak havoc in garbage.
They lurk around homes and can become aggressive if you get in their way.
- Like skunks, they can do damage to lawns while digging for white grubs.
Raccoons can get into attics, disturbing insulation and leaving droppings behind.
Raccoons can carry rabies. Keep your distance, especially if you come across one that doesn’t seem at all timid. Stay out of its reach and, ideally, make sure you have somewhere you can retreat to in case of danger…
Tips for keeping raccoons away from your home
1. Keeping raccoons off your lawn and out of your garden
Make sure your lawn is treated for white grubs, to deprive raccoons of this source of food.
2. Keeping raccoons away from your garbage
Use a garbage can with a lid that is difficult to remove, or leave garbage bags in a bin equipped with a hinged lid that locks.
Clean the can and bin often to eliminate “attractive” odours.
Another strategy is to wait until the morning on garbage day to take out the garbage.
3. Keeping raccoons away from your house, shed or garage
Trim back any branches that could help a raccoon get at your house.
Make sure your roof soffits are secured, and screw metal screens over roof vent and chimney openings.
Block off any routes leading underneath the porch, deck or shed (using chicken wire, sheets of tin or cement). First make sure no adult or young raccoons are already inside.
How to trap a raccoon?
If, despite your efforts to deter them, raccoons (or other animals) are causing damage to your property, you can consider capturing and relocating them. You should know, however, that “evicting” a raccoon is no easy task—it’s even a dangerous one. Here are your options:
Call your municipality to find out what the bylaws say and whether there is a municipal wildlife capture and removal service.
Call a pest control specialist (the recommended solution if the raccoon has got into your attic, for example). Many of them provide capture and relocation services; others will sell our rent you cages or traps. See our tips on how to choose an exterminator wisely.
Contact a wild animal shelter or rehabilitation centre, or a local humane society.
To learn more about raccoons
MINISTÈRE DE l'AGRICULTURE, DE l'ENVIRONNEMENT ET DES RESSOURCES NATURELLES
Bonnes pratiques à adopter en présence d’animaux sauvages (French only)
CANADIAN MUSEUM OF NATURE
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