Raccoon Control
RACCOONS
Identification and Description Exceedingly intelligent and clever animals, raccoons are known to be mischievous and eat nearly anything. Often referred to as coons, they are stocky mammals about 2 or 3 feet in length, and they weigh between 10 to 30 pounds (although there are some reported cases of raccoons growing to be as much as 40 or 50 pounds). Marked with a distinctive heavily furred, ringed tail and a dark mask over the eyes, raccoons are typically salt-and-pepper gray, though there are some that are actually yellow.
With the exception of specific areas in the Southwest and higher elevations in the mountainous regions, raccoons are prevalent all over the U.S.. They prefer to make their homes in hardwood forests, especially those nearby bodies of water, however raccoons are highly adaptable and also can be seen in human living areas like suburban neighborhoods, gardens, farms, and orchards. They create nests and dens in barns, abandoned buildings, hollow trees, haystacks and rock crevices.
Since they are principally active at night, raccoons are often present in an area for some time prior to being detected. Without proper knowledge about their feeding tendencies and damage potential, raccoon control may be rather difficult.
Feeding Tendencies and Diet
Since raccoons are omnivorous, they acclimate to places where access to food is readily available. When they start to come into human territory, they gravitate toward areas where there is garbage or pet food left outside. They've been known to eat chickens, ducks and other birds when they are accessible, along with their eggs. In farming and gardening regions, raccoons feed on produce like watermelon, corn, vegetables, and backyard nuts.
Damage Possibilities
Raccoons can become a problem and create damage in various ways. While it is true it is possible that they will go undetected for periods of time, they can be pretty easy to identify once tracks are observed. Raccoon damage can be extensive, and if it's left untreated, can be pricey. As compared to damage that they will do to a home or building, garden damage is rather minor, even though they will look for earth worms and grubs by actually rolling up sod that is freshly laid.
When they are hunting for den sites, mother raccoons can take off heating and air conditioning ducts and shingles to uncover shelter in an crawl space or attic. Raccoons frequently look for refuge and shelter in homes and businesses particularly in attics or chimneys and in areas where a garbage can be raided for food. In suburban and urban areas, raccoons adapt to make chimneys sufficient substitutes for more traditional hollow trees. When the animals start using certain areas in a building as a bathroom, the ceiling below will sometimes hold a displeasing odor and become stained.
Recently identified as a major host for rabies in wildlife, reports of diseased animals have gone up dramatically over the past 30 years. A lot of the rise in reports is directly related to a broadening of raccoon populations in the eastern U.S..
When raccoon populations become a problem where you live, it is crucial that professionals are located that are educated and capable in safely removing them. Take a look at http://www.birdandanimalcontrol.com for assistance in finding a company that will handle your animal control problem and raccoon removal in a humanitarian and efficient manner.
About the Author: Evelyn is a writer for http://www.birdandanimalcontrol.com that researches and writes about animal removal and control. Find tips and information about raccoon removal, as well as feeding tendencies and identification.
More articles by gmsarticles@dsbrandley.com
Print Article | Download PDF | 135 views | Mar 23 2007
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