Raccoons - Cute but pesky

If you're a country dweller you may find yourself battling with raccoons

They're common throughout North America - native to the continent but as a result of escapes and deliberate introductions in the last century, they're now also distributed across the European mainland, the Caucasus region, and Japan.

Cute little devils

The most striking physical feature of the raccoon is the black fur around its eyes which contrasts sharply with the surrounding face coloring. This is reminiscent of a bandit's mask and this may have enhanced the animal's reputation for mischief - although their behavior probably has more to do with it.

They're also known for the dark rings on the tail (made famous by the Davey Crockett coonskin hats of the 1950s).

Raccoons are omnivorous and usually nocturnal. They are ingenious little creatures and have been known to open doors, garbage cans, and undo latches. In tests, raccoons were able to figure out how to open complex locks and had no problems repeating the action when the locks were rearranged or turned upside down. Apparently they can remember the solution to tasks for up to three years.

Because they are so so gosh darn cute looking, some people are tempted to feed them. Once they associate your place with food, you will have a very hard time getting rid of them.They will overturn garbage cans and raid fruit trees. They are also attracted to pet food left outdoors and will attack pets.They don't usually prey on domestic cats and dogs, but some cases have been reported.

In the country, coons may help themselves to farm crops or raid chicken coops. They will typically attacks birds by biting the head or upper neck area. They may even bite the head of adult bird off and discard it. They have been known to mutilate poultry in cages by pulling heads or legs off. Several kills may be made during a single night raid with part of one or more carcasses fed upon.

Raccoons are also serious predators of wild bird populations. Reports indicate that in some cases raccoons have been responsible for eliminating local populations of nesting waterfowl.

In urban areas, they can cause damage to buildings (particularly attics and roofs), gardens, fruit trees, lawns, garbage cans, and other trash containers.

There's no doubt about it - these cute little devils can cause a lot of damage!

Controlling coons on your property

If you have a raccoon problem, here are the things you need to do:

• Keep tight fitting lids on garbage cans or better yet, keep covered garbage cans in the garage or shed
• Feed pets indoors. If you feed them outdoors, do so during daylight hours and clean up any leftovers right away
• Pets' water bowls should be emptied or taken in at night
• Harvest your garden frequently so there isn't a lot of ripe food sitting for the taking
• Pick up fruit lying on the ground that has fallen from the trees
• Cover vents with slotted metal vent covers or screening
• Secure pet doors at night
• Trim tree branches 10 feet from roof to prevent easy access to attic or roof
• Keep poultry in predator-proof sheds or houses

Raccoons sometimes make a home under a low deck. Here's a solution I found at Holoweb

"They may be excluded by using 1/4 inch grid screening or solid metal flashing. Trench around the perimeter of the deck a minimum of 12 inches deep, insert the screening in trench and backfill. Attach the top of the screening to the facade of the deck with nails or fence post staples. Before completing the final seal on the last entry point, it is wise to make sure no animals are trapped inside. On the night before completing repairs, sprinkle flour in the entrance hole and check for tracks the following morning. If no tracks are evident for 3 consecutive nights, no animals are likely to be present. You may wish to make a temporary one-way exit using 1/4 inch grid screening. Form the screening into a cone or funnel shape that will permit animals to leave but not re-enter. The large end should be sized to encircle the entry hole and be attached over the hole to the facade of the deck or building with nails or fence post staples. The small end should face away from the house and be 4 - 6 inches in diameter."

If you have so many raccoons on your property that they have become a serious pest rather than just a nuisance, you will have to take more drastic steps. In rural areas, they may be trapped or shot but check out the bylaws in your area first. A trapping license or permit or hunting license may be required before taking any animals.

Do you have a coon story to share?

Send it our way.