 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Raccoons, or coons as they are sometimes called, get their name from the Algonquin Indian word "arakun" which means "he who scratches with his hands". They are commonly found in the southern 1/2 of the state and are present but less common north of highway 29. Raccoons are most fond of agricultural land and river bottoms and urban areas. Prairies, woodlands, and residential areas are also favored habitats. In residential areas where food is plentiful, there may be up to one animal per 12-20 acres. In more rural areas, the density drops to one raccoon per 30-40 acres.
These animals are robust with a broad head and pointed nose. Its distinctively ringed tail and black mask make it easy to identify. There is no fur on the soles of raccoon's feet and their forefeet resemble human hands in both appearance and dexterity. Adult raccoons weigh between 14-24 pounds but may reach as much as 40 pounds if well-fed.
Raccoons are nocturnal animals that become most active one hour before sunset and remain active until one hour after sunrise. During the day, raccoons rest in ground beds, hollow trees, rock crevices, burrows, caves, storm sewers, and buildings. Nesting sites change daily. During the winter, raccoons retire to winter dens but don't hibernate. On warmer days, they will emerge and forage for food. Raccoons in urban areas are likely to be more active in winter because they have a more reliable food source and better shelter options.
Female raccoons bear an average of four young in early spring. Within 2 months, the young raccoons begin to venture away from their den but typically remain with their mother for the first year.
Raccoons cause problems in residential areas when they rummage through trash containers looking for food or take up residence in buildings where they are unwanted. Droppings and residues in chimneys and attics are a big issue.
A careful vigil near dawn or dusk will likely result in the identification of the problematic raccoon.
Controlling raccoons is not difficult but requires some persistence. Live trapping is an easy method of controlling unwanted raccoons. Contact your local DNR office to find out about current regulations pertaining to nuisance raccoons. Live traps that are at least 32-42 inches long with a 10-12 inch by 12 inch entrance are necessary. Bait the trap with pet food, sardines, or table scraps. If there are roaming cats in the area, it=s best to use non-meat scraps such as marshmallows, sweet corn, watermelon, or breakfast cereals. Captured raccoons should be released at least 10 miles from where they were caught. Your DNR wildlife specialist will provide you with specific instructions on where you may release the animal in your area. Take care when handling captured raccoons, they bite hard and carry several diseases such as distemper, parvovirus, and roundworms that can be transmitted to humans.
Once the offending animal has been captured and removed from the area, you must take steps to prevent the problem from recurring. Hardware cloth stretched over any openings through which raccoons may enter the building will prevent the problem from recurring. Repairing broken windows and vents will also exclude raccoons as will installing chimney cap. Make sure all of the raccoons have left the den before implementing tactics to exclude them. One way to determine whether all raccoons have left is to lightly stuff the entrance with newspapers or rags. If the plug remains undisturbed for two or more days, it's probably safe to seal the entrance.
Keep trash containers tightly sealed or indoors until the day of scheduled trash pick up. Keep in mind that keeping trash containers near the building may also promote problems with yellow jackets and other insect pests so assess your situation carefully.
There are no predators of raccoons that will keep populations down.
There are no chemical poisons or repellents registered for use on raccoons. Ammonia and mothballs are not registered raccoon repellents and should not be used as such.
UWEX publication G3304 "The Raccoon" by Robert Bluett and Scott R. Craven, 4 pp.
