Raccoons - A Common Urban Wildlife Species
walk. Raccoons are nocturnal animals. They roam both on the ground and in tree tops from sunset to sunrise. Daylight hours are spent resting. Coons can be noisy animals. The sounds vary from screeches and squalls to the soft, churring sound of the mother calling her kits. Coons often growl when cornered or challenged. Since raccoons are primarily nocturnal, it is difficult to know if they live within a particular area. Two main evidences indicate the presence of raccoons. The first is their scat (body waste) and the second is their tracks. Raccoons use specific locations in their territory for defecation (elimination of body wastes). The tracks are distinctive since the front foot track looks like a human hand and the hind foot track looks like a miniature human footprint.
Raccoons and Humans. Raccoons help humans when they eat mice, moles, and baby rabbits. Some plants such as raspberries and blackberries rely on animals such as raccoons for seed dispersal. Seeds remain undigested as they pass through the raccoon's body and are deposited on the ground at a distance from the parent plant. Hunters enjoy chasing raccoons with dogs. Their fur is used for coats or fur trims. Many like raccoon meat.
Raccoons can be destructive in waterfowl breeding areas because they eat the eggs and young hatchlings. However, the most common problem in the city is their eating corn and vegetable from our gardens. They may investigate open garages and jump out at people putting trash in community dumpsters. Here are some good suggestions for solving raccoon problems.
Most city dwellers seldom see the raccoon because they are night roaming animals. However, as with any kind of wildlife, if it appears tame - stay away because it may have rabies. Children should always be taught not to touch "tame" animals in the yard. If you have a pest raccoon, check out this site to learn some ways to control the problem.
Suggested web resources on raccoons:
Some people actually want to attract raccoons to their yard (I assume they don't have gardens that get destroyed). If you are one of these people, please check out the The World Wide Raccoon Web for pictures and detailed information. NOTE: I do not encourage anyone to consider adopting a raccoon as a pet - orphaned or not.
Pictures of raccoons being fed.
Pictures (slow loading).
Suggestions on keeping raccoons from moving into your home/yard.
Until next week, good gardening to you!
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