Tag Archives: raccoon facts

Funny Facts About Raccoons

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There are so many interesting and even silly facts about the common mammal we know as the raccoon. Raccoons are very intelligent and come in various different shapes, sizes, colors, and species. There is lots to learn about raccoons, and the learning process is so much fun! Continue reading to learn more about wild raccoons, and the funny facts that make them so interesting to learn about.

Raccoon “Bandits” Mask

All raccoons have a black, or dark colored, mask that surrounds their eyes and temporal areas. This mask is so close in appearance to a robber or bandit’s mask, it has been referred to as this many times over. Although this is common knowledge to most, not many people know why raccoons are born with this “mask-like” strip of fur around their eyes. The reason is better night vision! The black mask enhances a raccoon’s vision at night.

Tree Climbing Ability

Raccoons climb trees very well, but for an animal of their size, this is quite unusual. The reason this is all possible is because raccoons retain the mind-boggling ability to rotate their hind legs! This amazing ability allows them to find protection from larger animals and prey on food easier.

An Incredible Sense of Touch

Raccoons retain explosive dexterity in their paws and claws. It can almost be compared to that of a human hand! Not only does this also aid in their impressive climbing ability, it also allows them to maneuver food, build dens, carry items, pry things open, and much more. These paws also have an incredible sense of touch. With a simple touch, raccoons can sense their surroundings.

Auditory Range and Hunting

Their dexterous paws allow raccoons to capture and handle their prey better than other mammals, but their auditory range plays a huge role in their hunting abilities. Because raccoons can hear sounds as low as 50 KHZ, they can easily hunt insects and small prey in the dead of night and darkness.

Raccoon for Dinner

Keep in mind that it requires a licensed and permit to kill, trap, or hunt wild raccoons; and raccoons should never be harmed, hurt, or tortured. In American, raccoons are not considered a tasty treat, but are often hunted or bred for their fantastic fur. But in some cultures, like that of some North American Indian tribes, barbequed raccoon is considered an elegant and exotic delicacy. What an interesting piece of knowledge!

Raccoon Removal Louisville Kentucky

Call our raccoon removal and control contractors at 502-553-7622 for more information about wild raccoons and raccoon prevention in Louisville, Kentucky. Our DNR licensed and insured wildlife control specialists provide prompt and professional raccoon removal, clean up, inspections, prevention, and more, all at the most competitive prices in town! When you need fast, reliable, and affordable raccoon removal in Louisville, KY, trust our DNR licensed contractors for safe, non-lethal service you can count on day or night.

Interesting Raccoon Facts and Fun Trivia!

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There are so many interesting and fun facts about wild raccoons and their young. As a nature lover, it is only expected to be an admirer of such evolved, intelligent, and thrifty critters. Their capabilities truly set them apart from the other species of animal that share their natural habitats. To learn more interesting and exciting information about the common raccoon, continue reading and indulge yourself in useful raccoon trivia, truths, and facts!

Let’s Get Started!

What is the Scientific Name for a Wild Raccoon?

Raccoons are scientifically referred to as Procyon Lotor. This is a Latin term that loosely translates into “washer dog”. This could be because raccoons use their hands to “wash or rinse” their food in water before consuming it. Although it is not proven that this is the reason why raccoons douse their food before eating it, it has been a source for naming the species over the ages. It dates back to old Native American slang that describes raccoons as “ones who rubs and scratches with its hands”.

What Do Raccoons Eat?

The diets for wild raccoons in nature differ from the diets of raccoons living in urban and metropolitan areas. Raccoons in nature tend to feed mostly on fish, amphibians, insects, worms, invertebrates, bird eggs, and plant material. They are excellent at fishing but will eat anything that is easily attainable and tasty. In comparison, wild raccoons in suburban territories have become accustomed to a different palette of food. Raccoons have become experts at surviving in residential and urban areas following commercial development and construction. They like to rummage through trash cans and dumpsters for scraps of food; as well as, steal outdoor pet food, garage inventories, and more. They have become very good at these tasks that have proven well for survival.

How Long to Raccoons Live?

Raccoons are meant to live full lives up to twenty or more years; however, this mostly depends on their environment, territory, and plain luck. Because raccoons are known as pests in residential and commercial neighborhoods, they can be the target of inhumane animal trapping and hunting. This can certainly take off a few years of their life. Also, environmental conditions can influence the life expectancy of a wild raccoon. Available food sources, weather, and more can all determine how long a raccoon can survive in the wild.

Some people are raccoon pet owners who have successfully domesticated raccoons. These “pet” raccoons can live up to 20 or 30 years in captivity. When considering all the environmental and influential elements that raccoons can face, on average they live to be about two or three years old; however, in the wild, this number can more than double depending on nearby predators and other threats.

Raccoon Removal Louisville

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional raccoon removal in Louisville, Kentucky. With more than 20 years of experience, our technicians can provide a wide range of raccoon control services for all situations and properties. We are DNR licensed and insured, and committed to safe and humane raccoon removal and control. If you need Louisville raccoon control services for your residential or commercial property, call our office today at 502-553-7622 and get a free estimate in a matter of minutes!

Kentucky Trapping Rules for Raccoons

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Raccoons are smart, agile, and interesting mammals. Although generally woodland and forest dwellers in this region of the country, wild raccoons are becoming more and more comfortable living among humans in urban, city, and rural areas. They have come to learn overtime that these areas offer plentiful sources of food and shelter. For this reason, raccoons have become more of a nuisance wildlife problem for home and property owners.

Raccoons cause structural damages to lawns and properties, and pose health risks for humans and pets. They are not a welcome visitor and for good reason. Not only can raccoons carry deadly and infectious diseases that can be transmitted to other mammals, they can attack or leave behind massive and costly messes in attics, sheds, garages, porches, crawl spaces, and more.

Furbearers in Kentucky

In Kentucky, raccoons are classified as “furbearers.” Under state law, if wild raccoons are damaging or harming a property, landowners or their tenants have the legal right to trap or take them at any time. Outside of one’s property, Hoosiers can obtain a hunting or trapping license and take raccoons during the appropriate season. This goes for all furbearers, including foxes, coyotes, skunks, beavers, opossum, muskrats, mink, and weasels.

The law mandates that all trapped furbearers must be relocated within the same county, or euthanized. A person cannot relocate and release a trapped raccoon on another person’s property without the permission of the actual property owner. It also decrees that any tenant or property owner that traps and relocates or euthanizes a wild raccoon for these reasons is legally obligated to report this catch to the Kentucky Department of Natural Resources (KDNR) within 72 hours of trapping.

If you have nuisance raccoons on your property, or somewhere within, call a licensed Louisville raccoon control service for safe and humane assistance.

Louisville Raccoon Removal

Call Louisville Raccoon Removal at 502-553-7622 for prompt and humane service you can trust. We are DNR licensed raccoon control contractors with decades of experience in the wildlife rescue and control industry. We offer a wide range of services, for both residential and commercial properties, all at the most competitive prices in town. Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane raccoon removal services in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Raccoon Trivia for Nature Lovers

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Are you a school student learning about common forest creatures like the wild raccoon? Or perhaps you are a concerned homeowner with a nuisance raccoon issue on your hands? Either way, you are in for some fun! Continue reading to test how much knowledge you have about raccoons, as well as, learn some facts about them that may be helpful in your situation.

Beginner Level Raccoon Trivia Questions

Are Raccoons Diurnal or Nocturnal Mammals?

Answer: NOCTURNAL

Raccoons are mammals that sleep during the daytime and become active at night. This is the meaning of “nocturnal”, referring to being active at nighttime. Raccoons forage and feed in the night, and sleep during day light hours. Spotting a raccoon during the day time could indicate that the animal is sick, delusional, or a lost pup. It is always advised to steer clear of wild animals, and contact a professional raccoon control company for help.

Are Raccoons Omnivores, Herbivores, or Cannibals?

Answer: OMNIVORES

Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat, rely on, and enjoy a variety of food sources. They consume insects, small invertebrates, (i.e. frogs and crayfish); as well as, fruits, nuts, plants, eggs, and even small rodents.

What is the Most Recognizable Feature of a Wild Raccoon?

Answer: MASK-LIKE BLACK STRIP ACROSS THEIR EYES

Raccoons are commonly identified and distinguished by their black “bandit-like” strip of fur across their eyes and face. All raccoons have some degree of this feature, easily setting them apart from other forest and woodland creatures. They also have long bushy tails and blackish-gray fur covering their bodies. There are various types of raccoon species across the world, but in Indiana, the grayish-black striped raccoon is the most common.

Expert Level Raccoon Trivia Questions

What is the Gestational Period for a Wild Raccoon?

Answer: 65 DAYS (AROUND TWO MONTHS)

Mother raccoons, on average, give birth to anywhere from three to five baby raccoons in one gestational period. Baby raccoons are called “kits”, and are usually born in the spring time. Their black “bandit-like” mask is already identifiable at birth!

What is the Scientific Species Name for a Raccoon?

Answer: PROCYON LOTOR

Raccoons are categorized as part of the Mammalia class, Carnivora order, Procyonidae family, and the Procyon genus. They are medium sized mammals with dense furry coats and long bushy tails. They live in forested and wooded areas, feeding on invertebrates, insects, small rodents, fruits, nuts, and plant life. They typically survive around two to three years in the wild; however, in captivity, raccoons can live up to 20 years or more!

What Diseases Can Be Contracted From a Sick Raccoon?

Answer: RABIES, HISTOPLASMOSIS, LEPTOSPIROSIS, SALMONELLA, TICKS, LICE, ROUNDWORM, AND MORE

Raccoons are common carriers of many infectious diseases that can negatively affect the health of humans and other animals. Pets and children are at high risk of raccoon attacks because they are the most curious and naive. Raccoon bites are common in residential neighborhoods, especially near public parks and playgrounds. Although raccoons are nocturnal, they frequently cross paths with kids, pets, and adults time and again. Diseases such as Rabies, Histoplasmosis, and Salmonella are dangerous illnesses that can be life threatening if left untreated. Less serious but still undesirable ailments include ticks, fleas, lice, and roundworm.

For more information about raccoons, call Louisville Raccoon Removal in Kentucky at 502-553-7622 today. Our professionals can provide accurate and trustworthy information about raccoon control and more in Louisville, KY. Visit our website at http://www.raccoonremovallouisvilleky.com for details about our services and company background. Our raccoon control techs are highly trained and licensed specialists with decades of experience in the animal control industry. We offer free estimates, DIY advice, discounts, coupons, and more! Call 502-553-7622 for raccoon removal advice and information in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding areas.

Questions and Answers about Wild Raccoons

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There are so many facts to know about wild raccoons; some fascinating, while others, precautionary. Wild raccoons are animals that are meant to be admired from afar. It can be fun learning new things about raccoons because they are interesting creatures; however, it is also important to know the rules of safety concerning raccoons in or around your property. Continue reading to get answers to a variety of common wild raccoon questions.

Are Raccoons Dangerous?

The short answer is yes. Raccoons are wild animals, and their behavior and reaction to humans cannot be predicted. Although raccoons are not common aggressors, they can attack a person if they feel threatened. Raccoons also have large canine teeth that can pierce the skin if they bite; and their bite could transmit any infectious diseases they may be carrying. Raccoons have a Rabies stigma attached to them, but the truth is that they can carry a multitude of other harmful diseases, just like any other wild animal can. It is best to keep your distance from a raccoon if you ever see one in the wild. If it is daytime and you spot a raccoon, this is a bad sign. Raccoons are nocturnal, so if one is seen during the daytime, it could mean they are sick or disoriented. There are several ways to get rid of raccoons if you fear they may harm your outdoor pets or property. Simply call a local raccoon removal company for advice and assistance.

Can I Shoot a Raccoon in My Yard?

There is really not a yes answer to this question, simply because it differs legally state to state. Also, it is never recommended to shoot and kill a wild animal unless it is the appropriate hunting season and the carcass will be used for food and other beneficial commodities. If you are experiencing a raccoon problem, notify a raccoon control specialist in your area. They can set up safe and humane trap to get rid of raccoons around your property, as well as, implement raccoon prevention strategies to thwart their return. If you are concerned about spending money on raccoon control services, and prefer to do it on your own, it is highly recommended to still consult a professional for free advice and assistance.

Miscellaneous Answers to Raccoon Questions

Raccoons are nocturnal, as mentioned before. This means they are active at night and sleep during the day. Their diet consists of small invertebrates, insects, vertebrates, and plants; so they are called omnivores. They have exceptional climbing skills and hyper-sensitive feeling in their paws. Raccoons are considered highly intelligent animals with high survival skills.

For more information about wild raccoons, contact our raccoon control specialists at 502-553-7622 in Louisville, Kentucky. We are a fully insured raccoon removal and control company that has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. We provide a wide range of services, such as raccoon removal, prevention, cleanup, advice, general information about raccoons, free estimates, and more! You may also visit our website at http://www.raccoonremovallouisvilleky.com or call us to learn more about raccoons in Louisville, KY.