Are Raccoons Related to Cats or Dogs?

Posted on January 28, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

When you look at a raccoon, its features, characteristics, and behaviors might remind you of your beloved pet cat or dog. But which species of animal are raccoons more closely related to? The answer will certainly surprise you. Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about the Common raccoon, including which species they are most related to.

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Felines and Canines

Raccoons behave very similarly to dogs in that they sniff around, walk on all fours, and, although carnivorous, will eat almost anything you hand them. Also, raccoons are highly intelligent like dogs, which exhibit higher thinking and learning compared to cats. They even have snouts that look just like a dog’s muzzle. So, it seems like raccoons are a lot like dogs; right?

On the other hand, if you observe a raccoon, they appear very similar to a cat with their long flexible tails, skinny legs, small paws, sharp claws, and pointed ears. Furthermore, they are agile and nimble, and have sharp their teeth that resemble that of a cat’s. But regardless of what you see or assume, raccoons are not related to neither feline nor canine species.

Raccoons and Bears

Raccoons are actually related to bears! Not what you expected? Well, the truth is, bears are raccoons closest relative. Of course, the evolutionary tree split more than 40 million years ago, sending bears off on one side and raccoons off to the other, making them at best, distance cousins. But if you have ever heard of nuisance raccoons being referred to as “Trash Pandas”, although a bit derogatory and unfair, you can now understand just how accurate that moniker is. So, when it comes to dogs, cats, and raccoons, the only real scientific similarity is that they are all three part of the Carnivora order.

Pet Raccoons

Now that you know raccoons are not related to neither dogs nor cats, you can imagine that they are not recommended to take as pets. In fact, unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitation professional or organization, it is considered inhumane to keep a raccoon as a pet. Raccoons are wild animals who are literally tens of thousands of years from being a partially domesticated animal like cats and dogs. If you find a baby raccoon, it is important to leave it where it is and let nature takes its course. If the location of a baby or injured raccoon is obstructing the safety or function of your property, contact a local raccoon control company for 24 hour emergency raccoon removal service.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon removal services you can trust. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

How to Make a Safe Raccoon Repellent at Home

Posted on January 13, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

When it comes to our homes, we want nuisance wildlife to stay off our properties. But we don’t want is to harm animals in an attempt to keep them away. Here in lies the problem: some wild animals are just too smart for some of our standard tricks. For instance, raccoons. Raccoons are incredibly intelligent mammals that have terrific memories and agile abilities to climb, catch, and grasp. They have little dexterous fingers that can even open doors and latches! So how do you keep ambitious raccoons away?

Fortunately, there are several non-toxic, non-lethal, and perfectly-humane methods for keeping raccoons off your property. One of those methods is a simple, homemade raccoon repellent that you can make right from the comfort of your very own kitchen. And it is likely that you already have several of the ingredients since most are common household items.

Continue reading to learn how to make a safe, but effective raccoon repellent that you can scatter along the perimeter of your yard to keep raccoons away.

Gather Up Your Supplies

What You Will Need: Plastic spray bottle, fresh water, protective eye wear, kitchen gloves, and anything else to mark off the treated areas from children and pets.

Household Spices (1 or More): Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, fresh hot peppers (optional), jalapeño, habanero, serrano, etc.

Extracts (1 or More): Menthol, peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, etc.

These smells and sensations are something that raccoons hate, and they will stay far away from it at first whiff. So you are going to be making a solution that contains a selection of the household spices, extracts, and peppers listed above. You do not need to use all of them together. Simply select from one category, or combine all three for an extra-strength solution. You can put all of these items into an empty and clean plastic spray bottle, and administer it around the perimeter of your property.

Getting Started

Choose your ingredients, and combine them in your empty plastic spray bottle. You can purchase a spray bottle at any home improvement store for under $5, or you can clean out an old one.

If you are using fresh peppers, wear your protective gloves and dice them up. Then transfer them to a bowl and crush them with a spoon until the juices begin to flow. Then put the muddled peppers into your spray bottle. Be sure to wash your hands after you remove your gloves.

Once your ingredients are in the bottle, fill your bottle with clean tap water. Then attach the top securely.

Put on your protective eye wear to prevent getting the solution in your eyes as you spray. If it is a windy day, you should apply the repellent the next day.

Walk around the perimeter of your lawn and spray the solution generously. Be sure to avoid spraying areas where pets and children play.

If you have leftover, spray the solution in areas where you have actually seen raccoons. And then spray the bottom of your outdoor trash cans.

If your problem persists, contact a professional wildlife control company for safe and humane raccoon removal solutions.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon removal services today. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raccoons

Posted on December 10, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

If you have trees, water, or woods near your home, you most definitely have a nearby raccoon population. Here in Kentucky, raccoons are wide-spread among rural and urban regions and can be found living in all sorts of different habitats and locations. They are an incredibly intelligent and ambitious, giving them have excellent survival skills. If you believe raccoons could be a possible threat to your property, it may help to educate yourself on their species and how to control their nuisance activity.

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about raccoons and raccoon control.

What Does a Raccoon Eat?

Raccoons are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and produce. They also enjoy a diet of berries, acorns, mushrooms, and plant life. They generally dine on fish, small invertebrates, fruits, grubs, insects, vegetables, nuts, grains, and many other foods found in nature. If living nearby water, raccoons will almost always use this as their main source of food. Anything they can grab from the water is a treat, such as salmon, carp, bluegill, frogs, crabs, crayfish, mollusks, worms, and even snakes. They are also known to steal eggs from chicken coups, bird nests, and other hatching grounds. They can pick their own fruit and vegetables, skim through chicken houses and raid farm crops. Raccoons will even eat road-kill!

Do Raccoons Hibernate?

During winter in colder regions of the country, some raccoon species will partake in behaviors similar to hibernation, but not hibernation at all. They may take up and stay in their dens for several weeks at a time; sleeping or remaining stagnant, lowering their body temperatures and heart rates too. They may only venture out a few times a week to hunt for food and find water. This behavior is quite similar to an innate habit called torpor, and is what bears essentially do.

Do Raccoons Carry Diseases?

Raccoons are known carriers of several infectious diseases, viruses, and even parasites like lice, fleas, and mites. Not only can these diseases infect people if exposed, they can also threaten the well-being of our pets. Dogs, cats, and other small animals are at risk of contracted various illnesses and infections from wild raccoons. For this reason, pet vaccinations are vital. Rabies is a common disease contracted and spread by raccoons. Others include canine distemper, roundworm, and leptospirosis.

Will Raccoons Damage My Property?

Raccoons will damage your property, both inside and out depending on how much access they get. An indoor raccoons infestation can breed all sorts of bacteria and unhygienic conditions from leftover urine, droppings, and rotted food. It can also leave behind torn insulation, soiled floorboards, stained ceilings, lingering odors, and much more. Outside is not much different in terms of potential raccoon damage. They like to rip up lawns and garden beds in search of grubs and other invertebrates. They also like to nest under patios and porches, causing the same sort of interior structural damages mentioned before.

Can I Remove Raccoons Myself?

No; and in most states, it is illegal to do so without the proper licenses, permits, and equipment. For this reason, you must never attempt to provoke, touch, catch, trap, harm, or kill a raccoon under any circumstances. It is equally vital to never make a stray baby raccoon your pet. See our blog, “Can I Hunt Wild Raccoons in Kentucky?” to learn about the state laws surrounding raccoon trapping.

How Do I Get Rid of Raccoons in Louisville?

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon control in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding counties. Our DNR licensed and insured raccoon rescue contractors offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Important Facts About Raccoons and Roundworm

Posted on November 29, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

A raccoon could easily be considered one of the most commonly seen species of mammal in Indiana. This is because the state’s raccoon population is on the rise; and has been since the early 1940’s. Wild raccoons are a vital part of our natural environment and ecosystem; but should be admired from afar. Apart from their natural instinct to cause trouble and make messes, these mammals are common carriers of contagious diseases and illnesses, like Roundworm.

Continue reading to learn more about raccoons and roundworm, and how they can also put humans and pets at risk.

Baylisascaris Procyonis

The raccoon roundworm parasite is scientifically known as Baylisascaris Procyonis and is related to the canine roundworm species. This large-worm parasite is generally found in the small intestines and affects more than half the North American raccoon population. The mature form of the worm is not harmless to raccoons, but the larval stage can be deadly to humans and other animals. Once infected, there is no cure; which is why prevention, knowledge, and safety are key factors for protecting your family and pets against deadly parasites like roundworm and more.

A female roundworm can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs inside an adult raccoon per day! These eggs are subsequently shed in their fecal matter which is where one threat is commonly imposed. Ingesting this diseased matter can immediately infect a dog, cat, bird, or other small animal. This is another reason why pet vaccinations are so imperative for dog and cat owners. On the subject of ingestion, this parasitic infection can also be spread through contaminated soil, water, hands, feet, and even hair.

If the larva of a raccoon roundworm is ingested, the eggs immediately penetrate the walls of the small intestine, and head straight for the central nervous system. Depending on the amount of eggs ingested, the severity of the symptoms and condition will differ from case to case. The infection eventually causes blindness, paralysis, and neurological disease. It is an unforgiving fate for any mammal, including humans. If the illness is not fatal, it is highly debilitating and devastating.

Raccoon Roundworm Prevention

The best way to prevent the possibility of raccoon roundworm infection is to eliminate any potential raccoon colonies near your home or office. When it comes to residential neighborhoods, raccoons are attracted to yards with food and water sources. Things like dog and cat food, water bowls, trash cans, compost bins, kiddie pools, gardens will appeal raccoons on a nightly basis.

These are intelligent animals and can remember which houses have food and water, and which have shelter and other desirable qualities. It is recommended to remove trash, garbage cans, pet food, bird feeders, and other food sources from outdoor areas. Keeping these items behind closed doors will thwart raccoons from entering on your property.

If you find that you are experiencing a raccoon problem on your property, call your local animal control company for professional assistance. It is never necessary to kill raccoons, unless for food and hunting purposes. Be sure to use a trusted company that believes in safe and humane strategies for raccoon control and removal. Ask for references, licenses, and company background information to get a better idea about the company you intend to hire.

Who to Call for Louisville Raccoon Control

Call us today at 502-553-7622 for professional Louisville raccoon control services today. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

The Urgency of Emergency Raccoon Removal

Posted on November 19, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

If you are experiencing raccoon activity around your house, it is important to take action fast before the issue can get out of hand. Continue reading to learn why it is so vital to remedy a nuisance raccoon problem as soon as possible, and how to get started.

Raccoons Remember Everything and Stop at Nothing

As a naturally spirited and determined species, raccoons will stop at nothing to get something they want, including admittance into homes and buildings. Residential and commercial real estate are the most common targets, so if you have already noticed raccoon activity in or around your neighborhood, it is certainly something to be concerned about. You see, raccoons have excellent memory capabilities. This means it is very likely that they will continue to revisit your house night after night, if you have already spotted raccoons sniffing around your property. Until you intervene, nuisance raccoon activity only worsens as time goes on.

Raccoons are highly destruction to all interior and exterior areas of a property, including roofs, siding, decks, porches, garages, sheds, playsets, attics, gardens, lawns, and more. If they get inside, like in the attic, they will soil everything with their droppings, and create huge messes consisting of decaying food, nesting debris, and more. They will damage insulation, floorboards, electrical wiring, and anything else they can get their human-like paws on. Their amazing dexterity allows them to open windows, unlock doors, pry off shingles, and much more. To protect your property from raccoon damage, you must intervene as soon as you notice signs of tampering.

Common Signs of Raccoon Activity:

↬ Raccoon Droppings
↬ Raccoon Prints
↬ Strange Noises (Chatter, Scratching, Purring, Thumping, Etc.)
↬ Structural Damage
↬ Torn Insulation
↬ Stained Ceilings
↬ Rummaged Garbage Cans
↬ Pried Roof Shingles
↬ Disconnected Gutters
↬ Holes around the Exterior of The House
↬ Holes in Roof
↬ Lingering Indoor Odors
↬ Trash and Debris in Unoccupied Areas
↬ Nesting Evidence
↬ Missing or Rifled Pet Food
↬ Tampered Bird and Squirrel Feeder

Health and Safety Concerns

Raccoons are among the most destructive nuisance species around, as they are known to cause an extensive amount of interior and exterior damage. Not only are they unbelievably destructive, they are also known carriers of several infectious diseases, some of which can be fatal to pets, young children, and individuals with suppressed immunity. These diseases can range in severity, from lice and fleas, to Distemper, Roundworm, Leptospirosis, Rabies, and more.

Their potential for disruption, disease, and damage makes raccoons a triple threat to urban and suburban neighborhoods. Be sure to contact a licensed Kentucky raccoon removal and control expert for safe and non-lethal raccoon abatement you can trust. They can implement all sorts of proven strategies to animal-proof your home and surrounding property.

Non-Lethal, Humane Raccoon Control in Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for safe, non-lethal Louisville raccoon removal in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding counties. Our DNR licensed and insured raccoon rescue contractors offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Why You Need an Annual Raccoon Control Inspection Right Now

Posted on October 21, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

This time of year, the weather is changing, and many other aspects of nature are changing along with it. Leaves are turning color and dropping from canopies, bodies of water are getting cooler at pace with the climate, and as expected, animals of all species are preparing their winter homes. But of all the wildlife that burrows or hibernates for the winter season, raccoons are the species to be most concerned about, mostly because they are the most intelligent. That is why you need an annual raccoon control inspection, this very minute.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about raccoon control and annual inspections.

Raccoons are Too Smart and Too Ambitious

Raccoons are smart, and they have dexterous paws that allow them to pry, grasp, and manipulate the world around them. They are also incredibly motivated and ambitious, partly due to their innate curiosity, but also because of their will to survive. These characteristics and qualities put raccoons at the top of residential and commercial nuisance animal lists.

Right now, raccoons are doing their due diligence to scope and source out food, as well as, locate suitable shelter. One of the most common places raccoons like to take shelter for the winter is our very own homes; attics especially. Roofs, siding, soffits, and more are torn and ripped to gain access to areas of a home. Crawl spaces, garages, porches, and decks are additional areas of interest for raccoons.

Worst of all, raccoons are very destructive and pose several dangers to our health and safety. They will rummage through garbage, dig up lawns, clear out gardens, tear off roof shingles, pry open soffits, rip down attic insulation, soil ceilings and drywall, and much more. And to make matters worse, raccoons are common carriers of several infectious diseases. The extent of damage and danger they can cause is only limited by their ability to access non-permitted areas, like our homes and commercial properties.

Raccoon Control Inspections

These reasons and more are why it is time to have your home inspected for vulnerabilities, openings, and perhaps an existing infestation. A full-service raccoon control inspection will examine all interior and exterior areas of a home, and address any needs for sealing or repair. Furthermore, additional strategies are made to abate nuisance raccoon activity, such as environmental modifications and similar industry-proven strategies.

Raccoon Removal and Control Follow Up

Removing raccoons is the first step, but it is not the last. Once raccoons are gone, there is still a big mess to deal with afterwards. Droppings, urine, breeding fluids, rotted food, torn insulation, and soiled floorboards are common types of destruction leftover from a raccoon infestation. Not only do these damages reduce your property’s value, they also pose serious health and structural safety concerns. For this reason, it is imperative to authorize professional raccoon cleanup and damage repair immediately following extraction to return the inside of your property back into a safe environment.

Louisville Raccoon Control Services

Call 502-553-7622 if you are experiencing raccoon problems in Louisville, Kentucky. We offer residential and commercial raccoon control, as well as, raccoon removal, proofing and prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, raccoon cleanup, and much more. We may even be able to perform home owners’ insurance claim work. Request a free estimate or advice, anytime. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Why are Raccoons in Your Garbage?

Posted on September 12, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Are you outside refilling your trashcans because some pesky raccoons pillaged your garbage again last night? Well, there is a very good reason why this continues to happen. In fact, there are several. Read on to learn why you have raccoons in your garbage, and what you can do to put a stop to their nuisance behaviors.

▷ Raccoons are Omnivorous

Raccoons are omnivores, like us, which means they eat all food groups, including meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, legumes, and more. Informally, raccoons are what we call “opportunistic feeders”, which means they will basically eat anything, as well as, do whatever it takes to gain access to discovered food sources. This includes your garbage.

▷ Raccoons are Bad at Hunting

Although raccoons are incredibly intelligent mammals with excellent memory, dexterous paws, and excellent climbing abilities, they are actually very bad at hunting. So when they find a worthy and reliable food source, they stick with it for as long as they can, or until it is gone. When raccoons know your garbage cans are a free, nightly buffet, they will remember and revisit for as long as the garbage is there.

▷ Raccoons Can Open Lids

As mentioned, raccoons have dexterous paws and claws, which give them the ability to grasp, pull, and pry. So when you think your trashcans are safe because they have lids, think again. Raccoons can easily climb trashcans, open them up, and pull out as much garbage as they can reach. They can even open latches and locks, untie ropes, and achieve other simple feats that only require a little tampering.

What You Need to Do

All you have to do is stop leaving your garbage cans outside. Furthermore, wait to put your garbage cans at the curb for pickup on the morning of trash collection day. Raccoons are nocturnal, so you are handing over your trash by putting out your garbage the night before. If you must leave your trash receptacles outside, invest in some quality lid locks. You can find these at your local home improvement store or online.

Still Have Raccoon Activity Around the House?

If you are experiencing raccoon problems, let us help. We offer 24 hour raccoon removal, as well as, raccoon proofing and prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, raccoon cleanup, and much more. We are DNR licensed and insured, and provide both residential and commercial raccoon control services in Louisville, Kentucky and throughout its surrounding areas. Call us directly at 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or advice, today.

Should I Be Afraid of a Raccoon?

Posted on August 30, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

There are many things in life that people fear; heights, airplanes, broccoli. But raccoons? Should you be afraid of them? Continue reading to find out some facts that will help you decide their threat level.

Raccoon Control

Raccoons are awful cute for a nuisance pest. But the reality is, having raccoons around is not a good thing. Although they have their own place in the Eco-system, they are not a welcomed presence on our properties. Raccoons can be incredibly destructive; not just to the exterior of a property, but also to the inside if they are able to gain access. So when it comes to spotting raccoons on your property, you should be concerned of their potential impact. To abate nuisance raccoon activity around your property, you will need professional Louisville raccoon control services.

As for raccoons being a physical threat, you should be afraid. Raccoons are common carriers of several communicable diseases, which can be transmitted through blood, feces, or urine. Common diseases include Rabies, Leptospirosis, distemper, mange, roundworm, and more. Raccoons can also spread lice, mites, ticks, and other parasites which can be passed on to both people and pets.

What To Do if You See a Raccoon

Raccoons are not likely to attack a person or pet unless they are provoked. So simply seeing a raccoon in your yard or on your patio is not an immediate threat. However, you should still keep your distance. Keep all pets inside as well. The rule of thumb is to never, under any circumstances, attempt to approach, touch, trap, harm, or kill a raccoon. Instead, just wait for them to go away. If they are still there after some time, you can try to scare them off with loud noises from the window.

Louisville Raccoon Removal

When all else fails, you need professional intervention. Call 502-553-7622 if you are experiencing ongoing raccoon problems in Louisville, Kentucky and throughout its surrounding areas. We are DNR licensed and insured, and provide both residential and commercial raccoon control services. We offer 24 hour raccoon removal, as well as, raccoon control, proofing, prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, cleanup, and much more.

How to Stop Raccoons From Harming Your Property

Posted on August 12, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Wild raccoons can pose a threat to humans and pets if paths are crossed at the wrong times. This is because raccoons, along with other wild animals, can carry infectious diseases. These diseases and infections can be quickly passed along through a possible bite, scratch, or attack. A raccoon will attack out of self-defense or to protect it’s young. Even if raccoon bites and confrontation are avoided, there are other ways raccoons can be dangerous for us and our pets.

You see, raccoon urine and droppings can also carry infections and bacteria that are harmful if accidentally or unknowingly ingested. Dogs and cats are known to track traces of raccoon droppings into the house where it can come in contact with everyone and spread quickly among the family. Illnesses such as roundworm, Rabies, Leptospirosis, and more are commonly spread by raccoons. So how can you protect your home from wild raccoons and avoid potential dangers?

Continue reading and learn some simple and full-proof methods to protecting your home from raccoons and other wild animals.

Raccoon Prevention 101

There are several quick tips on how to stop raccoons from entering your property. Things like everyday chores, pet care routines, and simple handy work can all be a good place to start making changes. For example, one way to keep raccoons away from your property is to thwart their desire to come in the first place. This means stop doing things that make raccoons interesting in visiting your house. Don’t leave garbage cans outside and easily accessible to raccoons. They are scavengers at heart and can smell food scraps from miles away.

If you are in the habit of taking your garbage out the night before trash day, it is good idea to stop. Raccoons will come and they will remember your home as a dependable source of food; so they will return night after night seeking more opportunities you are giving away. Leaving pet food dishes outdoors is like feeding raccoons directly, night after night. Raccoons love the taste of pet food and will come back every night for it. It is always recommended to leave pet food inside in a secure place.

Another factor that attracts raccoons to residential areas is shelter availability. Loose shingles in the roof, cracks in the attic window seals, and unlocked sheds or garages become a raccoon colonies dream come true in poor weather. They will seek out warm shelter anywhere around their food sources. This means your house. To prevent raccoons from squeezing their way inside your home, take out the old tool belt and implement a little home maintenance. Secure locks, seal windows, fix any loose roof shingles, and more. This can help protect your home and keep raccoons away for good.

The best way to prevent raccoons from entering your property is to make sure they do not already have access inside. Call a professional raccoon control company to inspect your property for signs of raccoon infestations and damages. The sooner you find raccoon problems, the less expensive and extensive the damages and repairs will be. A professional can also facilitate proper raccoon-proofing strategies that will eliminate raccoon invasions altogether.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon removal and control services you can trust. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Educational Facts About the Common Raccoon

Posted on July 30, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Use these fun and interesting facts to educate kids about the most well-known, native raccoon species in North America; the Common Raccoon!

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control Services — Raccoon is a medium-sized mammal native to North America.

Fun Facts About the Procyon Lotor!

The Common Raccoon is scientifically called Procyon Lotor. Other nicknames include the North American Raccoon, Northern Raccoon, or just Coon. They are the largest animal in the Procyonid family.

Raccoon homes are called dens. Raccoons dwell in their raccoon dens, often times being a hollow log, an empty burrow, or a hole in a tree. This is where they breed and sleep, as well as hibernate. Yes, raccoons hibernate during cold seasons.

Raccoons hibernate. As revealed before, raccoons hibernate in their dens during harsh or cold times. Their hibernation periods, however, only last a few weeks, rather than the entire season. Before hibernation periods, raccoons will build up calories and layers of fat to keep them warm and satisfied during hibernating times.

Raccoons have predators. Although raccoons are among some of the cleverest creatures in the wild, they still have other animals hunting them and marking them as food. Such predators are cougars, coyotes, bobcats, and even domesticated dogs. Most residential raccoons, however, meet their demise on busy roads and highways rather than dogs.

There are 6 Species of Raccoons in the U.S. Most people are unaware that there are different types of raccoon species. It is interesting that there are a variety of raccoons specific to their environments. The six species are the Hilton Head Island raccoon, the Chesapeake Bay Raccoon, the Eastern raccoon, the Florida Raccoon, the Matecumbe Bay Raccoon, and the Alabama Raccoon. In the world there are millions of raccoon species.

No person has ever been infected with rabies from a raccoon. There is no documented case of anyone ever becoming infected with rabies from a raccoon bite. Stereotypes, movies, and stories about vicious raccoons attacking people while foaming at the mouth has given raccoons a bad reputation. The truth is, raccoons are not afraid of people, but they do not trust them. They avoid human contact as much as they can. If it is provoked, there is a chance a raccoon can attack in attempt to defend themselves or their litters. It is best not to disturb a raccoon if you ever come across one.

Raccoons are diurnal. This means they can make their homes above ground, below ground, or in trees. Raccoons prefer to not dig their own homes if living under ground; instead, they use abandoned burrows that other animals had dug before.

Raccoons are known as pests in neighborhoods and cities. To reduce nuisance raccoon activity, it is strongly encouraged to seek professional assistance from a Kentucky wildlife removal company. Never attempt to tamper with raccoons on your own. See our blog, “Can I Hunt Wild Raccoons in Kentucky?” to learn the laws that govern wildlife trapping in our state.