Funny Facts About Raccoons

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.

When is a Rabies Vaccination Necessary for Humans?

Rabies vaccines are common occurrences for domesticated pets like dogs and cats. But rabies vaccines are also important for humans as well. As for humans, rabies vaccines are meant to protect anyone who is at risk to contracting the virus. Even after exposure, a rabies vaccination can be given to a human for added assurance and protection. Continue reading and learn who in particular should be getting rabies vaccinations and why.

Rabies Vaccines

One interesting fact about rabies vaccines is that they are actually made from exterminated rabies virus. But, not to worry, they cannot cause a person or animal to contract rabies. Rabies vaccinations for children and adults are inexpensive and can be outsourced at any local clinic or medical office. Families can also contact passport health clinics and speak with health travel medical specialists about receiving vaccinations for the rabies virus. Here is a list of people and circumstances that would require a rabies vaccination:

Vocational Circumstances:

• Spelunkers and Cave Explorers
• Veterinarians
• Animal Handlers
• Animal Control Personnel
• Rabies Laboratory Staff
• Rabies Biologic Production Personnel
• Zoo Keepers
• Exotic Pet Breeders

Situational Circumstances

• Frequent International Traveling
• Traveling to 3rd World Country
• Bitten By Potentially Rabid Animal
• Potential Exposure

Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccination Schedule

• Three Doses Total
• 2nd Dose Administered 7 Days Following First Dose
• 3rd Dose Administered 21-28 Days Following First Dose

Post-Exposure Rabies Vaccination Schedule

• Four Doses Total Plus One Additional Shot
• 2nd Dose Administered 3 Days Following First Dose
• 3rd Dose Administered 7 Days Following First Dose
• 4th Dose Administered 14 Days Following First Dose
• Additional Shot of Rabies Immune Globulin with First Dose

Post-Exposure Rabies Vaccination Schedule for Someone Previously Vaccinated

• Two Doses Total
• 2nd Dose Administered 3 Days Following First Dose
• Rabies Immune Globulin Dose Not Necessary

To best avoid potential exposure to the rabies virus, it is important to avoid contact with wild animals. This includes injured or orphaned ones. If you have raccoons on your property, contact a local animal control service to have them safely and humanely removed.

Raccoon Removal Louisville Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for professional raccoon removal in Louisville, Kentucky. Our DNR licensed raccoon control contractors are highly trained and retain all the latest technologies and resources to safely and humanely extract raccoons from your property and relocate them to a faraway habitat. We offer free estimates, information, and advice, as well as, residential raccoon control and commercial raccoon control services. Call 502-553-7622 for raccoon removal and control services in Louisville, KY and its surrounding areas.

Do Raccoons Hibernate?

Before asking ourselves if raccoons hibernate or not, let’s discuss what hibernation actually means and what it entails. When a mammal hibernates, they go into a deep sleep for the duration of winter and cold months. During this time, their body temperature drops and physical activity comes to a stop; lowering their heart rates and preserving energy. When comparing this behavior with the habits of the raccoon species, you will see that they do not actually hibernate. Instead, raccoons show signs of lethargy or torpor during colder seasons.

Raccoon Hibernation

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 is similar to a habit called torpor, and is what bears essentially do.

In milder regions of the country that still experience snow and winter months, raccoons will also seek shelter for extended periods of time. Local or urban raccoons will seek out shelter in residential or commercial properties, while raccoons in nature will find dens or burrows to live in. They come out a few times a day or week to find food and water, because without food, they can lose up to half of their body weight in a winter’s time. This is why raccoons eat a larger amount of food in late summer and throughout fall. They do this to store body fat as protection against harsh elements and scarce food sources in the winter.

Raccoons in the winter are common nuisances to home and property owners located near wooded areas. This is because raccoons use vacant buildings, attics, sheds, crawl spaces, garages, porches, and more as shelter during harsh winter climates. If raccoons cannot find a hollow tree, log, or old animal burrow, they will search for warmth and protection in our homes! This is where a licensed Louisville raccoon removal specialists can help. They retain the proper tools, resources, and training to safely and humanely remove raccoons and prevent them from coming back.

Raccoon Removal Louisville Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt raccoon removal in Louisville, Kentucky today. We are highly trained and DNR licensed raccoon removal specialists with decades of experience in the wildlife rescue and control industry. We provide a wide range of raccoon control services for residential and commercial properties in Kentucky. We offer free estimate, 24 emergency services, and the most competitive prices in town! Call 502-553-7622 for licensed and insured raccoon removal services in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties today.