The Complex Life of Neighborhood Raccoons

Raccoons are a common sight in many neighborhoods, both urban and suburban. These nocturnal creatures have an uncanny ability to adapt to various environments, making them an intriguing yet often troublesome presence. While you may find them rummaging through your trash cans or crossing your yard, their activities are not random. These animals are highly intelligent, equipped with problem-solving skills and memory abilities that allow them to navigate the world around them. This intelligence can pose challenges for homeowners, often requiring the specialized skills of a wildlife removal company to manage effectively.

Understanding Their Behavior

Raccoons are complex animals with behaviors that change based on where they live and what resources are available to them. Understanding their behavior helps us grasp why they act the way they do and how we might manage their presence effectively.

In the wild, they are accustomed to forested areas near water. They look for food in streams and lakes, and they build dens in hollow trees or logs. However, their adaptable nature has allowed them to thrive in urban environments as well. Cities provide ample sources of food, such as trash cans and dumpsters, and many hiding places like attics or under decks.

They are generally considered to be nocturnal animals, active mostly at night, their behavior can change based on their needs. For example, a mother with young cubs may forage during the day when predators are less active. However, in urban settings where food is abundant, they usually stick to a nocturnal schedule to avoid human activity.

Raccoons have a social structure that varies based on their environment. In the wild, males may have a territory that overlaps with those of several females, but they usually avoid other males. In urban settings, raccoons are often more tolerant of each other due to abundant resources. They might even form loose groups to forage together, especially in colder months.

Intelligence: What Does The Science Say?

When it comes to animal intelligence, raccoons stand out for their remarkable abilities. Scientists have been fascinated by these creatures and have conducted various studies to understand the extent of their intelligence.

One of the most striking aspects of intelligence is their ability to solve problems. In controlled experiments, they have been shown to figure out how to open latches, turn knobs, and even untie knots to get to food. Their nimble paws function almost like human hands, allowing them to manipulate objects with skill. These problem-solving abilities have direct implications when it comes to securing your home from these curious invaders. 

They are not only intelligent but are also highly adaptable. They can quickly learn to navigate new environments, whether it's a bustling city or a quiet forest. Studies have shown that individuals relocated to unfamiliar areas adapt swiftly, finding food and shelter within a short time. This adaptability makes them resilient and challenging to manage, often necessitating the expertise of a wildlife removal company for effective control.

Another remarkable feature of their intelligence is their ability to remember solutions to problems for up to three years, according to some studies. This memory retention is particularly beneficial when they are foraging for food, as they can remember the locations of plentiful food sources and the most effective ways to access them.

One of the most noticeable ways they display their intelligence is in their quest for food. These animals are experts when it comes to finding meals in environments that might seem challenging to other creatures. Here we will explore the techniques they use and the unique challenges they pose for homeowners.

Raccoons are known for their expertise in foraging through trash cans and dumpsters. Their ability to lift lids, remove objects, and sift through materials to find food is a testament to their problem-solving skills. It's not just a random search; it's a calculated action based on experience and learning.

Besides dumpsters, they are skilled at manipulating various objects to get what they need. For example, they can turn knobs, push levers, and climb fences to access food that is otherwise secured. This level of dexterity is rarely seen in wildlife and serves as a clear indicator of their intelligence.

The Challenges Of Removal

As we've explored, raccoons are not only intelligent but also possess the ability to adapt and learn. This makes them particularly challenging to remove from residential areas. Here, we'll look into why removal is often more complicated than it may seem at first glance.

Traditional trapping methods are often not sufficient for capturing them due to their keen intelligence. A raccoon can identify traps and may even learn to evade them after a single failed attempt. This understanding of potential risks underscores the animal's ability to adapt and complicates removal efforts.

Another reason they prove challenging to remove is their capacity to learn quickly from past experiences. If one has ever been caught in a trap and managed to escape, it becomes extremely cautious around similar setups. Their memory allows them to avoid the same type of trap in the future, making it increasingly difficult for homeowners to manage them independently.

Beyond just traps, raccoons adapt quickly to various human intervention methods. For example, they learn to recognize and avoid the lights and sounds of motion-activated deterrents. Some can even identify the timing of sprinkler systems to avoid getting wet while foraging for food.

Due to these challenges, removing them from your property often requires more than simple DIY solutions. A professional wildlife removal company is usually necessary to employ more advanced and humane strategies to effectively manage raccoon presence.

Humane Wildlife Removal: The Preference For Exclusion

When faced with the challenge of managing raccoons on your property, it's essential to employ methods that are both effective and humane. One of the most preferred approaches is exclusion, a strategy that prevents them from entering specific areas in the first place.

Exclusion involves creating physical barriers or deterrents that keep them from accessing spaces like your attic, deck, or garden. The primary benefit of this method is that it is non-intrusive and does not harm the animal. Additionally, exclusion often provides a long-term solution, reducing the need for ongoing intervention. 

Various exclusion methods can be employed based on the specific challenges you are facing. For example, installing heavy-duty mesh or wire screens can prevent raccoons from entering your attic. Similarly, specialized caps can be used to secure chimneys, and fences can be reinforced with additional materials to prevent climbing.

After implementing exclusion methods, it's crucial to monitor their effectiveness. This can be done through cameras or regular inspections. Monitoring ensures that the exclusion measures are working as intended and helps in making any necessary adjustments.

Employing exclusion methods is often the most humane and effective strategy for managing raccoons. However, due to the complexity of their behavior and intelligence, specialized expertise is often required to implement these measures successfully. A professional wildlife removal company can offer the knowledge and tools needed to apply exclusion methods appropriately.

At Gold Country Wildlife Control, we specialize in humane wildlife management, offering solutions that prioritize the well-being of the animals while ensuring the safety and comfort of your home. If you're dealing with a nuisance animal issues and need professional assistance, don't hesitate to contact us for a thorough assessment and customized action plan.