7 Things You Need to Know About Raccoons

Raccoons are among nature’s cleverest mischief makers, but they can quickly become problem pests in residential areas. If you’re dealing with raccoons in your neighborhood, you likely have questions. Twin Forks Pest Control has answers.

To help you out, here are the seven most common frequently asked questions about raccoons that our wildlife experts field. We’ll start with super-quick answers to these questions, then move on to more detailed answers. To jump down to an in-depth answer to any of these questions, just click the link.

1. Are raccoons rodents? No, they’re procyonids.
2. Do raccoons have thumbs? No, but they have remarkable dexterity in their paws.
3. Why do raccoons touch everything?They use their paws like a second set of eyes.
4. What do raccoons do during the day? Most raccoons sleep during the day; if you happen to see one during the day, be cautious.
5. Are raccoons dangerous? In most cases, no. But they can be if you get too close.
6. Do raccoons eat cats? Yes, they can. But they don’t hunt cats for prey.
7. What can I do about raccoon problems? Do everything you can to eliminate their access to food, water, and shelter.

FAQs About Raccoons

Now let’s dive deeper into the answers to the most common FAQs about raccoons. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for here, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!

1. Are Raccoons Rodents?

Raccoons look a little bit like big rodents, which leads some people to assume they are, but they actually belong to the procyonid genus. Their closest relatives include animals like the olingo, kinkajou, and coati, which are mostly found in South America. Raccoons are the only procyonid in the United States besides the ring-tailed cat, which is sometimes found in parts of the Southwestern U.S. They’re only distantly related to cats and dogs, and share a common evolutionary ancestor with bears.

Endlessly adaptive, raccoons are among the more intelligent mammal species. For example, they will quickly learn how to open garbage bins or use their paws to undo latches, which is why it’s important to keep your garbage bins tied down if there are raccoons in the neighborhood.

2. Do Raccoons Have Thumbs?

It’s a common misconception that raccoons have opposable thumbs. They don’t, but they do have remarkable dexterity in their front and back paws. This enables them to grip and manipulate items in their grasp, making them excellent foragers and trash can raiders. Their highly sensitive paws also allow them to feel out objects in the dark as if they have a second set of eyes.

3. Why Do Raccoons Touch Everything?

Raccoons are nocturnal, and while their excellent night vision helps them out quite a bit, they also have highly developed nerves in their paws. This is why they tend to touch everything – they’re essentially using their paws as a second set of eyes. This helps them find food sources, even in the most challenging environments.

4. What Do Raccoons Do During the Day?

Most raccoons sleep during the day in dens built near food sources. Occasionally, female raccoons will scavenge during daylight hours to feed their young or seek better shelter if necessary.

If you see a raccoon behaving strangely during the daytime, do not approach it, as it may be sick and potentially with rabies. Potential signs of rabies in a raccoon include stumbling, lethargy, disheveled appearance, and approaching people without fear. Never approach a raccoon (or any animal exhibiting these signs) as rabies is fatal in humans.

5. Are Raccoons Dangerous?

Raccoons can be dangerous if you get too close. The key is keeping a safe distance and never trying to handle a raccoon. They are surprisingly strong for their size, have sharp teeth and claws, and may attack humans or pets when they perceive a threat. Additionally, they may carry diseases like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, which can be passed to humans and pets via bites and bodily fluids. Note that you can and should get your pets vaccinated for distemper and parvo if they spend time outdoors and there are raccoons in your neighborhood. Raccoons also carry roundworm, which is transmitted via raccoon feces.

Be sure you know how to identify these signs of rabies in raccoons, as they’re one of the primary carriers of the disease in our region, and it’s potentially deadly:

• Unusual daytime activity: Raccoons are normally nocturnal, so seeing them active during the day is a major red flag.
• Aggressive or fearless behavior: Approaching humans or pets without fear, acting hostile or attacking unprovoked.
• Disorientation and confusion: Walking in circles, appearing dazed, or moving erratically.
• Difficulty walking: Stumbling, paralysis in hind legs, or unsteady gait.
• Excessive drooling: Foaming at the mouth or inability to swallow properly.
• Vocalizations: Unusual sounds like chattering, screeching, or growling.
• Self-mutilation: Biting or clawing at themselves.

6. Do Raccoons Eat Cats?

Yes, they can, especially small cats and kittens. However, they don’t usually go out of their way to hunt cats. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will gladly eat any dead meat they find.

While not typically predators of cats or small dogs, raccoons are fiercely protective of their young and territory. If they feel threatened, they will fight back, which can lead to severe injury or even death for pets.

7. What Can I Do About Problem Raccoons?

The best way to deal with problem raccoons is to avoid attracting them in the first place. Raccoons are opportunists and will take advantage of any food or shelter you give them access to. Therefore, the best ways to prevent raccoons on your property are centered around depriving them of access to food, water, and shelter:

• Secure trash cans with locks or bungee cords.
• Repair holes in sheds, decks, and foundations.
• Don’t feed your pets outdoors, but if you must, don’t leave the food or water out overnight when raccoons are active.
• Harvest ripe fruits/vegetables promptly.
• Clean up fallen birdseed.
• Call a professional raccoon control and exclusion expert if needed.

Trust Twin Forks Pest Control for Raccoon Control

You may think you can handle your raccoon problem on your own. Sometimes you can, but sometimes you need a professional raccoon trapper. A raccoon control professional knows how to do it safely, legally, and humanely.

We do not advise DIY raccoon trapping because it can be dangerous without the proper knowledge, and in many areas, it’s illegal. Also, try to avoid scaring or harassing raccoons. This can make them more aggressive, it’s unlikely to scare them away long-term, and it may be illegal.

Twin Forks Pest Control has been helping local Southold residents with wildlife control and exclusion for 13 years. We have extensive experience helping our neighbors with raccoon issues, offering fast solutions and long-term peace of mind.

If you’re tired of freeloading raccoons scavenging off your property, there’s an easy answer. Twin Forks Pest Control is here to help. At the first sign of problems, call us for a free estimate!