Raccoons have gained quite a reputation in Central Florida. They are found pretty much everywhere, and it’s no longer a surprise if you see one lurking around your backyard. While it may seem harmless when they’re outdoors, there’s really no telling if they would find their way into your kitchen or your attic. From there, they can cause a lot of damage, steal your food and cause stress to your pets. It is most ideal to be knowledgeable on raccoon facts and if you see one, it is best to call experts for assistance in removing them right away.
Florida raccoons may be quite common and some property owners may have started to live with the fact that they can show up then disappear every now and then. But you shouldn’t take their preserve for granted. They can look all cute and adorable, but they simply don’t belong in places where humans are.
These 8 Raccoon Facts will help you understand why you need to keep them off your property
Raccoons seem very endearing. Especially if you don’t encounter them a lot in your area, you might even find them adorable. However, there are many homeowners who already know so well the many issues and damages these raccoons can leave behind. So as much as possible, you must keep them out of your home and your backyard.
To know more about raccoons and why you wouldn’t want to have them in and around your house, here are some facts you must know about.
1. Raccoons are nocturnal animals.
Raccoons are on the go during nighttime. During the day, they look for dark, quiet and empty places to rest and sleep. This is primarily the reason why they love attics, chimneys, and garages or even abandoned cars and homes. If a raccoon gains access to your home right when you leave for work, expect a messy and probably damaged house when you return.
2. These animals can grow up to 28 inches and weigh up to 26 kg.
Raccoons can get huge. A full-grown 28-inch raccoon is not small at all. It is about the same height as a medium-sized dog. 26 kg is pretty heavy too—much heavier than a toddler! Just imagine trying to chase a raccoon across your home and all the damage it can cause.
3. Raccoons would no longer fear you if you feed them.
Some people find raccoons quite adorable and cute. One can’t help but feel sorry for it when it looks hungry so they feed it. But if you feed a raccoon, they would come back and would no longer fear you. They think they have control over you so when they feel threatened, they can get aggressive and scratch or bite you.
Furthermore, word can spread that you’re feeding raccoons so their raccoon friends might just start visiting you too. Too many raccoons in just one area can get very dangerous. If it attacks a family member or a neighbor just because you were more than willing to have them over all the time, then you probably would be wishing you never fed it at all.
4. They can eat practically anything.
Most raccoons are not great hunters though they try catching rats, mice, and squirrels among other little animals. Most often than not, they’d take whatever’s lying around like your pet’s food, garbage, dead animals, insects and more. They do love frogs, snails, fish and other water creatures too. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all if these raccoons would steal your food straight from your kitchen if you give them access to your home.
5. Raccoons would leave droppings, scratches and a whole lot of mess when they enter your house.
Since they’re much larger compared to rats, raccoons can leave a bigger mess in your house. They can drop vases, frames and other important items. They would scratch walls and wooden floors. They would also leave droppings behind. Their poop doesn’t only stink, it can come with a whole lot of diseases too.
6. They may harm your pets.
Your pet cat or dog loves his human so much so he would most likely protect you against these raccoons. Your pet probably wouldn’t like it as well when a raccoon steals food or takes over your home. If your pet corners a raccoon, the raccoon would get defensive. They’re quite big so a scuffle may cause fractures, scratches, and bites plus a huge bill from your pet’s vet.
7. Raccoons carry diseases.
Some raccoons carry rabies that could potentially harm you once you get bitten. However, they try to stay away from humans as much as possible so bites are quite uncommon especially if you just leave the critter alone. However, there are other diseases found in raccoon feces and urine including leptospirosis and salmonella. The most dangerous threat is the raccoon roundworm found in their feces. Even if you don’t touch it or ingest it, mere inhalation of airborne eggs can cause serious health issues.
8. They may cause serious damages to your home.
It has been mentioned above that a raccoon can mess up your house. Even worse, they can bite and chew on insulation and other parts of your home’s structure. The worst thing these raccoons could do is chew on wires that may cause house fires.
Florida Homeowner Raccoon Facts:
Raccoons take shelter pretty much everywhere. All they need is cover to keep them concealed from humans as much as they can, and water to survive. They eat anything, including your pet’s food or garbage. This is precisely why they take shelter in your garage, garden shed or attic.
- Weight: About 3 to 9 kg for an adult Florida raccoon
- Size: About the size of a large domestic cat
- Appearance: Bushy tail with black and brown rings, black facial mask with white markings
- Possible dangers: Distemper, rabies (65% of annual animal rabies cases in Florida come from raccoons)
For assistance in raccoon removal and other animal trapping services, Animal Wildlife Trappers is the company to call. Experts in our team are licensed and extensively trained to handle all kinds of wildlife in Florida. Our services are available in Orlando, Maitland, Ocoee, Lake Mary, Clermont, Apopka, and surrounding cities. We offer free estimates!