Raccoons are present in Phoenix, Arizona. These adaptable mammals have successfully integrated into the urban and suburban landscapes of the Valley, finding ample resources to support their populations. While some residents might be surprised by their presence in a desert environment, raccoons demonstrate an ability to thrive alongside human communities.
Raccoon Presence in Phoenix
Raccoons are commonly found throughout Phoenix and its surrounding areas, despite the desert climate. Their presence is particularly noticeable in residential neighborhoods, public parks, and areas close to canals or other water sources. They are highly adaptable, thriving in diverse environments from traditional woodlands to urban settings.
The urban landscape of Phoenix provides raccoons with abundant food, water, and shelter, making it a suitable home. They utilize green spaces, storm drains, and even attics or sheds for denning and raising their young. The availability of discarded human food, pet food left outdoors, and accessible water sources like ponds or swimming pools contributes to their ability to flourish. Their success in urban areas highlights their resourcefulness.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior
Raccoons are predominantly nocturnal, meaning they are most active during nighttime hours. This allows them to forage, hunt, and explore under cover of darkness, often rummaging through backyards and parks. While primarily active at night, it is not uncommon to see raccoons during the day, especially if their den is disturbed or food is readily available.
Raccoons are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of foods. Their diet includes nuts, fruits, insects, fish, and small animals. In urban settings, they frequently seek human-provided food sources such as bird feeder contents, pet food, and discarded items from trash cans. Raccoons possess intelligence and manual dexterity. Their nimble front paws, which are highly sensitive, allow them to manipulate objects, open latches, and even uncap chimneys, making them adept at accessing food and shelter.
Living Alongside Raccoons
Coexisting with raccoons in urban environments requires proactive measures to reduce potential conflicts. Securing outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting, animal-proof lids is important, as unsecured garbage is a primary attractant. Bringing pet food indoors, especially at night, eliminates another readily available food source. Bird feeders can also attract raccoons, so cleaning up fallen seeds and considering removing feeders may help.
Residents should seal potential entry points into homes or sheds, such as uncapped chimneys, loose vents, and openings under porches or foundations, to prevent raccoons from denning inside structures. Avoiding direct contact with raccoons is advisable; while they generally avoid humans, they can become protective if they feel threatened. If a raccoon appears sick, injured, or aggressive, residents should contact local wildlife control services. Professional removal services often use humane trapping and exclusion methods.