Yes, raccoons can indeed climb walls, demonstrating remarkable agility and adaptability. These clever mammals frequently navigate vertical surfaces as part of their daily search for food and shelter. Their climbing prowess allows them to thrive in natural, urban, and suburban landscapes. Understanding their capabilities and motivations provides insight into managing their presence around homes.
Raccoon Climbing Capabilities
Raccoons possess several physical adaptations that make them exceptional climbers. Their front paws are highly dexterous, resembling small human hands with five agile digits. These paws are equipped with strong, non-retractable claws that provide a firm grip on rough surfaces, enabling them to grasp objects and scale structures. This dexterity also allows them to manipulate items.
A unique feature contributing to their climbing skill is the ability to rotate their hind feet almost 180 degrees. This allows them to descend head-first, a rare feat for a mammal of their size, providing greater control and stability during climbs. Their strong hind legs offer powerful propulsion, while their bushy tails assist with balance during climbs. These combined attributes enable raccoons to overcome significant vertical obstacles.
Surfaces Raccoons Can Scale
Raccoons are capable of scaling a wide array of surfaces. They can easily climb rough materials like brick, stucco, and wood siding, utilizing texture and crevices for claw holds. Fences, whether wood or chain-link, also present little challenge, as their claws can grip between boards or through mesh. Downspouts are common climbing routes.
While they generally avoid completely smooth surfaces such as glass or sheet metal, even these can become climbable if there are adjacent structures or slight imperfections. For instance, a small crevice or nearby tree branch can provide the initial leverage needed. Their adaptability means that if a surface offers any form of handhold, a raccoon will likely attempt to scale it.
Reasons Raccoons Climb
Raccoons climb primarily to fulfill their basic needs, including acquiring food and finding secure shelter. They often ascend structures to access elevated food sources like bird feeders, unsecured trash bins, or fruit-bearing trees.
Seeking safe havens is another significant motivation for climbing. Raccoons frequently climb to find den sites in elevated locations such as attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces, especially during breeding seasons. Climbing also serves as a defensive mechanism, allowing them to escape threats by retreating to higher ground.
Deterring Raccoon Climbing
Preventing raccoons from climbing involves making your property less appealing and accessible. Begin by securing all outdoor food sources: use trash cans with locking lids or heavy-duty latches, and bring pet food indoors, especially at night. Regularly remove fallen fruits from trees and ensure compost bins are tightly sealed, as these attractants can draw raccoons to your yard.
Physical barriers can effectively deter climbing. Trim any tree branches that extend within six to eight feet of your roof, as raccoons can use them as bridges. Install smooth metal flashing or plastic sheeting around downspouts and the corners of your house, extending at least two feet high, to prevent them from getting a grip. This creates a slick surface that their claws cannot penetrate.
Inspect your home’s exterior for any potential entry points, such as loose shingles, uncapped chimneys, or unsealed attic vents. Seal these vulnerabilities with durable materials like steel mesh or caulk to block access to your attic or crawl spaces. Maintaining a tidy yard by removing debris, woodpiles, and overgrown shrubs also reduces potential hiding spots and makes your property less inviting.