Raccoons are highly adaptable urban wildlife, recognized for their intelligence and climbing skills, allowing them to thrive as opportunistic scavengers. They frequently target dumpsters, which serve as a reliable source of discarded food. While they can scale objects to enter a dumpster, the container’s nature often turns it into an inescapable trap. Raccoons commonly find themselves unable to exit deep, smooth-sided receptacles without assistance.
Why Raccoons Struggle to Escape
A raccoon’s anatomy is suited for climbing natural, rough surfaces such as tree bark, brick walls, and fences. Their sharp, non-retractable claws provide excellent traction by catching on small imperfections in textured surfaces. Furthermore, their hind feet can rotate nearly 180 degrees, an adaptation that enables them to descend head-first while maintaining a secure grip.
The standard commercial dumpster is constructed with slick, vertical walls made of smooth metal or plastic. These materials lack the necessary texture and crevices for the raccoon’s claws to gain purchase. This absence of friction, combined with the container’s substantial vertical height, prevents the animal from climbing out once it has dropped to the bottom. While a raccoon can jump into the container from a nearby object, the required escape height is too great once it is inside.
Immediate and Safe Removal Techniques
If a raccoon is discovered trapped inside a dumpster, the safest method is to provide an exit ramp without making direct contact. A sturdy, rough-surfaced object is required, such as a long wooden plank, a ladder, or a thick branch. The chosen item must be long enough to reach the bottom and extend over the top edge, creating a gentle slope.
After confirming the raccoon is located at the opposite end, carefully lower the ramp into the container, ensuring it is stable and rests securely on the bottom. Withdraw immediately and move a safe distance away, as human presence will likely cause the animal to remain hidden. Raccoons are wild animals and potential carriers of infectious diseases like rabies and roundworm, making physical interaction extremely dangerous. The raccoon will wait until nightfall, when it is naturally active and the area is quiet, to use the ramp and climb out.
Strategies for Preventing Entrapment
The most reliable way to prevent a raccoon from getting stuck is to remove the attractant and secure the access point. Dumpsters must be secured with heavy-duty latches, clips, or bungee cords to prevent the lid from being pried open. These animals are highly dexterous and will exploit any weakness to reach the food source.
Minimizing odors is an important preventative step, as raccoons possess an excellent sense of smell. Regularly cleaning the dumpster and surrounding area eliminates residual food scraps and strong smells. Double-bagging food waste and rinsing out containers before disposal helps to significantly mask the scent, making the dumpster less appealing. Also, avoid placing the dumpster next to fences, trees, or other objects raccoons can use as a launchpad to the lid, limiting their entry points.