Raccoons are common sights in both urban and suburban environments. These nocturnal animals have a remarkable ability to adapt to human-dominated landscapes. Their presence can sometimes be problematic due to their reputation for cleverness and curiosity. This adaptability, coupled with their intelligence, allows them to navigate complex human environments.
The Raccoon’s Dexterity and Problem Solving
Raccoons possess highly sensitive and nimble front paws. Each paw features five long, tapered fingers, allowing them to manipulate objects with considerable precision. While they lack an opposable thumb like humans, their unique hand structure, equipped with numerous mechanoreceptors, enables them to “see” and understand objects through touch. They can even enhance this tactile sense by wetting objects.
Their cognitive abilities are equally impressive, contributing to their reputation as clever problem-solvers. Studies have shown raccoons can figure out how to open various latches, turn knobs, and even untie knots to access food. They exhibit a strong capacity for learning through trial and error, and can remember solutions to complex problems for extended periods. This combination of manual dexterity and problem-solving allows raccoons to overcome obstacles like secured doors and containers.
Motivations for Entry
Raccoons primarily attempt to enter human residences in search of essential resources: food, shelter, and water. Their opportunistic nature means that homes, with their abundant and easily accessible provisions, become highly attractive targets. These animals are omnivores, and in urban settings, discarded human food, pet food left outdoors, and contents of garbage cans become primary dietary staples.
Beyond food, raccoons seek safe and warm places for shelter, especially during colder months or when females need secure spots to raise their young. Attics, chimneys, crawlspaces, and spaces under decks or sheds offer ideal conditions, mimicking the hollow trees they might use in natural environments. Water sources like pet bowls, bird baths, leaky hoses, and even clogged gutters also draw them to properties.
Protecting Your Property
Homeowners can implement several strategies to deter raccoons from attempting to enter their property. Securing potential food sources is a primary step, which includes keeping trash cans tightly sealed and stored inside a garage or shed. It is also advisable to avoid leaving pet food outdoors, and to ensure bird feeders are not overflowing or accessible.
Reinforcing entry points around the house is another important measure. Inspect and seal any openings larger than four inches. Doors and windows, especially those leading to basements or attics, should be securely closed and reinforced.
For homes with pet doors, specialized microchip-activated models or those with a “raccoon mode” can prevent unwanted entry. Additionally, installing sturdy chimney caps with wire mesh and covering roof vents and soffits with heavy-gauge wire mesh or metal flashing can block common access points. Trimming tree branches away from the roof, maintaining a gap of at least three feet, removes another common pathway for raccoons.