Raccoons are highly adaptable and opportunistic creatures, known for their cleverness. These nocturnal mammals, with their masked faces and dexterous paws, often raise questions about their dietary habits. Understanding what raccoons consume provides insight into their survival strategies, particularly when foraging near human activities like beekeeping.
Raccoons and Beehives
Raccoons are indeed drawn to beehives, primarily for the sweet honey and protein-rich bee brood, including larvae and pupae. While they might consume some adult bees, their main interest lies in the hive’s valuable contents. Raccoons are skilled at accessing hives, using nimble paws and strength to remove covers and pull out frames.
Unlike bears, raccoons do not topple entire occupied beehives. Instead, they target empty super boxes or tear apart frames to get to the comb. Signs of a raccoon visit include damaged frames of comb scattered around the bee yard. Although honey bees can defend their colony, a raccoon’s thick fur offers some protection from stings.
A Raccoon’s Diverse Diet
Raccoons are omnivores, meaning their diet consists of both plant and animal matter. Their food choices vary significantly depending on the season and their specific habitat, whether urban or wild. Common plant-based foods include fruits, berries, nuts, acorns, corn, and other grains.
Beyond plant materials, raccoons consume a wide array of animal prey. This includes insects like worms, grubs, and snails, as well as crayfish, clams, fish, frogs, and small rodents. Their opportunistic feeding habits allow them to thrive in many areas, scavenging from human refuse such as trash cans or bird feeders in residential settings.
Safeguarding Bee Colonies
Protecting beehives from raccoons involves several preventive measures to deter these foragers. Elevating hives on stands can make access more challenging, although raccoons are adept climbers. Securing hive lids with heavy objects, such as rocks or cement blocks, or using ratchet straps, can prevent raccoons from opening them.
Electric fences provide an effective barrier, especially when wires are placed low to the ground to prevent digging or climbing. Placing “nail boards” or spike strips around the base of the hive makes it uncomfortable for raccoons to approach. Maintaining a clean apiary, free of exposed honey or comb, also helps reduce the attraction for raccoons and other wildlife.