Raccoons are known to swim and are frequently found in pools. Water is an important part of their daily activities, and they are often seen in and around various water sources, including human-made ones. This interaction is tied to several aspects of their natural behavior.
Raccoons’ Natural Affinity for Water
Raccoons are semi-aquatic mammals, often found near streams, ponds, and lakes. Their scientific name, Procyon lotor, translates to “washing bear,” reflecting their observed behaviors around water. This behavior, often misinterpreted as “washing” food for cleanliness, actually enhances their sense of touch. Their highly sensitive forepaws, with four to five times more mechanoreceptors than most other mammals, become more responsive when wet.
By “dousing” objects, raccoons gain detailed tactile information, helping them identify potential food items. This heightened sense of touch is especially important for them as nocturnal animals, allowing them to “see” food through feel in low-light conditions. They also use water for foraging, searching for small aquatic animals like crayfish, snails, and fish.
Why Raccoons Are Drawn to Pools
Raccoons are attracted to human-made pools for several reasons. Pools offer an accessible and consistent water source for drinking, especially where natural water bodies are limited. During warmer periods, pools also serve as a place for raccoons to cool down. Beyond hydration and temperature regulation, pools can provide opportunistic foraging grounds, particularly if food debris is present. The presence of a pool offers them easy access to water, often without the typical natural predators found near wild sources.
Potential Issues for Pool Owners
The presence of raccoons in swimming pools can lead to several concerns for homeowners. A primary issue relates to hygiene, as raccoons may defecate in the pool, often in shallow areas or on steps. Raccoon feces can contain the eggs of a parasite called Baylisascaris procyonis, a roundworm that can infect humans and, in rare cases, cause severe neurological illness, particularly in children. While pool chlorine typically eliminates many germs, it does not destroy Baylisascaris eggs, which are resilient and can survive in the water.
Beyond potential health concerns, raccoons can also cause physical damage to pool infrastructure. Their activities might lead to issues with pool liners or equipment, such as filters or skimmer baskets, which can become clogged by debris or feces. If raccoon feces or a dead raccoon are discovered, it is advisable to close the pool to swimmers immediately and contact local animal control or health authorities for guidance on cleaning protocols.
Deterring Raccoons from Your Pool
To discourage raccoons from visiting your pool, several humane deterrence strategies can be effective. Securing potential food sources is an important first step; this includes keeping pet food indoors, ensuring trash cans have tightly sealed lids, and cleaning up any food debris around the pool area. Removing vegetation or trimming tree branches that overhang the pool can also reduce access points for raccoons.
Physical barriers offer a direct method of prevention. Installing a sturdy fence around the pool area can help, and burying the bottom of the fence a few inches into the ground can deter digging animals. A snugly fitting pool cover, especially one that can be securely locked, creates a physical barrier that prevents raccoons from accessing the water directly. Motion-activated devices, such as lights or sprinklers, can startle raccoons and encourage them to leave the area without causing harm.