Raccoons are highly adaptable mammals found in diverse environments, from woodlands to urban areas. Their ability to thrive is due to their generalist diet and problem-solving skills. Raccoon presence often becomes noticeable through behaviors that alter human-managed spaces.
Understanding Raccoon Digging Behavior
Raccoons dig primarily for survival and to fulfill instinctual needs. A common motivation is foraging for food. As omnivores, raccoons seek a variety of sustenance, including insects, grubs, and worms found beneath the soil. They use their dexterous front paws to unearth these items from lawns and gardens.
Beyond foraging, raccoons dig to create or modify shelters. These dens protect them from predators, provide safe spaces for raising young, and offer resting spots. They establish dens under structures like sheds or decks, within tree roots, or by adapting abandoned burrows. Raccoons also cache food, burying excess for later consumption.
The Extent of Raccoon Excavation
The depth of raccoon digging varies significantly with its purpose. Foraging for food typically results in shallow holes, usually 2 to 6 inches deep. These efforts create small divots, overturned turf, or disturbed soil as they search for grubs and invertebrates just below the surface.
For den construction, raccoons excavate much deeper. They often repurpose existing burrows or natural cavities, expanding them to suit their needs. These excavations can extend several feet underground, with some burrows reaching 2 to 4 feet deep. Raccoons also dig under fences to access new areas, with holes up to 9 inches deep.
Several factors influence digging depth. Soil type is key; loose, sandy soil is easier to excavate than hard clay or rocky ground. Obstacles like tree roots, large rocks, or human structures can also limit depth. Den construction requires more extensive, deeper work than simple foraging. Raccoons’ strong claws and powerful, dexterous forelimbs enable their digging and object manipulation.
Managing Raccoon Digging
Recognizing the signs of raccoon digging is the first step in managing their activity. Common indicators include uprooted plants, uneven turf, and small, conical holes in lawns or gardens. Often, sections of sod may appear to be rolled back or shredded. Raccoons frequently target lawns, garden beds, areas under sheds or decks, and trash bins.
Effective management focuses on prevention and deterrence. Eliminating accessible food sources is key: secure trash cans with locking lids, pick up fallen fruit, and do not leave pet food outdoors. Physical barriers are also effective, such as burying mesh fencing or hardware cloth around vulnerable areas or under structures. This creates an “L” shaped barrier, with the horizontal portion extending outward and buried several inches deep, which discourages digging.
While some commercial or homemade repellents, like those containing capsaicin or cayenne pepper, are available, their effectiveness can be limited and often requires frequent reapplication. Sealing potential entry points to structures, such as attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces, can prevent raccoons from establishing dens within human dwellings. For persistent issues or an established den, contacting animal control or wildlife professionals is recommended for humane and effective removal.