Interesting Raccoon Facts

Raccoons have a bad rep when it comes to residential communities and neighborhoods.  It’s well-known that raccoons in these areas have become a nuisance as a result of their uncontrollable curiosity and acute intelligence.  These raccoons are pest and should be safely and professionally controlled by a licensed and reputable company.  On the other hand, raccoons in the wild are an interesting breed and their fun and fascinating qualities are often times over looked due to their destructive and obtrusive behavior in and around our homes.  Read on to get a different look at raccoons and how they live in nature when they’re not stealing our garbage.

Raccoons live in homes called dens.  In these dens, mother raccoons breed and care for their young.  A raccoon den is usually made from a hole in a tree, a hollow log, or an abandoned animal burrow.  You see, raccoons rarely dig their own burrows; they prefer to re-use another animals’ home.  Raccoons also use these dens to hibernate through the colder seasons.

That’s right, raccoons hibernate.  In the colder months out of the year, raccoons will stow away in their war dark dens and sleep through the majority of the season.  Raccoons do hibernate, but their hibernation period is different from other well-known hibernating animals, such as bears.  Raccoons will only hibernate for a period of weeks, rather than the entire season.  Before hibernating, they will work hard to store fat and calories to sustain their bodies during their sleep.

Another great fact that many people neglect to consider, is the fact that raccoons have predators.  It seems odd that there are animals that like the taste of raccoon, but why should it when we often eat raccoon too!  Larger mammals like coyotes, mountain lions, cougars, and even domestic dogs will prey on raccoons.  They can be preyed upon just as much as other hunted animals in the wild.  To a carnivore, meat is meat.

For more information about raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana, give us a call at 317-535-4605 today.  We are a professional raccoon control company that safely and humanely removes raccoons from residential and commercial properties all across Indy.  We are happy to provide free estimates, advice, and tips on raccoon removal in Indianapolis, IN anytime!

Risks Associated With Pet Raccoons

Raccoons are wild animals, and thus, should remain in the wild.  It is common for people to stumble across a baby raccoon and feel the urge to adopt and care for the critter, but the truth is, they would be doing more harm than good with that idea.

Raccoons Need to Roam

Having a pet raccoon is a lifestyle, and not anything like owning a dog or cat.  In the wild, raccoons are accustomed to roaming free, and tend to prefer solidarity.  Even if a raccoon is domesticated at birth, this trait is instilled in them from thousands of years ago; it is a natural instinct to not want to be caged.  The problem with a roaming raccoon is that they are very clever and curious, and what starts out as cute, ends up a big inconvenience.  Raccoons will climb and get into trash cans, potted plants, cabinets, baby cribs, drawers, closets, and more.  They will constantly knock over everything in sight and hide items they find, like car keys and wallets.  Having a pet raccoon is a huge commitment.  A person has to basically dedicate an entire room in their home to accommodate the needs of one little raccoon.  If this is not provided, the raccoon will use the home as its own, digging holes into bed mattresses, couches, recliners, and sofas to nest in.

Health Concerns

Raccoons are known to be carriers of many viral diseases like rabies, canine hepatitis, distemper, and more.  These illnesses can easily be contracted and passed on to family and pets.   Other unpleasant infections include roundworm, scabies, lice, and ticks.

The Law

The law in most states prohibits people from owning and domesticating raccoons and other wild animals.  This ordinance is in place to protect humans and animals, alike.  Consequences of being caught owning a raccoon without a permit can result in large fines and stripping of animal ownership rights.  Raccoons bite, and this is a serious concern for local governments and communities.  This is why we have laws on domesticating wild animals.

If you find an injured or stray raccoon, or if you have raccoons that visit your property often, contact our professional raccoon removal specialists.  We promote safe and humane strategies to capture, release, and relocate raccoons in Indiana.  We can take care of the raccoons the professional way, and allow them to have a happy life in their own habitat, not in someone’s garage.  Visit our Indianapolis Raccoon Control website, or call us today at 317-535-4605.