Category Archives: Raccoons

Learn Some Interesting Facts About Wild Raccoons

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Indiana Raccoon Removal and Control

Indiana Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Raccoons have bad reputations in residential and suburban areas, and have left a bad taste in the mouths of commercial property owners as well. This is because wild raccoons are being forced to take shelter within our homes and buildings due to new construction and over-development of land and forests. They have a stigma for being nuisance animals because they are, unfortunately, bad house guests. They cause structural damages to roofs, ceilings, attics, insulation, electrical wiring, lawns, gardens, patios, and more. But they also pose several health risks that cannot be ignored. For this reason, preventative maintenance is important to protect your property from raccoons.

And although raccoons can be quite destructive, on a positive note, they are interesting animals to learn about. There is more to wild raccoons than the stereotype, which you will learn as you read on!

Raccoons Procyon Lotor

🐾 The Relation Between Raccoons and Rabies

The stereotype that all raccoons have rabies is inaccurate. In fact, the truth is all animals have the same chances of having or contracting rabies, just the same as raccoons. So insisting that all raccoons have rabies is the same as saying all wild animals have rabies. You never know when a wild animal has a disease, so you should never approach one, just in case. In most circumstances, a raccoon will be more afraid of humans and will most likely only attack if provoked or approached.

🐾 A Raccoon’s Diet

Raccoons are what we call omnivores. This means they eat meat and vegetables, as well as, fish and other small invertebrates, such as frogs. What many people don’t know is, raccoons are also prey to other larger animals, such as coyotes, bobcats, and sometimes domesticated dogs. Raccoons come out at night because they are nocturnal, which puts them at a higher risk of being preyed upon. For the most part, raccoons are pretty good at defending themselves and their young, which gives them an advantage when it comes to predators.

🐾 There are Various Raccoon Species Around the World

There are six species of raccoons known to mankind, whose existence resides all across the world. The six species are the Hilton Head Island raccoon, Florida raccoon, Matecumbe Bay raccoon, Alabama raccoon, Eastern Raccoon, and the Chesapeake Bay Raccoon. Each species has individual traits and characteristics that set them apart from one another. They all resemble each other in similar ways, but look completely different, region to region.

🐾 Raccoons Hibernate Might Dens

Raccoon families live in dens, or small cave-like holes in the ground. This is where they care for their young. Some raccoon species live in tree holes and other similar den-like homes; it all depends on the region they are from.

🐾 There are Solutions for Nuisance Raccoons

Contact a local wildlife contractor if you are experiencing raccoon problems near your home or property. Professional raccoon removal services are the wisest and most effective choice for anyone that needs to get rid of raccoons. Be sure to only use a company that practices safe and non-lethal methods of raccoon control.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal

Call Indiana Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 for 24 hour raccoon removal in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control specialists that offer a wide range of safe, non-lethal raccoon removal services and attic restorations. Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis raccoon removal and control, today.

Leptospirosis is a Common Bacterial Disease in Raccoons

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As mammals, raccoons are susceptible to a wide variety of communicable diseases, including viruses, parasites, and bacteria. The most common bacterial infection found in wild raccoons is called Leptospirosis, which is caused by a number of different Leptospira species. It is thought to be carried in their urine, and transmitted through contaminated food or water. But contraction can also occur if contaminated urine gets on the skin, eyes, nose, ears, mouth, or throat.

Any mammals can contract this bacterial disease, including humans. Without proper treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to respiratory complications, kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and even death. Continue reading to learn more about Leptospirosis and its symptoms.

Carriers

Many animals are carriers of the bacteria, Leptospira, but may not necessarily exhibit any signs or symptoms. The most common systems are flu or influenza-like, such as body and muscle aches, headaches, and fever. As mentioned, without proper or timely treatment, symptoms can worsen drastically. Common carriers include rats, cattle, dogs, and of course, raccoons.

Human Exposure

This bacterial disease is rarely spread to people, and it’s even rarer for it to spread from person to person. But if humans were to contract the disease, it is likely to happen while swimming in rivers and streams, camping, canoeing, and adventure travel. These are common areas and activities where Leptospirosis exposure is more likely. Travelers, farmers, field workers, butchers, miners, sewer workers, and vets are common victims of Leptospirosis exposure.

Pet Exposure

If you have dogs or cats that play outdoors often, it is important to be vigilant about wild animal exposure. Vaccinating your pets against diseases like Leptospirosis will give them the protection they need when exploring their surroundings. One vaccine a year can save your precious pet from a deadly bacterial infection.

Professional Service

If you have raccoons on your property, you may need professional raccoon removal and control to get your property under control and keep it protected against disease and damage. A licensed wildlife removal company will have the proper equipment and resources necessary to deliver safe and humane raccoon exclusion and prevention services.

Indianapolis Raccoon Control

Call 317-535-4605 for professional raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control specialists that offer a wide range of affordable animal removal services for commercial and residential properties. Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis raccoon control, today.

This Will Make You Love Raccoons!

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Perhaps if you learn some fun and interesting facts about raccoons, it will change your perspective on these unfairly labeled mammals! Raccoons are wonderful critters that range in color, size, habitat, and more. There are three main species of raccoon, and over 20 subspecies too! Raccoons have a poor reputation because of the rabies stigma and the damage they can cause our homes and properties. But it is not the raccoon’s fault that they are susceptible to disease, just like all other mammals; and it is not their fault that we continue to overdevelop and eliminate raccoon’s natural habitats, forcing them into our neighborhoods and urban areas.

Aside from all these shameful perspectives regarding raccoons, there are bright and cheerful facts that will make you love them! Continue reading to learn the good stuff about raccoons, and perhaps change your mind about them once and for all!

Raccoons and Humans

Although we are going to discuss the wonderful attributes of raccoons, it is important to note that raccoons should never be taunted, trapped, harmed, killed, or kept as a pet. Never try to touch or pet a wild raccoon, and if you see one on the ground, even if it’s a pup, do not touch it or try to save it. They are amazing critters, but they can pose serious health problems for humans and pets. So instead, contact a local wildlife rescue and control company for prompt, safe, and humane assistance in removing the raccoon and relocating it to a faraway and safer habitat. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s get into the good stuff!

Raccoon Facts

Raccoons come in three separate species, found all over the world. These species include the Northern raccoon, also called the Common raccoon. This is the species we are all most familiar with. Then there is the Crab-Eating raccoon and the Cozumel Island raccoon. All other raccoons are subspecies of these three. Since 2005, there have been 22 identified coon species in the world!

Raccoons are very intelligent compared to most other mammals. Past scientific studies have proven that coons retain an incredible memory, and can remember solutions to problems up to three years later! Tests, including complex locks, shapes, puzzles, and more, were administered to certain species and the results were astonishing! Raccoons are smart little critters!

They also have very dexterous paws that are human-like, and they can use them to maneuver, open, pry, peel, and much more; just as us humans do! They like to play and be silly with their mates, and retain gender-appropriate roles in nature. So you see, there is much more to these species of animal that you knew before. Keep this in mind next time you spot a raccoon, and be sure to admire it from afar, and never intervene.

Indiana Raccoon Removal

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and experienced wildlife removal specialists that only use safe and humane methods to extract raccoons. We also offer 24 hour emergency service, raccoon cleanup services, and raccoon-proofing as well. Call 317-535-4605 for affordable Indianapolis raccoon removal, today.

Educational Facts about Raccoons

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Raccoons are highly intelligent, medium-sized mammals, native to North America. They are a part of the Procyonidae family, and categorized under the Procyon genus. Procyon literally translates to “doglike”; intending to denote the social and physical behaviors of the Procyon Lotor, or raccoon species. They are nocturnal animals that sleep during the day and remain active at night. Raccoons are omnivores, which means they eat everything that a human likes to eat. This includes fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, grains, oats, and more. Although they like to eat these foods, they mostly feed on small animals, insects, and wild vegetation and flora.

Get to Know Raccoons!

Raccoons are very intelligent, as mentioned before; but they are also very intuitive and have excellent memories. This is why raccoons are also known as pests in rural and city areas. They are perfect bandits when it comes to hunting down food and shelter in residential and commercial neighborhoods. They remember where all the good spots are, and how to get the food they want and so desperately need.

Raccoons use their human-like paws to pry open doors, windows, locks, and more. They can gain entry into a home or building in as little as one night. They build nests, breed, and feed their colonies in whichever shelter they find. This can cause a large amount of damage and mess. This is where a professional raccoon control company comes into play. They retain the proper equipment and training to professionally cleanup raccoon messes and provide minor attic or exterior repairs for raccoon damages.

Raccoons are generally medium-sized mammals, but can grow upwards of 40 pounds or more! It all depends on the abundance of food and food sources available to the raccoon, and the environment in which they live. Obviously domesticated raccoons weigh more than wild ones because they have a consistent food source, but wild raccoons can also get large as well. The average raccoon is around three feet tall, or long, and weights between 20 and 30 pounds. One of the largest raccoons was recorded at a weight of 60 pounds!

When it comes to the lifespan of wild raccoons, theories and evidence are inconsistent. A raccoon’s lifespan can vary greatly. It all depends on the resources, environment, and circumstances of the raccoon or its colony. Again, domesticated raccoons are likely to live longer because they have access to veterinary care, food, nutrients, and protection. Wild raccoons, on the other hand, can live long or perish young, depending on the situation. On average, wild raccoons live between 5 and 10 years; whereas, captive raccoons can live up to 20.

If you are experiencing raccoon problems on your property, please keep in mind that they are fascinating and intelligent creatures that just need food and shelter. Instead of harming or loathing them, contact a professional raccoon control company for emergency services. Choose a company that uses safe and humane methods to remove raccoons or stop a raccoon infestation problem, as well as, provide cleanup and prevention services too.

Indiana Raccoon Removal

Call Indiana Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 for prompt raccoon control services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our highly trained and DNR licensed wildlife removal experts have decades of experience in the raccoon control industry. We use safe and humane methods to extract raccoons and relocate them to a safe and faraway habitat. We offer raccoon cleanup, prevention, emergency services, and much more. Call 317-535-4605 and request a free estimate for Indianapolis raccoon removal and control, today.

Sick Raccoons: If it’s Not Rabies, it’s Probably Distemper

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Since raccoons are nocturnal, spotting one out during the day might instantly lead you to believe that it is sick with the Rabies virus. But more often than not, what may initially appear as Rabies is actually another type of viral disease called Canine Distemper. Continue reading to learn how to identify signs of Distemper in raccoons, and what you should do if you ever come across a sick raccoon during the daytime.

Raccoon Distemper

Raccoon Distemper is a highly infectious viral disease that is similar to the measles virus. It’s commonly found in wild raccoons and other nuisance wildlife as well. If you own a cat or dog, then you may be familiar with the Canine Distemper vaccine. This is a common vaccination given to pets every year to boost their immunity to the Distemper virus in case they ever come in contact with it some way or another.

It is spread just like a common cold, by airborne droplets of bodily fluid or discharges (i.e. sneeze, cough, spit, mucus, saliva, blood, feces, etc.). This virus can cause partial paralysis, violent seizures, fevers, vomiting, and more, and can affect both humans and pets. Without vaccinations, pets are unlikely to survive the virus, whereas, humans can be treated and cured. It is strongly suggested to have your pets vaccinated against Rabies, Distemper, Lyme, Leptospirosis, and more. Consider your veterinarian’s advice in terms of annual pet vaccines.

Distemper in Raccoons

If you spot a raccoon out during the day, alone and behaving oddly, then it is very likely that it is sick. Many symptoms of sickness fall into several of the same categories, so what sometimes seems like one illness is actually another. But in terms of Distemper, a raccoon that has been infected with the virus may display the following signs:

• Wet Eyes
• Runny Nose
• Lethargy/Fatigue
• Aggression
• Lack of Ability to Stand or Walk
• Loss of Appetite
• Inactivity
• Confusion
• Diarrhea
• And More

Spotting a Raccoon Nearby

If you happen to come across a raccoon during the day, whether they appear to exhibit signs of sickness or not, always keep your distance and never taunt them. Just because a raccoon is out during the day does not always mean there is something wrong with their health; they may just be lost from their mother, or foraging for food a bit early.

So regardless if a raccoon is sick or not, never attempt to approach or touch a wild raccoon. Instead, turn around and go the other way, or simply wait for the raccoon to wander off. If the raccoon appears sick and is on public property, there is no way to tell if it will move from that spot or not. In this case, as a Good Samaritan, it is polite to notify a raccoon removal company to pick up the sick raccoon so that it cannot indirectly harm another person, child, or pet.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional raccoon removal services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. We are highly trained and DNR licensed wildlife control contractors with decades of experience providing safe and humane raccoon exclusion services for residential and commercial properties. We offer raccoon removal, raccoon cleanup, minor attic restorations for raccoon damages, raccoon proofing, and much more. Call 317-535-4605 today for Indianapolis raccoon removal and control you can trust!

Learning About Leptospirosis

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Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira, and can affect a wide variety of mammals, but it tends to be most commonly associated with raccoons in the Midwest parts of the country. Raccoons, like all other mammals, are susceptible to several types of disease, including Rabies, Roundworm, and more. Leptospirosis is commonly contracted and passed on by raccoons, bats, and opossum in urban areas. It is a dangerous illnesses that can be contracted by both humans and pets.

What You Should Know About Leptospirosis

There are nearly 200 cases of Leptospirosis reported every year in the United States. It is mostly contracted through water contaminated by an infected mammal’s urine. It is not spread from person to person, and instead, often happens during swimming, fishing, canoeing, and other water-related activities. The infected water must be ingested, or passed through exposed membranes or open wounds in the skin. This includes the eyes, nose, mouth, scrapes, cuts, scabs, and ears. Once contracted, it is common for humans to not experience illness or symptoms at all, while in other cases, people become very sick. This also applies to domesticated animals. It is vital to get immediate medical care for antibiotics to avoid long-term effects and consequences if you suspect you were exposed to Leptospirosis.

Symptoms

Symptoms can sometimes not show up at all, but if they do, it generally takes anywhere from one to two weeks before symptoms show. Common symptoms include high fever, neck and leg pains, severe headaches, vomiting or diarrhea, and fatigue. For more serious cases of Leptospirosis, signs might also include anemia, Meningitis, kidney failure, liver failure, mental confusions, depression, and more.

The symptoms of Leptospirosis can last for several days, or up to several weeks, depending on the severity of the illness. But mostly, human reports of Leptospirosis illness in the United States are all mild cases. People at higher risks of contracting Leptospirosis include sewer workers, farmers, rice and sugar cane workers, adventure racing athletes, veterinarians, miners, slaughterhouse workers, and animal control contractors. Dogs are at higher risk of dying from Leptospirosis, so take them to the vet as soon as they show influenza-like symptoms.

Indiana Raccoon Removal

Call Indiana Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 to professionally manage a raccoon problem near your home or office. We are highly experienced, DNR licensed wildlife rescue contractors that provide wide range of services for raccoon control. This include minor attic restorations and repairs, and raccoon cleanup. And we only use safe and humane, non-lethal methods of raccoon control! Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis, IN today.

The Fascinating Agility of the Common Raccoon

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The Common Raccoon is a fascinating mammal to learn about all around, but their quickness and dexterity are especially intriguing. Wild raccoons have human-like paws that allows them to grasp, pull, push, and pry just like our hands! On top of dexterous paws and sharp claws, raccoons are highly intelligent creatures that can remember, solve problems, and plan better than most other forest animals.

These attributes and more contribute to a raccoon’s agility and allows them to be better predators, breeders, and gatherers, and to better protect themselves and their young from harm. Continue reading to learn about raccoon agility, and what they are physically capable of in the wild.

Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are highly agile mammals, capable of running, climbing, and even swimming, starting at a young age. As early as a few months old, raccoon babies, called “kits” or “pups”, are learning all of these abilities and more from their mother. Soon after, they are ready to be out on their own, climbing and swimming and running and hunting with the rest of the pack!

Raccoons are fairly fast runners for a medium-sized forest mammal. They can achieve short distance running sprint speeds of ten to fifteen miles per hour. That’s faster than some overweight house cats! And because raccoon’s hind legs are longer than their front, they appear hunched whether walking or running.

Running is not the raccoon’s most impressive ability. Truth be told, they are excellent climbers. Raccoons use trees for protection when raising their young, to hide from grounded predators, and to dine on all the wonderful yields a tree has to offer (i.e. acorns, fruits, nuts, etc.). Raccoons can climb trees as high as 50 feet or more, with really no limit in height, only in desire!

Aside from running and swimming, raccoons are good swimmers too. Yes they can swim, and at a very young age (as young as 7 weeks old)! Not only can raccoons swim, they can remain in water for several hours, but not underwater of course. Raccoons are warm-blooded mammals that need oxygen to breathe!

If you have a raccoon problem on your property, call a professional wildlife rescue and control company for safe and humane raccoon removal services. Raccoons are known to climb roofs, access homes, get into swimming pools, and cause an endless potential for mess and structural damage.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 317-535-4605 for safe and humane, non-lethal raccoon removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed and experienced wildlife removal contractors that provide residential and commercial wildlife control services at the most competitive prices in town. We will get rid of raccoons at a fair and honest price, and with a level of professionalism that will leave you satisfied. Call 317-535-4605 for Indianapolis raccoon removal and control you can count on!

Raccoon Removal Indianapolis Provides DNR Licensed and Insured Raccoon Control!

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Raccoon Removal Indianapolis is your solution to pesky nuisance raccoon problems! We are DNR (Department of Natural Resources) licensed and insured, with more than three decades of experience in the raccoon control industry. So you know are getting professional and effective service you can trust!

A+ accredited Better Business Bureau (BBB) members

Since 1993, we have been an A+ accredited Better Business Bureau (BBB) members by providing honest, humane, and best of all, affordable raccoon removal and control services for residential and commercial property owners throughout Indiana. When you have a nuisance raccoon issue on your property, call Raccoon Removal Indianapolis at 317-535-4605 right away.

When you call our office, you can expect a friendly greeting, prompt and punctual arrival times, a neatly dressed and licensed contractor, and an abundance of free information regarding raccoon preventative maintenance and precautions. We retain the latest technologies and state-of-the-art equipment, as well as, a plethora of resources at our disposal, to provide safe, efficient, and humane raccoon removal and control services. Our DNR licensed raccoon control contractors never hurt or kill wild raccoons. We only use safe methods to extract raccoons and relocate them to a faraway safe habitat where they can thrive for years to come.

Call Raccoon Removal Indianapolis Today!

Call Raccoon Removal Indianapolis at 317-535-4605 for more information about getting rid of raccoons, or raccoons in the attic, and see for yourself just how incredibly affordable our services can be! We offer raccoon removal, raccoon-proofing, raccoon cleanup, raccoon extraction, preventative maintenance, minor attic restorations, and much more! Call 317-535-4605 and speak with a friendly DNR licensed raccoon control specialist in Indianapolis, today.

Exotic South and Central American Raccoon Species

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Since the mid-twentieth century, raccoons have inhabited various parts of the world, outside the United States. In fact, species of raccoon were deliberately introduced to parts of Europe and Asia during these times. Now, raccoons are found in Central and South America, regions in Asia, Europe, and even in the Caribbean!

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about exotic raccoon species found around the South and Central Americas.

Indianapolis IN Raccoon Removal Service 317-535-4605
Crab-Eating Raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus)

South and Central American Raccoons

In these parts of the world, several raccoon species can be found. For example, the Crab-Eating raccoon is a commonly spotted species in the jungles and marshes of the central and south Americas. They are scientifically referred to as Procyon Cancrivorus. Its most distinguishable physical characteristic is its short brown and grey-white fur that almost resembles a salt-and-pepper beard. They can grow to be anywhere from eighteen to thirty inches or more; and typically weigh between five to thirty pounds. Crab-eating raccoons obviously eat crabs; but they also hunt, capture, and feed off other shellfish and aquatic insects and invertebrates.

Tres Marias Raccoon

Also found in these regions is the Tres Marias Raccoon. Scientifically referred to as Procyon Insularis; these raccoons live on the Maria Madre Island, off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico. It is similar to the crab-eating species in that it also dines on shellfish and aquatic animals; but they also feed on forest findings like nuts and seeds. The Tres Marias Raccoon has a golden brown hue to its tail, and a pale brown body. According to the Mexican government, the Tres Marias raccoon species is endangered and limited. This makes them a protected species as well.

Guadeloupe Raccoon

Another interesting Central and South American raccoon is the Guadeloupe Raccoon. Although on a French-controlled island, the Guadeloupe Raccoon is a true rain forest dweller. It feeds on frogs, snails, acorns, berries, and of course fish. They have dark gray bodies and bushy gray-white tails; making them appears different than most other raccoon species. They are scientifically called Procyon Minor, particularly because they are smaller than most raccoon species as well.

Indiana Raccoon Removal

If you need Indianapolis Raccoon Removal, call our pros at 317-535-4605 right now. We are DNR licensed and insured raccoon control specialists with more than 30 years of experience safely and humanely removing raccoons. We use state of the art technology and modern methods to extract raccoons safely, without harming them or your property.

What Do Raccoons Eat?

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The type of food a raccoon eats is largely determined by its home and location. City raccoons will have a different diet than raccoons in the wilderness. Once we take these facts into consideration, we can begin discussing the different, and sometimes surprising, food preferences of a typical raccoon and where they go to get these meals. Continue reading to learn a few facts about raccoon diets, food preferences, and more.

City Raccoons

Raccoons in the city and urban areas have adapted well. They have dexterous paws and fingers that allow them to easily manipulate things and acclimate to changing environments. These raccoons can quickly gain access to garage doors, sheds, unlocked doors, latches, and more. They are relatively intelligent and acute mammals, so overcoming obstacles, such as closed doors, comes easier to them.

City raccoons, as mentioned before, can adapt well to changing weather and environments. This means they are accustomed to eating scraps found in dumpsters and trash cans all over the city and rural neighborhoods. If they find access inside a home, they will go directly for any food readily available; such as cereal boxes, sugar, cookies, anything in the refrigerator they can grab, pet food, garbage, and more. Although this isn’t a normal diet for a wild raccoon, or any animal for that matter, it has become the most reliable food source in these areas.

Wild Raccoons

Wild raccoons have a simpler palate. They generally dine on fish, small invertebrates, fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and many other foods found in nature. If living nearby water, raccoons will almost always use this as their main source of food. Anything they can grab from the water is a treat; such as salmon, carp, bluegill, frogs, crabs, crayfish, mollusks, worms, and even snakes.

Wild raccoons also use their nimble paws and fingers to steal eggs from bird nests and other hatchling grounds. They can pick their own fruit and vegetables, skim through chicken houses and raid farm crops. Raccoons are also known to catch and eat rodents, squirrels, and birds; they will even eat road-kill! They also enjoy a diet of berries, acorns, mushrooms, and plant life.

For more information about raccoons in Indiana, call Indianapolis Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 today. We are licensed raccoon control specialists with more than two decades of service and experience in the raccoon removal and control industry. We are advocates for safe and humane trapping methods and never kill raccoons. Visit our website at https://www.raccoonremovalindianapolis.com for details about our animal control services, prices, and company credentials. Get quick and affordable raccoon removal in Indianapolis, IN by calling 317-535-4605 for a free estimate today!