In the article “Where Do Raccoons Live?” by Wildlife Informer, readers will delve into the fascinating world of raccoons and discover where these mischievous creatures make their homes. From forests and mountains to urban areas, raccoons can be found in various habitats across the world. While they may not live in trees, raccoons are expert climbers and often seek shelter in hollow trunks or on rooftops. With their agile forefeet and keen sense of touch, raccoons are skilled hunters who will eat just about anything. However, it’s important to be cautious around these creatures, as they can carry rabies and may become a nuisance if they invade your yard or home. This article provides valuable insights for those curious about raccoon behavior and how to keep them away.
Where Do Raccoons Live?
Raccoons in Their Natural Habitat
Raccoons are known to prefer forested areas or woods as their natural habitat. They feel most at home in deciduous forests where there are plenty of trees for cover. However, they can also be found in mountain regions, marshes, and areas with dense brush. Raccoons are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, which is why they can be found in many places around the world.
Raccoons in the Wild
Raccoons are most commonly found in North America, including the United States and Canada. However, they can also be found in Asia, South America, and Europe. In the wild, raccoons have a relatively short lifespan of about 2 to 3 years. They can grow up to 27 inches in size and weigh nearly 40 lbs., although there have been rare cases of pet raccoons reaching up to 75 lbs. In captivity, raccoons can live up to 17 years under proper care.
Do Raccoons Live in Trees?
Contrary to popular belief, raccoons do not live in trees. While they may be seen resting in trees during the day, they only seek shelter in hollow trees and occasionally nest in them. Raccoons are exceptional climbers and use their sharp claws to scale trees quickly. From there, they often hop onto rooftops and gain access to attics where they can make their dens and have their babies.
Where Do Raccoons Sleep?
A raccoon’s den is its actual home, where it makes its nest and spends most of its time sleeping. In rural areas, raccoons will often repurpose other animals’ burrows as their dens. They also make use of hollow logs, brush piles, and spaces underneath rocks as ideal locations for their dens. In urban settings, raccoons will set up their dens wherever they have access to a food source. This can include abandoned vehicles, attics, chimneys, or even rooftops. They may have more than one den to maximize their safety.
About Raccoons
Raccoons are mid-sized omnivorous nocturnal mammals with distinctive black masks of fur around their eye regions and black rings on their furry tails. They have a strong sense of hearing and sight, as well as a highly developed sense of touch. Their agile forefeet allow them to grab nuts, fruits, crumbs, and smaller insects they hunt for food. Raccoons are known to wash their hands and food in water, which is why they prefer habitats close to streams and other water sources. While raccoons are not usually aggressive towards humans, it is important to be cautious around them as they can become defensive if they feel threatened. They rest during the day and are active at night, hunting for food as independent animals. Raccoons are considered major carriers of rabies, particularly in the eastern part of the United States.
When Humans and Raccoons Cross Paths
Raccoons have adapted to urban and suburban areas and are frequently seen in human spaces. They can be found in attics, abandoned farmhouses, sewers, and barns. Raccoons are not shy about interacting with humans as long as they can find food and suitable shelter. They are commonly seen at night, rummaging through trash cans, coolers, and even raiding campsites. Some raccoons have even been known to turn on taps to have a drink. Raccoons establish an area called a home range, which is their territory. The size of the home range depends on factors such as the raccoon’s age and location. Older raccoons tend to have larger ranges, and rural and suburban raccoons generally have larger ranges compared to urban raccoons. Home ranges can vary from 1 square mile to 18 square miles. While raccoons may be entertaining to watch, they can become a nuisance and cause damage to gardens or raid trash. It’s important to keep them at a distance, especially considering their potential to carry diseases like rabies.
How to Keep Raccoons Away?
If you’re dealing with raccoons invading your attic, there are several methods you can try to keep them away:
- Ensure that food is well-contained by sealing trash cans with lids, bungee cords, or trash can locks.
- Cover composts to prevent raccoons from gaining access.
- Use outdoor and motion-detector lights to deter raccoons.
- Spray raccoon repellants near raccoon-infested areas.
- Seal any access points to attic or basement areas.
- Consider using traps to catch raccoons for relocation purposes.
Raccoons can be persistent pests, so it’s important to take measures to keep them away from areas where they are not wanted. However, it’s crucial to handle raccoons with care and avoid causing harm to them.