Amazing and Useful Facts about the Raccoon

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Raccoons are most commonly known for being masked, furry, woodland creatures that are good at catching fish and climbing trees. It is when they are found outside their natural forest habitats that problems with the raccoon arise.

Raccoon Habitats

The raccoon (also spelled raccoon occasionally) is an incredibly adaptable animal. Though its preferred habitat may be densely wooded areas near streams and rivers, this creature’s ability to quickly adjust to a variety of different environments have made it able to relocate with almost no trouble at all. Raccoons are even able to adapt to life in very densely populated urban areas. Rather than catching fish and mice and eating berries and nuts, raccoons in populated cities and towns forage for their food in dumpsters and trashcans. Though they may look adorably inviting, if you are near a wild raccoon you should not attempt to touch it or remove it from the premises yourself. You will need the services of an animal removal services, preferably one with experience in dealing with raccoon removal.

Dangers of Raccoons

Raccoons are not picky eaters by any stretch of the imagination. They are more than happy to eat nearly anything. This means that the diet of an urban dwelling raccoon more often than not includes things like rancid and rotten foods found in dumpsters. This diet leads to these raccoons carrying diseases, bacteria and parasites, many of which are harmful and can even be lethal if contracted by humans. Worms and rabies are among common reported health risks that urban raccoons bring.

Along with diseases, their behaviors are also something that can make them dangerous to humans. Raccoon’s reactions to being frightened or startled are unpredictable which makes raccoon removal particularly tricky. So while they might look harmless, you should never attempt to remove them yourself.

Smart Bandits

While these masked mammals are often labeled as mischievous bandits because of the black mask around their eyes, it turns out that there might actually be a little bit of truth to that label. Experts have studied the intelligence of the raccoon and it turns out that they are capable of committing complex patterns to memory- including how to unlock and open things. This unique capability allows them to actually break into homes through windows and pet entrances even when locked. Typically this is done for food foraging purposes if there is no outside source of food.

Even forest dwelling raccoons have been known to destroy a campsite looking for food. Their intelligence level allows for easy access into things like coolers and other locked containers that might hold food items.

Biological Facts

These fur-bearing bandits not only have their incredible minds to thank for their abilities, but also their hands. Raccoons have five fingers and, much like humans, have a great deal of individual dexterity in each of their fingers. This means manipulating objects, opening containers, catching animals and opening nuts can be done with extreme quickness. They have also been reported to be able to untie shoe laces.

Raccoons only give birth once a year in the spring. Female raccoons give birth anywhere from 1-7 babies after a gestation period of around 60 days. The interesting thing about these new mothers is the ferocity with which they guard their young. Not only will they guard their newborns against predators and the elements, even the father of the young will be attacked if he tries to approach.

This animal has amazing capabilities that can make it dangerous for humans who are not trained to deal with them in the appropriate manner. If you are in need of animal removal services, please call Liddle Rascals today.


If your dog got attacked by raccons by a skunk in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area, contact Liddle Rascals Wildlife Control. We offer skunk removal services that are safe and humane for both the residents and the animals in question. Our services include a thorough home inspection and advice on repairs, remedies, and prevention.

Expert Raccoon and Wildlife Removal in the Greater Toronto Area
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Call us at (416) 356-5886 or contact us online.

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