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Raccoons
Procyon lotor
Raccoons are one of the most familiar suburban wild creatures. They are highly intelligent and resourceful, especially when searching for food. These animals are notorious garbage can raiders, and they can create quite a mess to be cleaned up the next morning.
An average adult raccoon weighs approximately 20-30 pounds, and raccoons from the northern part of their range are larger than their southern counterparts. Raccoons are omnivorous, and feed on animal and plant matter as well as leftover scraps of human food.
These masked critters will enter attics and chimneys to find shelter and bear young, when natural nesting sites are unavailable. Once inside a structure they can do a great deal of damage, and their droppings can spread some diseases. Female raccoons give birth to two to five young each year, and it is the cries of the young that usually alert homeowners to the presence of a raccoon family in the chimney. Because of their intelligence and strength, raccoons can easily remove poorly installed attic vents, and chimney screens in an effort to gain entry.
If you have an uncapped chimney, always keep the damper closed when your fireplace is not in use. Many animals can gain entry through the chimney and you do not want to find a furry visitor going through your refrigerator for a midnight snack! If you suspect a raccoon is in your attic or chimney, call TS Wildlife Control for an inspection. Raccoons can be very dangerous when they are surprised or confronted in a confined space. Do not attempt to remove then yourself!
