Understanding Raccoons

Raccoons are the largest of these animals, so the sound is often ?heavy? Additionally, raccoons are primarily nocturnal, so the noises occur at night. Raccoons are nocturnal and usually spend daylight hours at rest. Raccoons are active mostly during the evening hours. On most days, they leave their den soon after dusk and are active until morning.

Raccoons are nocturnal and eat a large variety of things, including berries, insects, eggs and other small animals. Raccoons are known to "wash" their food before eating it (the term for the animal in French is raton laveur , or "washing rat"; the German word is Waschb?', or "washing bear"). Raccoons are usually active at night, and by day they retire to dens or resting sites. Dens are made above ground in tree cavities, chimneys and attics, as well as underground in old woodchuck burrows, storm sewers or crawl spaces under buildings. Raccoons are nocturnal which means that they are most active all night long, from about an hour before sunset to an hour after sunrise. The boars tend to move farther than the sows at night.

Raccoons are considered high to moderate risk vectors of rabies. There is currently an outbreak of raccoon rabies in the northeast United States. Raccoons are capable of traveling great distances to find food and territory. If you stop feeding, raccoon populations will slowly adjust to the level that can be accommodated by the available natural habitat. Raccoons are protected by law. No one may possess a raccoon without a license, and licenses are not issued for pet wildlife.

Raccoons are curious omnivores that enjoy the security of trees. Living with their parents, offspring, or bachelor groups, these mammals are nocturnal and have heightened senses. Raccoons are omnivorous and will consume practically any food item, plant or animal. They prefer corn, crayfish, fruits, and nuts, but there is a seasonal shift in diet depending on availability of food items. Raccoons are often a nuisance to farmers. They cause damage to orchards, vineyards, melon patches, cornfields, peanut fields, and chicken yards.