Best Gun For Raccoons? 122 Most Correct Answers

A BB gun is a powerful weapon and is often used for hunting small game. When used correctly, a BB gun can humanely and instantly kill a raccoon.

Will a BB gun kill a raccoon? Please enable JavaScript Does a BB gun kill a raccoon?

Is it illegal to kill a raccoon on your property?

racoon

Killing a raccoon on your property is a form of animal control if you live in popular raccoon territory — or if you have a pesky raccoon raiding trash and causing damage. However, raccoons are a protected species in most native areas of North America – and as such you need a license to hunt and kill them. In many states, they also have a specific hunting season – which must be observed.

So, theoretically, if you have the paperwork and it’s the right time of year – you can kill raccoons on your property or out in the woods. Depending on your area, there may be a specific baggage limit, but some areas do not have a limit, nor do they have a specific season. It may also be illegal to shoot raccoons in built-up areas, near someone else’s property, or without their permission — even if you have a license.

Many wildlife control officials may instead use traps to relocate or eliminate individual raccoons, especially when they pose a health and safety risk to families. Individual permits can also be applied for for individual pesky raccoons that are to be killed if necessary.

Will a BB gun kill a raccoon in your yard?

Raccoon in the yard

Using a BB gun or other high powered airgun to hunt raccoons is a method used by many people. These weapons are highly accurate at close range, allowing the hunters to finish off the raccoons instantly, and therefore humanely. Something that is required by law in most countries.

Using such a gun in your own yard still falls under the state laws in your home country – so you must still adhere to the seasonal and pocket restrictions or other restrictions posted where you live.

Shooting in your own backyard has its advantages over hunting elsewhere, as it’s easier to have all your supplies on hand. Also, I picked some great ambush positions to shoot from. Whether you’re actually laying out bait for them or lining up along a popular trail, hunting from home is an easier and more practical solution to finding raccoon numbers in your area. However, pay attention to the distance to neighboring properties.

Also, if you want to skin or eat your raccoons, the proximity to your home certainly has benefits in processing speed and efficiency. As long as you were able to dispose of the body according to local guidelines (some states have specific laws for this as well), you’re good to go.

Can you shoot raccoons at night?

For most licensing requirements, there is no legal difference between shooting a raccoon during the day or night (taking of course the actual “day” for the number of prey hunted and the start/end of the hunting season into account).

The only problem you might have is that you have to see them with artificial lights or night vision devices. Raccoons are also nocturnal – so they will be more active at this time – at full speed. So hunting at night puts you at a slight disadvantage when they have a slight advantage.

Shooting during the day allows people to be at their peak — and potentially catch raccoons napping — and in larger groups. Female raccoons often share their nesting sites, which may make them easier to locate.

Remember to check the law where you are.

Why are raccoons a protected species?

Raccoons are a protected species along most of their range, and they’re actually divided into about 22 subspecies, all of which vary slightly in color, size, and behavior. Those in the warmer south are generally smaller and fainter, while those in the north of the range are often larger and dimmer.

Because of these factors, all subspecies are actually highly localized—some living only in tiny states or on islands. The species as a whole (Procyon lotor) is protected in one way or another at certain times of the year and in certain numbers and locations – depending on their local status – for their value to humans.

All protected species have some local regulations that determine how, when or if they can be killed, captured or relocated.

Translocation can be as strict as killing in terms of regulations – and often a captive animal cannot be legally released (it must be euthanized). It’s always wise to seek professional advice if you wish to change your raccoon control methods – as releasing raccoons is a criminal offense in some locations where shooting is not practiced.

You can also read other articles about raccoons

With so many people questioning the mysterious origins of the Maine Coon, it’s no surprise that bizarre questions like “What is a Maine Coon raccoon?” have been asked!

Maine Coon cats are not raccoons. Her legacy is considered very mysterious, but scientists have now proven that this more bizarre historical myth is biologically impossible. It is more likely that Maine Coon cats are descendants of the Norwegian Forest cats that were kept on Viking ships to catch mice.

Let’s take a closer look at all the facts to determine the answer.

Are Maine Coon Cats Related to Raccoons?

Maine Coon cats are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds in the world.

They are a very popular cat breed, especially in the United States. Coons are believed to have originated in Maine, USA where they are known as the official state cat!

They have a very distinctive appearance and are known for their impressive hunting skills and love of human companionship.

However, their origin remained a mystery for many years. To this day, speculation as to her parentage remains rife, with various myths allegedly being true.

The three main myths that have stood the test of time are:

Let’s take a closer look at the three main myths to see which myths can be taken seriously.

Maine Coon Cat Myths

The Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural cat breeds in North America. They have won the hearts of so many with their canine personality, loyalty, intelligence and loving nature.

Perhaps their popularity also stems from their mysterious heritage, which has led many to think of them as mythical creatures or even mythical creatures!

Myth 1: Maine Coons are part raccoons

If you’ve ever owned a Maine Coon cat or been interested in the heritage of this big-boned, muscular cat breed, you’ve probably come across this bizarre-sounding myth.

Myth claims that the Maine Coon lineage is linked to the raccoon. It is argued that the Maine Coon’s existence is the result of a semi-feral domestic cat mating with a raccoon many decades ago.

This particular myth has gained considerable momentum over the years.

Many consider the undeniable resemblance between the brown tabby coloration of the raccoon and the Maine Coon cat as key evidence of this myth.

They also argue that the raccoon’s distinctive long, bushy tail is too similar to raccoons to ignore.

To learn more about this theory, jump straight to our round-up Are Maine Coon Cats Related to Raccoons? below for more details.

To this day, many argue that this is the real story of the Maine Coon cat. However, thanks to advances in modern science, scientists have now categorically proved that this myth is biologically impossible.

Is a Maine Coon part raccoon?

Myth 2 – Marie Antoinette

One of the more viable myths that has gained popularity over the years relates to Marie Antoinette, the former Queen of France.

This myth tells of a love story between Marie Antoinette and her six prized Turkish Angora cats that she kept as pets.

The story tells of Marie Antoinette’s desperate attempt to escape from France during the French Revolution.

It is believed that she boarded a ship captained by Captain Samuel Clough and headed for the United States. However, unable to leave her precious cats in France, she safely loaded her six prized Turkish Angora cats on the ship with her.

Despite the help of Captain Samuel Clough, Marie Antoinette was captured and executed in 1793. While Marie Antoinette never made it safely to the United States, her prized cats stayed on the ship she was taken off and arrived safely in Wiscasset, Maine.

The premise of this myth is that these Turkish Angora cats were then freed from the ship and bred with the domestic short-haired cats already resident in Maine.

This myth seems plausible, especially considering the similarity between the physical shape, long hair and personality traits of these cat breeds.

It would also be nice to think that Marie Antoinette’s love for her Turkish cats was so strong that she couldn’t bear to be separated from them.

Myth 3: Maine Coons are descended from Norwegian Forest cats

The last myth links the true ancestry of the Maine Coon to the Norwegian Forest Cat. This is another more likely myth that has gained traction.

The myth has gained considerable popularity over the years due to the clear physical similarities between the two cat breeds.

So what was this myth about? Basically, it is believed that the Vikings kept cats on board their ships to control the mouse population. Whenever the Vikings docked their ships, these cats were let off the ship to land.

It is believed that the Vikings overseas then mated long-haired ship cats with pre-existing short-haired domestic cats.

Ultimately, this myth argues that Maine Coon cats are descendants of long-haired ship cats.

Are Maine Coons related to raccoons?

It’s not surprising that people wonder if Maine Coons belong to the raccoon family. These animals have the following physical similarities that cannot be explained.

Similar in appearance: Maine Coons come in over 84 different colors, but the tabby Maine Coon has the same coloration as a raccoon.

Black Ring on Tail: Some Maine Coons are born with a black ring around their bushy tail, similar to the raccoon.

Bushy Tail: Both animals have large bushy tails.

Great Climbers: The raccoon is a great climber. The Maine Coon also loves to climb and is very skilled at it.

Size: Maine Coons are physically large cats and are similar in size to the raccoon.

Love Water: Both animals love to play in the water. Some Maine Coons even like to take a bath!

Half-Grasp Paws: Maine Coons and raccoons both like to dip their food in water using their half-grasp paws, which help them grab food more easily.

Can cats and raccoons reproduce?

Domestic cats and raccoons are about the same size, although in general the raccoon is likely to be larger.

When answering the question “Is a Maine Coon part raccoon?” it is important to review a few questions:

1. Is it physically possible for cats and raccoons to reproduce?

You may be surprised to hear that the answer is YES! According to Macro Evolution, tame male raccoons mate with cats. Wild raccoons and cats are also believed to mate (source 1).

2. Do domestic cats and raccoons get along?

If you take a look on Youtube you will immediately find many videos of cats interacting with raccoons.

Although this might seem like an odd pairing at first, the two animals get along pretty well! This interaction helps support the theory that cats and raccoons could breed with each other.

According to Macro Evolution, some domestic cats have even nursed baby raccoons, which have then likely imprinted themselves on those nursing cats, causing those baby raccoons to become sexually attracted to cats as they get older (source 1).

To back up the fact that raccoons and cats can get along, take a quick look at this short video of a raccoon cuddling a cat!

Thanks to Viral Hog, Youtube channel

3. Is the Maine Coon cat a product of cat breeding with a tame male raccoon?

Scientists argue that the Maine Coon we know and love today was not the result of semi-feral domestic cat breeding with a tame male raccoon.

They argue that science proves this is biologically impossible. They don’t support the cat-raccoon hybrid theory.

Cat Raccoon Hybrid

There is limited research examining the possibility of a cat-raccoon hybrid. Some people claim they bred a house cat with a raccoon.

However, there is insufficient literature or evidence to support the theory that Maine Coon cats evolved from the mating between a semi-feral cat and a raccoon. Scientists argue that this is biologically impossible.

According to Macro Evolution, there are no apparent limitations, whether physical or behavioral, that would prevent a cat from mating with a raccoon (source 1).

But what’s not entirely clear is whether the two animals are even physiologically compatible enough to create a cat-raccoon hybrid.

Conclusion

As you can see, the heritage of the Maine Coon cat breed is still hotly debated to this day. However, without clear evidence, the origins of this mythical beast will continue to be shrouded in mystery.

Even if they were known for certain, the truth likely won’t detract from the love that millions of people have for this magnificent cat breed.

For those who want a definitive answer to the question “Is a Maine Coon part raccoon?” it is safe to say that the Maine Coon is not part raccoon. Scientists have proven that this myth is biologically impossible.

22LR is one of my favorite cartridges for shooting. Not only is it fun to plink targets or practice your accuracy on a budget, but it’s also one of the most widely used small game hunting calibers in the world. As small as the 22LR is, the little round can still pack a punch and take down a bunch of four- and two-legged beasts that we find here in North America – the vast majority of which are considered vermin. Today I’ve compiled what I consider to be 5 of the best 22LR hunting ammo deals on the market right now. These rounds are all designed to be reliable, consistent and specifically designed for small game and vermin hunting.

Although it’s not as popular in the United States as it is in other parts of the world. Many of you probably grew up with 22LR as your first round of hunting, probably for squirrels and other small vermin. Many of the choices on this list behave differently on different rifles, and will even behave differently when used in the same rifle. You should always check your zero before going hunting! With all of that in mind, let’s get started!

Small but mighty: The 5 best 22LR hunting loads on the market

Killing raccoons is legal under certain circumstances. Some jurisdictions in the United States and Canada do not allow the killing of raccoons under any circumstances, while some jurisdictions in the United States allow the killing of raccoons with almost no restrictions. In some states of the southern United States, hunting raccoons is a state-sanctioned religious activity, and in some cities in Canada, killing raccoons can lead to charges of animal cruelty and possession of a deadly weapon.

Places where it is never legal to kill raccoons

The United States capital, Washington, D.C., prohibits the killing of all non-commensal animals, meaning all animals that do not depend on humans for survival. Raccoons can be caught using non-injury methods. They might get caught in a Havahart trap, but not a “raccoon cuff” or dog proof trap. District of Columbia law requires that captive raccoons be released onto public lands suitable for their survival at least 25 miles (40 km) outside of the capital city in Virginia or Maryland.

Canada’s most populous city, Toronto, also allows raccoon trapping, but HealthCanada regulations discourage releasing pests elsewhere. In Toronto, you’re expected to take the captive raccoon to a vet for euthanasia, but since most veterinarians won’t allow wild animals into their offices because of the diseases they carry, there are very limited options for legally killing the animal. Killing the animal with a gunshot or blunt object may result in criminal charges of animal cruelty.

It’s a good idea to check with wildlife or animal control officials in large urban areas before killing raccoons. Even smaller towns that are designated as wildlife sanctuaries can ban the killing of raccoons. However, smaller towns that are wildlife sanctuaries often have very helpful animal control departments. In some larger cities, animal control will only deal with a dead or sick animal.

Places where it is sometimes legal to kill raccoons

Most US states and most Canadian provinces regulate raccoons as fur animals and allow hunting, trapping, and killing of raccoons with a license. The licenses were originally intended to allow killing of raccoons for their fur, although skinning the raccoon is not necessary to use the licence. A license must be obtained before setting traps or hunting, and there may be a limit on the number of raccoons to be killed, usually five per day. Most states also have limited hunting seasons, typically during the winter months. If raccoons are not in season, they cannot be lawfully killed.

It is important to read the hunting regulations carefully. Some of the hunting violations that can result in large fines are:

hunt on Sunday. Some states allow hunting of raccoons but not other game until 2:00 am. sunday morning

Hunting with vehicle headlights or lights mounted on a vehicle. Other forms of lighting may be legal.

Possession of a firearm during crossbow season. It is sometimes illegal to simply carry a firearm.

No distinction is made between calendar days and midnight-to-midnight days. There is usually a limit to the number of raccoons that can be caught in a 24-hour period, but the period can be from midnight to midnight or from noon to noon the following day. And of course,

Forget to carry your hunting permits on public lands. You will not generally hunt on government property for raccoon control unless it is adjacent to your own.

Places where it is always legal to kill raccoons

Some states have “continuous seasons” for hunting raccoons. It is still necessary to obtain a hunting license or permit. It is still necessary to avoid firing a firearm within city limits or where otherwise prohibited. It is necessary to avoid hunting private property that does not belong to you without express permission. However, in some rural areas, killing raccoons is always legal provided basic rules are followed.

It’s usually (but not always) legal to kill a raccoon that lives in your home. A snap trap that kills raccoons instantly can be the fastest way to get rid of raccoons in the attic, but it is necessary to ensure that pets and children do not have access to the room where you set the traps, and it is necessary to check the traps daily to avoid carcasses rotting under your roof. Always handle live or dead raccoons with gloves to avoid catching or spreading disease, and always disinfect traps before reusing or storing them. You can read more about non-lethal raccoon repellent methods <—by clicking this link.

The raccoon: an atypical carnivore The raccoon: an atypical carnivore

Adapted from an article by naturalist Rosemary Flynn that appeared in the June 2006 issue of Tracks.

Many of us have at least one picture of a raccoon. This can be based on reading a children’s book, such as Sterling North’s classic Rascal. Maybe it comes from an adventure (or mishap) at a family picnic or during a camping trip. Maybe you saw one with your car lights on a dark night, had a nest in your attic, or needed to stop one from raiding your junk. Despite the mischief that this “masked bandit” can sometimes wreak, the raccoon plays an important role in the ecosystem, helping to maintain healthy populations and dispersing seeds etc. from what they catch or forage.

The widespread common or northern raccoon (Procyon lotor) fills an important ecological niche in and around Upper Newport Bay and much of the Western Hemisphere. In fact, by some reports, it’s the most easily recognized mammal in North America, with its distinctive black markings, fox-like face, and bushy tail.

Raccoons belong to the genus Procyon. The genus name, from Greek, means “pre-dog” and reflects the lineage that the raccoon shares with the dog. Most often, the full scientific name, Procyon lotor, is translated as “washing pre-dog.” The common name raccoon derives from the Algonguin word aroughcoune, meaning “he who scratches with his hands”.

Despite what can best be described as a broad and varied diet, the omnivorous raccoon is technically a member of the carnivore order. Within the Order, members are further classified by foot structure. Therefore, the stocky, muscular, but agile raccoon is referred to along with the bear and the human as a plantigrade, meaning it walks on the sole or plantar part of its foot. This is in contrast to dogs and cats, which are finger-walkers (walk on their toes), and further still seals, sea lions, and walruses, which are pinnipeds (with fins).

As is often the case with the relationship between form and function, there’s a good case to be made that much of the raccoon’s adaptability and distinctive behavior — particularly its ability to exploit its niche — is related to the unique structure of its extremities. For example, its thumbs, while not opposable, are dexterous, strong, and functional enough to allow the species to undo latches, twist off lids, open containers, etc. This trait also allows raccoons to “wash” themselves. or, perhaps more accurately, inspect a potential meal with their highly tactile, discerning paws. In terms of survival, this can be an important strategy for a creature that will eat almost anything it can capture: plant or animal; Vertebrate or Invertebrate; and marine, freshwater or land-based. This includes trash and compost; maggots, snails, worms, frogs, turtles and shellfish; Rabbits; waterfowl and other ground-nesting birds (chicks, eggs); backyard garden fruits and vegetables; as well as wild seeds, berries and nuts.

Despite its wide-ranging foraging habits, there is one thing a raccoon doesn’t seek out – desert-like, arid environments. Therefore, Upper Newport Bay with its tidal flats, riparian and upland areas is an ideal habitat for this mammal. However, it is not a regular occurrence to see a raccoon or a group of raccoons in the bay. Like so many UNB species, the raccoon prefers to operate under cover of darkness, or at least twilight, and tends to be solitary, accepting when mating, or in the family.

Mating between adult individuals usually occurs between February and March. Males, which are usually larger than females, do not participate in rearing the litter. Young are usually born in April or May. Litters range from three to six cubs and produce young that are initially blind but hairy. In terms of coloration, raccoons are generally the familiar gray with black and white markings; However, all-white and all-black individuals can occur. Family groups stay together for up to a year, although they usually clear the original burrow within six to eight weeks. The young usually become completely independent when driven away by the arrival of a new litter.

Raccoons are not limited to a single food source; It is estimated that their diet consists of a fairly even split between plant matter, invertebrates, and vertebrates. A-Z-Tiere.com

Opportunism, at least in the ecological sense, is defined as the practice of procuring food by virtually any means necessary. Raccoons are not limited to a single food source; Instead, they have a choice about what food to eat at any given time. It is estimated that their diet consists of a fairly even split between plant matter, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Planting material is fairly easy to acquire outside of the winter and in some locations is their main food source. They’re more likely to prefer invertebrates by a small margin over vertebrates simply because of how common they are and how easy they are to catch. But ultimately it depends on what’s available at the moment.

As generalized opportunists, raccoons are not natural or skilled hunters; They don’t devote much time to tracking down and killing prey. But when they spy on an easy hunting opportunity, their usual prey includes live frogs, snakes, crabs, snails, and small rodents like mice and squirrels. After all, hunting is a massive waste of energy when there are far simpler foods to seek out. dead carrion, insects and worms are among the most common meats in their culinary repertoire. They will even attempt to steal eggs or small hatchlings from bird nests if they see an opportunity to get away with it.

Depending on how much food is available in their area, these voracious omnivores can travel more than a mile a night in search of something to eat. The females are almost always either pregnant or accompanied by the young, meaning they have multiple mouths to feed while the males forage alone. These omnivores will usually seek similar feeding grounds every night to avoid wasting time and energy. Some evidence suggests that individual raccoons may develop preferences for certain foods.

The raccoon’s diet tends to vary quite a bit with the changing of the seasons. During the summer, they feed on a wide variety of foods, including meat, fruit, nuts, acorns, walnuts, and sometimes even corn. Some of her favorite fruits are apples, grapes, cherries, peaches, plums, and berries (even dispersing plant seeds around the area can help). By late fall, raccoons must have built up enough fat for the lean winter months, at least in the northern part of their range, where food intake is considerably more difficult. Because of this, raccoons are often seen gaining weight in the fall months and then losing a lot of weight, possibly by half, by spring. They don’t hibernate; their metabolic rate remains fairly constant. However, they drastically lower their activity levels to avoid wasting energy.

Location is also a big factor in the makeup of their diet, particularly the types of plants they consume. A raccoon in Mexico tends to have a different diet than a raccoon in Washington or Virginia, as well as Japan. Southern raccoons have more food options during the winter and are therefore more active year-round.

What do raccoons eat in the wild?

Raccoons live in almost every state in the United States and usually inhabit forests and forests. A raccoon prefers to live in a tree hollow near a river, pond, or other body of water. If there is no tree cavity, the raccoon will pull into any hollowed-out spot. At night they hunt along the water.

Raccoons like seafood. They fish for clams, crayfish, frogs, snails, snakes and fish. Raccoons prefer animals that live in shallow water, so they will also eat turtles and snakes if they are easy to catch. However, they eat a balanced diet, as they also eat a lot of fruit, wild herbs, seeds, nuts and snails. Her favorite fruits include cherries, apples, and whatever else grows near her den. They are not expert hunters, but will attempt to capture birds or small rodents when other food is scarce. They also eat bird eggs, maggots and insects.

When living near farms, raccoons can raid chicken coops to steal eggs or chicks.

Raccoons in the wild feed most heavily in spring, summer, and fall. They do this to ensure their bodies have enough fat to get through the winter when food is scarce or the weather keeps them indoors.

Raccoons will eat anything that isn’t rotten or moldy. AEWD/Shutterstock.com

Why do you wash your food?

The raccoon has a very well-known behavior of dousing food with water before eating it or rubbing off unwanted bits with their hands. This behavior is even reflected in the raccoon’s scientific name: Lotor is Latin for raccoon. Despite appearances, the raccoon may not be washing its food after all. Instead, this behavior could be related to the raccoon’s very sensitive sense of touch. The hairless parts of their front paws contain many nerve endings that carry important information about the size, texture, and temperature of what they’re holding. Some studies have shown that dousing food can help increase the tactile sensitivity of their paws. However, these studies were conducted on captive raccoons, and it’s not entirely clear how often this behavior occurs in the wild.

How neighborhood raccoons feed

Suburban raccoons eat birdseed, pet food, and water from wells or feeding bowls. Those that feed off trash cans tend to eat leftover animal feed, meat, junk food, fruits and vegetables. They will eat any food that is not rotten or moldy.

One of the most interesting things about raccoons is how well they have adapted to life in the human environment. Raccoons are omnipresent and because of their willingness to eat, they like to eat the remains of our garbage cans. This adaptability is so interesting that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation once commissioned a study to find out how they do it. The 1986 research study examined how raccoons manage to find food and avoid being hunted or trapped in their suburban haunts. In fact, raccoons in the wild typically weigh around 30 pounds, but the average suburban raccoon can weigh up to 60 pounds.

A 2016 National Geographic documentary reported that Toronto had 50 times more raccoons than the surrounding area. Researchers have noted that other animal populations, including white-tailed deer, squirrels, Canada geese and gulls, appear to be thriving despite the increased encroachment on their habitats. There may be good reasons for this. Cities and suburbs don’t have the large predators that live in forests and eat raccoons. In the suburbs, people do not hunt deer or raccoons.

At times, their survivability has caused problems. Raccoons have been introduced to several countries where they are not native, including Japan. Japan began importing raccoons in the 1970s. They quickly became invasive pests, damaging buildings and native species. Raccoons imported to Germany overgrown the country there. The only solution was to wipe out the raccoon populations in both countries.

It’s another warning that importing species is rarely a good idea. Non-native animals and plants often become invasive and destroy native ecosystems.

Like all animals, raccoons are better left in their natural environment, even when those environments are suburban lawns and streets.

A raccoon eating a bird egg from a nest. Edwin Butter/Shutterstock.com

Do they really like trash or dirty food?

The notion that raccoons like dirty food is popular, but it’s not true. They just eat foods that we consider garbage, but which are still perfectly good. In their view, we waste perfect foods like a few bites of meat on the bone or fruit that’s starting to go soggy. They are fastidious about their food, which is why they use water to get information about it.

In the wild and in the suburbs, raccoons are lazy. They are not hunters and are not willing to spend hours fishing in deep water. They like food that is close by and easy to catch. Eating our leftovers is a quick and easy way to get a few bites without much fuss.

What do raccoons eat in captivity?

In a zoo or wildlife sanctuary, a raccoon will eat a diet consistent with its natural one. It will contain snails, worms, fruits, berries, seeds, fish and eggs. They can be fed chicken or specially processed raccoon food. They will also have a bowl of water to drink and another to dip their food in.

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) eating trash or garbage in a can and invading the city in Stanley Park, Vancouver. kingma photos/shutterstock.com

A complete list of the top 10 foods the raccoon eats

Raccoons eat so many different foods that it’s difficult to list them all. Here they are broken down into larger food categories.

insects

fruit

nuts

eggs

worms

snakes

rodents

snails

frogs

crayfish

Are there foods they cannot eat?

Despite being omnivores, there are some things raccoons cannot eat:

Chocolate, onions, raisins, and macadamia nuts are poisonous to raccoons.

Garlic and bread are not toxic, but they can upset a raccoon’s digestion.

Coffee, cocoa and sweets can cause health problems in raccoons.

Raccoons are constantly fidgeting, feeling, and searching for food.

Who eats raccoons?

Larger predators such as coyotes, bobcats, and cougars all prey on raccoons in the wild. Some people have also eaten raccoons. That’s how a raccoon got into the White House.

In 1926, President Calvin Coolidge received a live raccoon as a gift. The raccoon was supposed to be part of the President’s Thanksgiving dinner, but Coolidge refused to kill her. Instead, he and his family adopted her as a pet raccoon and named her Rebecca.

Rebecca became a family favorite, especially with First Lady Grace Coolidge. They built her a tree house and gave her free rein on the White House grounds. When the Coolidges left the White House, Rebecca was living at the Rock Creek Zoo, now the Washington Zoo.

Nature’s food finders

Raccoons are perhaps nature’s best food finders. Their willingness to eat almost anything and their ability to find good food in a garbage heap have helped them adapt and survive where other animals would struggle. Whether in the wild woods or in your backyard, a raccoon is sure to find a good meal.

Next: Golden Eagle vs Bald Eagle: 8 Key Differences Explained

Hunting raccoons or hunting raccoons has been around for several centuries. The most successful methods of raccoon hunting have changed over time as technological advances have resulted in new and improved equipment.

Hunting raccoons with dogs has historically been the most common method of finding raccoons, but recent development of raccoon hunting lights has resulted in more success by searching for raccoons at night. Some of the best raccoon hunting lights are able to shine beyond a dog’s scent range and they don’t even scare the raccoons.

Definition of coon hunting

Raccoon hunting is a method of searching for raccoons with the aim of capturing or harvesting them. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so raccoon hunting usually takes place at night. Raccoon hunting has been around for several centuries, dating back to the 19th century when hunters shot raccoons for their pelts. In the early 1990s, protests by animal rights groups led to the collapse of the fur animal market. Since then, raccoon hunting has declined in popularity and the number of vermin is now increasing faster than ever.

Where do you hunt raccoons?

Raccoons are most common in densely forested areas, and if there’s a water source nearby, that’s a plus. In general, raccoons are scavengers and are constantly looking for their next meal. They can often be found close to their ideal food sources; This includes fruits, nuts, plants, berries, insects, rodents, frogs, fish, cattle troughs, feed bags and so on. The best place to hunt raccoons is in a wooded pasture with fruit or nut trees and a water source nearby. If you are able to find such a place, chances are it will be teeming with raccoons and the chances of a successful raccoon hunting trip are very high.

Where we see raccoons

We most commonly see raccoons in our pecan trees, regardless of their proximity to the water. At night we often see raccoons rampaging through our feed shed tearing up feed sacks. They don’t seem to care if there are people in the area or not, their main focus is foraging for food. During the day we might see them crouching between the bales in the hay barn. Raccoons like to hole up during the day; and they usually choose the center of a hollow log, under a wooded heap, or their own underground burrow. If you pay attention to where you see raccoons during the day, you can have more successful raccoon hunting trips at night.

Coon hunting season

Coons can be hunted at night all year round. It’s important to have some quality raccoon hunting lights that will illuminate raccoons without scaring them when hunting at night. As long as there are food sources in the area, there will most likely be raccoons at night. In general, raccoons are most active on dark nights and least active when the moon is full. There are four seasons in the year, and so each of these seasons is paired with raccoon hunting.

spring

The spring raccoon hunting season is associated with warmer temperatures, which encourages raccoons to move closer to water sources. Unlike the other seasons for raccoon hunting, springtime is the prime mating season for raccoons. Springtime is the best time to try calling a raccoon using handheld or electronic game calls. It’s important to note that while raccoons move quickly from den to den year-round, they are more stationary in spring.

Spring is not only known for the mating season of raccoons, but also marks the beginning of the development of fruit and nut trees. The trees are usually ready for harvest in late spring or early summer.

Summer

The summer raccoon hunting season is associated with hot temperatures, and most raccoons are seen near rivers, streams, ponds, and other water sources. We often saw raccoons swimming through the river at night or snatching fish from the shallows with their paws. If you find some pecan trees by the river, chances are they’ll be full of raccoons by nightfall.

autumn

The fall coon hunting season corresponds to the transition from warmer to cooler temperatures. Raccoons are commonly found around crops and gardens in the fall, mainly because fall is harvest time. In the fall we often see an abundance of deer, pigs and raccoons in our corn fields.

If you are a deer hunter and have started running your feeders for the rapidly approaching deer season, then inevitably you can prepare for the raccoon hunting season as well. Raccoons have been known to come in and clean up the corn left behind by the deer.

winter

The hunting season for coon in winter is highly dependent on food sources. During the winter, raccoons forage for food harder than ever and they can be found anywhere there is food. Raccoons climb wild feeders to spin corn, trash feeder barns and rip open feed sacks, and more to find food in winter. Wintertime is a tough time of year for raccoons. So if you can find a good food source for them during this time, you will likely have success in raccoon hunting.

Coon Hunting Supplies

Lights for coon hunting

The best raccoon hunting lights do more than just illuminate raccoons. They light them up without scaring them. This technology was only recently discovered and has resulted in some of the most effective hunting methods for raccoons. These raccoon hunting lights are intensity adjustable and are designed for the color blind range of raccoons. This gives raccoon hunters better shooting opportunities and can help increase the success rate of raccoon hunts.

LED headlamps for coon hunting

A raccoon hunting light on your hat, or even one clipped to your head, can be a great way to hunt raccoons hands-free. There are a variety of uses for the headlamps, but remember that warm white or cool white light is more likely to indicate your presence than a red LED raccoon hunting headlamp.

Spotlighting for raccoons

Hunting raccoons with dogs is fun, but spotting raccoons can be even more rewarding. When looking for raccoons, they are most commonly found in the trees and sometimes in cornfields. Trees that are close to a water source or that bear fruit or nuts are the best places to spotlight raccoons.

Some hunters use traditional white-beam (warm white or cool white color) headlights, while experienced raccoon hunters use red-beam headlights.

The warm white or cool white headlights are great for finding raccoons at longer ranges, but the problem is that the light scares them. Shortly after shining a light on the raccoon, the raccoon will likely run down the tree to its den, or straight into the trunk of the tree if it’s a hollow tree. This can make it very difficult to promote raccoons.

A real red beam raccoon chasing light is able to illuminate a raccoon without scaring it. At long ranges, a high-intensity red beam does an excellent job of locating the raccoon, while at shorter ranges it is important to lower the intensity to avoid pressuring the raccoon. To learn more about what types of lights are best for raccoon hunting, read our guide to buying the best raccoon hunting light.

Once you’ve found an ideal group of trees that are likely to hold raccoons, it’s best to shine your raccoon hunting lights into the “V’s” of the trees. This is at the base of the branches where the branch meets the base of the tree or log. Active raccoons can pluck nuts from branches, but once they start eating their catch, they usually do so in these “V” areas.

Coon hunting with dogs

The most well-known hunting method for raccoons is raccoon hunting with dogs. The dogs used for raccoon hunting are called coonhounds and are known for their ability to track a scent.

Types of Coonhounds

There are 6 coonhounds all recognized by the United Kennel Club and bred to hunt coon. The first coonhound breed, Black and Tan Coonhound, was officially registered in 1900. The last recorded Coonhound breed was the Plott Hound in 1946.

Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound is an independent dog that is very difficult to follow once it has started tracking. Their calm temperament makes them a suitable pet as they are very gentle and unobtrusive around the house. Their ability to track a scent has made them favorites for raccoon hunting as well as tracking other animals including wounded deer, hogs, bears, cougars or other big game species.

Red-Bone Coonhound

The Redbone Coonhound is the result of a selective breeding program that focused on an agile dog capable of hunting game, swimming streams, and preying on both large and small game. The Redbone’s general temperament is very calm, affectionate, gentle, and eager to please its owner.

English coonhound

Also known as the Redtick Coonhound, the English Coonhound was bred in the southeastern United States to hunt raccoons and red foxes. English Coonhounds have a gentle temperament but require regular exercise to stay in top condition.

Bluetick Coonhound

The Bluetick Coonhound is best known for its presence in Blake Shelton’s song “Ol’ Red.” They are very effective for raccoon hunting but have large amounts of energy that must be released in the form of hunting or activity. When caged, they can be a nuisance to homeowners who don’t give them the attention they deserve. They are among the loudest of the coonhounds, which can be a nuisance to homeowners who don’t train them properly or use them regularly for raccoon hunting.

Treeing Walker Coonhound

The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a descendant of the American English Coonhounds. Much like other coonhounds, they have a loud and distinctive voice that tells hunters their exact location when they’ve barked at game. Their general temperament is gentle and they enjoy interacting with people.

plotter dog

The Plott Hound differs from the other 5 Coonhounds in that it does not trace its lineage back to the Foxhound. The name comes from George Plott, who immigrated to North Carolina from Germany in the late 18th century. Commonly known as brindle “leopard spot hounds,” the Plott Hounds have a high capacity for speed, stamina, and endurance. They are ideal dogs for raccoon hunting as well as barking at game. Unlike other coonhounds, the plott hound does not have baggy skin and was originally bred to hunt bears rather than raccoons. In 1989, the Plott Hound was made the official state dog of North Carolina.

Thanks for reading along! We encourage you to sign up for our blog by entering your email address at the bottom right of this page. We’ll keep you up-to-date on the latest raccoon hunting products, as well as any news, tips or tricks we learn about raccoon hunting. If you are interested in starting raccoon hunting or to add to your collection, we recommend shopping our selection of raccoon hunting lamps.

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As a young boy, I sat in motionless suspense while my grandfather, Varney, recounted the memories of his youth through storytelling. My spirit could see the cascading creeks and jagged mountains he had painted of his home in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. He could also make you feel the emotion of the moment. Like the fear of sitting still in bed while a rat snake slithered through the drafty beams of his old house. Or the disgust of seeing a possum crawling around inside a dead horse. I can still hear him giggling, “I never ate a possum after that.”

Thinking back to those stories from so many years ago makes me laugh at what is now considered normal table fare. For my grandfather and his rural neighbors during the Great Depression, it took a disturbing first-person event to get possum off the menu. I clearly remember my grandfather saying that he also ate chipmunks and raccoons. He always prefaced the raccoon with, “It’s greasy but good.” They literally lived off the land around them and nothing was wasted.

People are so used to consuming processed foods these days that few really know what they are eating; let alone where it came from. Good luck pronouncing the list of preservatives listed on the ingredient label correctly. Our modern culture has strayed far from what was once considered a traditional delicacy.

However, there is a movement focused on eating local and fresh. Those behind this movement take care of their food. They want to know what farm it came from and whether or not it was cage raised. I applaud them for taking care of them and trying to eat as naturally as possible. Often these folks weren’t raised in a hunting environment but are open to the hunt, largely because it’s a gateway to the purest protein known to man: game.

Wild cooking needs no introduction. There are more delicious game recipes than you could eat in a lifetime. What man doesn’t salivate over a red-roasted elk steak or boast about his venison summer sausage? No, these quality and mainstream cuts of meat don’t need cheerleaders. However, it’s the protein often found next to striped plaster that needs a PR overhaul. Quite common in my grandfather’s time and a reason for thanksgiving, the raccoon no longer gets a place at the table.

I’m not preaching from an ivory tower, friends; I yell it from the podium of a guilty party — “I, too, have taken the raccoon off the menu.” While I’ve shot and caught many raccoons for fur or wildlife management goals, I’ve never butchered one for the table. While some of you partake in eating raccoons on a regular basis, I’ve never tried it.

Raccoon: “It’s greasy, but good.”

This fall I was busy catching raccoons from a wildlife feeder near my house. I caught six raccoons and one possum at the same feeding site over a two month period. While I was working to rid a young raccoon’s fur, I could hear my grandfather’s voice saying, “It’s greasy but good.” For years I was tempted and finally gave in. It was time to eat like my ancestors. I carefully dissected the carcass, examining the liver and innards. The young raccoon was fat and seemed healthy. After washing the meat and patting it dry, I quickly wrapped it in freezer paper and froze it.

preparation

I wanted to keep things simple but traditional enough to enjoy the flavors of the meat, which I’ve heard tastes like dark chicken.

I trimmed the fat from the carcass and removed the scent glands from each arm and leg.

Then I settled on a recipe where the raccoon meat is pre-cooked or pressure-cooked to tenderize it.

Next, peel and chop enough sweet potatoes to line the bottom of a roasting pan in the oven.

Once the potatoes line the pan, layer the quartered meat over the sweet potatoes and season to taste. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for an hour.

The house smelled delicious while the raccoon was baking. Some of the meat was a bit tougher than I expected, but when it came time to eat I was pleasantly surprised at the taste. There was nothing bad or repulsive about it. In fact, it was a pretty tame taste. The sweet potatoes added a nice sweetness to the whole thing too. As my grandpa warned, it was greasy, which didn’t make it taste bad, but you do need some paper towels to wipe your hands.

All in all, raccoon is absolutely edible and I would eat it again anytime. However, it’s the quality of the meat that would keep me from cooking it more often. Like squirrels, it is a tough meat that is best prepared tender. I think raccoon would be great in a gumbo or something similar, but for this taste test I wanted to experience the natural flavors of the meat. I won’t be trading deer fillet for raccoon anytime soon, but it’s a rich, natural food with good flavor that’s taboo enough to be fun to eat.

Related articles:

When most people think of hunting, they think of deer or other large animals. However, there is a lesser-known type of hunting that occurs in many parts of North America – hunting raccoons. Why are people chasing them? There are different reasons. This blog post examines the most common reasons.

The top reasons people hunt raccoons

Raccoons are hunted for either monetary gain, fun, food, sport, or simply because they are seen as a nuisance. Here we will examine each of these reasons in more detail.

Hunting raccoons has also evolved more into wildlife management in recent years. Raccoons are hunted for fun in many parts of North America. The raccoon’s natural curiosity, intelligence, and resourcefulness make hunting them particularly challenging and rewarding.

Monetary Gains

Raccoon pelts are also valuable and are often used to make coats or rugs. There was a time when raccoon pelts sold for $30 a piece. However, the demand for raccoon fur has decreased in recent years. Raccoon hunters typically hunt raccoons for their pelts from November to February. To harvest the fur you must kill the raccoon. This can be done with a gun or by capturing and then killing them.

Because they are a plague

The most common reason people hunt raccoons is because they are considered pests. While raccoons may seem cute and cuddly, they can actually be quite a nuisance. They often raid bird feeders and trash cans, which can result in costly repairs for homeowners or businesses. There have been instances where raccoons have caused thousands of dollars worth of damage in one night!

Raccoons can also transmit rabies and other diseases, which is a major concern for health officials. Rabies is a deadly disease that can be transmitted to humans and other animals. It is important to remove raccoons from populated areas to protect the public.

Sports

Coon hunting is also a popular sport. There are many competitions where hunters compete to see who can kill the most raccoons. In some cases, the winner is decided by weight or coat count. Raccoon hunting is a challenging and rewarding sport that has been part of American culture for many years.

This can be done with rifles, coonhounds, or by hand, but most hunters prefer to use rifles because they can use them to take down larger prey like deer and elk. Some top regions for modern day raccoon hunting are southern Michigan, northeastern Indiana, western Ohio, and northwestern Pennsylvania.

Hunting raccoons is fun because catching one of these animals is a challenge. They are very clever and can outsmart even an experienced hunter. This makes hunting them both exciting and rewarding when you finally catch one!

population control

Raccoon hunting has evolved into a more serious wildlife management operation. In some states, raccoon populations are out of control. There are more raccoons in North America today than ever before. This is because they can adapt to different environments and eat a variety of foods. Raccoons also have a high reproductive rate, which means their population can quickly spiral out of control.

In order to keep the raccoon population under control, raccoons have to be hunted in some places due to their high population, otherwise they will grow uncontrollably.

For food

Raccoon hunting is also done to provide food for humans. Raccoons are very versatile animals and can be eaten in many different ways. Raccoon meat can be used to make jerky, sausage, and other types of meat products. It can also be cooked in stews or casseroles.

Raccoon meat is considered very tasty and has been compared to beef. It is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world. Raccoon meat is also high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy alternative to other meats.

Raccoon Hunt History

The raccoons were first hunted by Native Americans for food and fur. The practice of hunting raccoons with raccoon hunting dogs was introduced by early European settlers in the colonial era when the practice was adopted by them.

Coon Dogs or Coonhounds are bred to have a very strong scent ability and to track raccoons through dense forests. They also have a high pain tolerance which allows them to withstand the bites of raccoons. This type of breeding subsequently resulted in coon hunting competitions.

Coon hunting competitions demonstrate the hunting skills of raccoon and raccoon hunters. The dogs are judged on their ability to track, dangling (chasing raccoons up a tree), and barking (causing the raccoon to come out of hiding). These competitions still take place today.

During the Great Depression, many people survived by consuming raccoon meat or selling raccoon fur. There was a great demand for raccoon pelts that could be sold at a good price. The raccoon population declined during this period due to overhunting, but eventually rose again in the 1940’s.

Historically, raccoon hunting has been a popular pastime in some parts of North America. It’s a challenging sport that provides food for humans, helps control raccoon populations, and is considered a fun activity by many hunters.

Hunting regulations for raccoons

Wildlife protection officials in each state establish hunting rules and seasons, as well as catch limits, which will vary. Because of the negative impact raccoon hunting can have on a population, there are regulations in place to help ensure that these animals are hunted responsibly.

Coon hunting begins in September in most states and continues through late January. This gives the raccoons plenty of time to mate and have offspring, which helps maintain the population.

A hunting license is required to hunt raccoons in most states. There are also regulations regarding the number of raccoons to be hunted. In some states, it is illegal to hunt raccoons at certain times of the year or with certain types of weapons. It is also illegal to kill female raccoons and their cubs.

When can raccoons be hunted?

Similar to deer hunting, raccoon hunting season varies in different states, but usually raccoon can be hunted from September to January. This is done to ensure the raccoon population does not become too large and to give them time to mate.

Can you shoot a pesky raccoon in your backyard?

If you have a raccoon problem, you might be wondering if it’s legal to shoot them. Most states allow you to shoot raccoons on your property if they cause a problem. You should always check with your state wildlife agency to ensure you are following the proper regulations.

If you are able to hunt raccoons on your property, it is important to ensure that you do so humanely. Shooting the animal with a gun or using a blunt object are both methods that can kill the raccoon quickly and painlessly.

Do you have a pesky raccoon on your property?

If you’re having trouble with raccoons, AAAC Wildlife Removal can help. We have licensed professionals who can help you get rid of these animals in a safe and humane way. We offer a variety of services to help you solve your wildlife problem, so give us a call today!

Conclusion

Raccoons are a common sight in North America, and there are many reasons they are hunted. Whether for food, sport, or population control, raccoon hunting is a popular pastime in many states. Regulations are in place to ensure these animals are hunted responsibly and humanely. If you have a raccoon problem on your property, call a professional wildlife removal service rather than attempting to remove them yourself so you don’t have to cause unnecessary harm to the animal.

Originally posted at https://aaacwildliferemoval.com/blog/raccoon/why-do-people-hunt-raccoons/

The biggest concern with raccoons is disease. Raccoons are known to carry a variety of diseases and parasites. Most of these are not dangerous to you or humans, but some are deadly. Distemper and rabies kill raccoons when infected. When raccoon populations become too dense, animal disease (the animal equivalent of an epidemic in humans) can occur. Animal diseases among raccoons can become a problem for humans because raccoon diseases can infect unvaccinated pets. The risk of rabies is low (less than 1 in 200 raccoons in the wild have been exposed to rabies), but the risk should never be taken lightly. Raccoons are wild animals and should never be treated as pets. A wildlife rabies vaccination program has been implemented in several counties in Florida. A live vaccine is distributed to raccoons, foxes, feral dogs and feral cats in a block of fishmeal. The animal bites the block and the liquid vaccine squirts into its mouth. The virus in the vaccine is not rabies but a genetically engineered virus that contains the gene for the rabies envelope protein. It generates an immune response to this coat protein and the animal is immunized against rabies.

Apart from humans, raccoons have few natural enemies in Florida. Some are killed by predators such as alligators, dogs, coyotes, bobcats and great horned owls, but their traditional predators such as panthers and red wolves have largely disappeared. The coyote, which has become established in Florida in recent decades, preys on raccoons but is uncommon in the suburbs where raccoons thrive. Large alligators, over 8 feet long, are major raccoon predators around water. Their presence near bird colonies helps limit raccoon predation on nests and night-sleeping birds. Fearing alligators, the public often wants most large animals removed by trappers before they are even large enough to hunt adult raccoons. Even humans have largely stopped hunting raccoons for food and pelts. Cars probably kill more raccoons than all natural predators combined.

Breeding first occurs when raccoons are one year old. Usually one litter is born every year. In Florida, this generally happens in March and April. Litters average around 3 to 4 young, although up to 7 have been recorded. Newborn raccoons’ eyes remain closed until they are about 20 days old. They are weaned at 10 to 12 weeks, but the offspring can stay with their mother until they are 10 months old.

Raccoons are not picky about their habitat. Under normal conditions, they usually choose a den in a hollow tree, usually a large branch instead of the trunk. Cavities in trees can be anywhere from the ground up to 60 feet above the ground. In urban and other areas without tree cavities, raccoons choose a variety of “dens” including rock and rubble piles, attics, crawl spaces under houses, decks, sheds, culverts, sewers, and the dens of other animals.

Raccoons are not choosy when it comes to choosing their food. Although classified as a carnivore, the raccoon eats as much or more plants than animals over the course of the year. When fruits, acorns, and seeds are ripe and available, raccoons feed heavily on them. At other times and places they specialize in bird and turtle eggs, insects, crayfish and crabs, frogs, fish and small mammals. They eat dead animals they come across; They raid bird feeders for seeds and pet food bowls; and they check garbage cans that aren’t secured. Raccoons will hunt small pets and livestock if they have access to them; Rabbits in pens, pet birds in cages on porches, and poultry in pens have all fallen prey to these clever foragers.

Individual raccoons typically use a home range of 1 to 3 square miles and are somewhat territorial, especially the males. Raccoons seen in small groups are most likely females with young or unassociated adults from neighboring areas brought together by a large food source. Raccoons can travel more than a mile from their home range to feed on a locally abundant forage. They can tolerate a large reduction in territory size given sufficient food and shelter. Raccoon densities of 100 per square mile can be reached near abundant food sources, particularly in coastal and wetland areas.

Raccoons are mostly active in the evening hours. On most days they leave their burrows just after dark and are active until morning. However, it is not uncommon for them to linger in their burrows well after dark, and in particularly inclement weather they may not venture outside at all. However, raccoons are adaptable and so it is not uncommon or uncommon to see one foraging during the day. This is because midday is often the quietest time in suburban neighborhoods, when people are at work and school and dogs are cooped up in homes. Seeing a raccoon outside during the day does not mean that it is rabid or dangerous.

A raccoon is not to be confused with any other animal. Its stocky, bear-like body, distinctive black mask, and heavily haired, ringed tail are unmistakable. Adult raccoons are around 2 to 3 feet long (including their 10 inch tail) and weigh between 10 and 30 pounds. Larger animals have sometimes been recorded, but Florida raccoons tend to be smaller than those found further north. Their color is generally a salt and pepper gray and black with a light gray belly. The “white” hairs are often conspicuously yellowish. Sometimes both all-black and all-white animals are found. The males are called boars, the females are called sows and the young are called young animals.

Raccoons are found in increasing numbers throughout the state of Florida. Urbanization and agriculture often help their populations because food becomes more readily available under these conditions. Exotic fruit and ornamental plants provide greater food diversity in human-managed landscapes. As such, it is not uncommon to encounter raccoons near your home or neighborhood.

The northern raccoon, Procyon lotor, is well known in many parts of the world. This is an animal most people are well acquainted with due to its large size, abundance, ecological success, and often disruptive behavior wherever it occurs. It is usually just called raccoon or “raccoon” in English; malpache norteno, malpache boreal, malpachin, osito lavador in Spanish; and guaxinim in Portuguese. In Native American languages ​​they are tzil (Maya), mapachitli (Aztec), kvtli (Cherokee or Tsalagi), ati:ron (Mohawk), esiban (Algonquin), eehsipana (Miami-Illinois), nahënëm (Lenape Delaware), sawa (Alabama), sawá (Koasati), shaui (Choctaw), shawi’ (Chickasaw), and wotko (Muskogee). In areas it has colonized in Eurasia it is called raccoon (German), wasbeer (Dutch), orsetto lavatore (Italian), araiguma (?????) (Japanese), raton laveur (French), tvättbjörn (Swedish) , pesukarhu (Finnish) and Mosómedve (Hungarian). Many of these names are local translations meaning the “washing bear”.

The northern raccoon, Procyon lotor, is the species of North and Central America, and the related crab-eating raccoon, Procyon cancrivorus, is found from Panama to Argentina. They belong to the Procyonidae family along with the coati, kinkajou, ringtail and olingo. Raccoons are commonly found in each of the lower 48 states, much of southern Canada, and throughout Mexico and Central America. Raccoons are highly adaptable animals and thrive in all types of habitats, from the desert of the southwest to tropical forests and northern hardwoods. Unlike many wildlife species, raccoons thrive particularly well in urban areas.

Solve raccoon problems

Raccoons are one of our most successful city animals and are therefore often spotted in our gardens and near our homes. This in itself should not be a cause for concern. Under most conditions, raccoons are harmless, interesting neighbors and should be treated as part of the natural community. You will occasionally catch a glimpse of one going about their business and these can be fascinating times. Problems with raccoons often arise because we have such a hard time not “doing something for them”.

Feeding raccoons is one such case. Because they’ll eat just about anything imaginable, raccoons are almost never in danger of starvation—especially in Florida’s mild climate. Raccoons also find plenty of food in urban landscapes. By exposing them to food, we condition them to lose their “respect” for humans, a trait that greatly contributes to their ability to survive. Animal feeding also causes local populations to become more dense than the habitat can adequately support. At these times, raccoons will begin to take a closer look at your home for shelter and are more likely to get sick and transmit diseases. If the welfare of the animals isn’t enough to stop you from feeding them, remember that it’s illegal! It is illegal under Florida Administrative Code 68A (4.001) to feed bears, foxes, raccoons and sandhill cranes. Beginning June 2002, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will enforce this rule with penalties including 60 days in prison and fines of up to $500.

68A-4.001. General prohibitions.

(3) Deliberately dumping food or litter, allowing food or litter to be dumped, or offering food or litter in a manner that attracts black bears, foxes, or raccoons and in a manner likely to create a public nuisance, or creating is forbidden.

Types of problems and control techniques

Raccoon problems are varied, but most can be broken down into two main categories. Both are discussed in detail in the following sections.

Feeding around houses

Because of their eating habits, raccoons often become a nuisance. When this occurs, your best strategy is to deny them access to food. If raccoons raid your pet’s food bowl, feed your pet during the day and remove the uneaten food before dark. When raccoons plunder your garbage can, make the garbage inaccessible. Get a raccoon-proof trash can or weight down the lid so they can’t open it. Store your trash cans in the garage or build a trash can with a locking lid to store them.

eat grain

However, many other feeding problems in raccoons are not that easy to solve and are not directly related to feeding. Anyone who has ever attempted to grow corn and other fruits and vegetables with a raccoon in the area has likely lost a good chunk of their potential harvest. Raccoons can be quite frustrating for fruit and vegetable growers. Solving these problems can be just as frustrating. Note that repellents of any kind (including mothballs) and scaring devices are unsuccessful. No raccoon in the world will miss an opportunity to eat something ripe and tasty just because a strange smell or object is nearby. One method that works is to prevent access. A single-leg electric fence with a wire 8 inches above the ground does not physically harm the animals and can do wonders for keeping them out of the yard. The only other method is to remove the animal from your yard with a live trap. It is illegal to release raccoons onto county, state, federal, or private property without the owner’s permission.

Living in the attic (or elsewhere in the house)

Perhaps the biggest problem with raccoons occurs when they set up housekeeping in your home. Raccoons often enter an attic or crawl space if an access point to the outside is not maintained or repaired. Torn grilles or soffits, open chimneys, or broken windows are common entry points. You can also settle under your mobile home or deck. Once a raccoon has moved in, it is difficult to move out again. Somehow chasing the animal out and then plugging the entry hole makes sense, but often does more damage because the raccoon often returns and forces its way in again. This is especially true for mothers with boys. Females (sows) with young (young) can sometimes be encouraged to move their young to another den by placing cotton balls or strips of cloth soaked with male raccoon or other predator urine in the attic or crawl space. Raccoon urine is available at sporting goods stores or online. It is used by deer hunters as a cover scent. Fox or coyote urine is sold as a repellent for deer or rabbits in the garden and as capture bait for these animals. These urines can be purchased online from garden or trap suppliers. There are one-way devices that allow the animal to exit the enclosure but not re-enter it. This is useful for males and females without young. Physically removing and euthanizing the pesky raccoon with a live trap is the least desirable but often the ultimate solution to this problem. Exclusion and prevention are always the cheapest and easiest means of controlling nuisance wildlife situations.

defecation in swimming pools

A raccoon defecating on the swimming pool steps is a common complaint from homeowners. It is normal for raccoons to stand in shallow water to defecate. It’s a way for them to hide their droppings from other raccoons and predators. To prevent this awkward behavior, cover the top few pool steps with plastic sheeting or sheeting to keep them out. Raccoons don’t jump into deep water and only swim to poop on a step. Finding a more convenient way to hide the smell of their poop, they often head to your neighbor’s pool or ornamental pond.

Figure 8.

Photo credit: George Schneider, UF/IFAS

Raccoon digs up new plantings

Raccoons can smell disturbed soil and will examine it to look for turtle eggs or other food. You can deter them by adding naphthalene wildlife repellent or cayenne pepper to the disturbed soil around the new plant. While mothballs also contain naphthalene, mothballs are not labeled for outdoor use. Using a pesticide that doesn’t match the label is a violation of the Florida Pesticides Act and the federal Insecticides, Fungicides, and Rodenticides Act. These repellents are temporary, but once the smell of newly churned soil dissipates, the raccoons lose interest . This usually takes 3-4 days (or nights).

live trapping

Check your local ordinances before attempting to catch raccoons. If you are legally able to release the captive raccoon, you should also determine where it would be legal to release it and obtain permission beforehand. The release site should be at least three miles from your property or the raccoon will likely return. Raccoons that cause property damage can be caught alive without a Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC) permit, but if the raccoon is to be removed from your property and released, a raccoon relocation permit is required.

Setting a live trap to remove a troublesome raccoon is relatively easy, but you need to set it correctly to get the results you want. Traps should always be placed where they can be easily monitored. Never place the trap in an attic or under an RV unless absolutely necessary and you can check it at least daily. It is far preferable to place the trap in the raccoon’s normal trajectory or in an open area where it is known to be feeding.

Either bait the trap with something the raccoon is eating or something that is sure to tempt it. This isn’t too difficult since raccoons will eat just about anything. In most cases, a dry cat food that contains fishmeal is a cheap, clean, and excellent choice. Raccoons are very easy to trap, but at other times they are exceptionally frustrating. Try changing the baits if the raccoon doesn’t enter your trap after the first 3 or 4 nights. Chicken necks, a head of corn, or whole peanuts are some of the varied foods that your problem animal might be tempted to eat. If changing the bait does not bring results, you need to reduce the raccoon’s fear of the trap. Wire the trap door to keep it from falling shut. Then place bait both inside the trap and around the outside. After a few days, the raccoon will likely start entering the trap to eat. Once this happens regularly, you can unwire the door.

A final consideration is the choice of trap. Although there are many brands of live traps, they all work pretty much the same. One difference, even under the same brand, is the number of doors available. When catching raccoons, traps that open at only one end are preferable to those that open at both ends. If you are using a two-door trap, consider closing and locking one of the doors to make it a one-door trap. This will force the raccoon to go all the way to the back of the trap to reach the bait, ensuring it will be caught if the door is triggered.

Since translocated raccoons can transmit disease to the resident raccoon population and often cause other problems, humane euthanasia of live-captured raccoons is recommended. CO 2 chambers are a simple, safe and humane method of euthanasia, and the meat is still edible if you so choose. Drowning is not considered humane euthanasia.

Figure 9.

Credit: William Kern, UF/IFAS

Figure 10.

Credit: William Kern, UF/IFAS

Figure 11.

Credit: William Kern, UF/IFAS

Other control methods

Raccoons are protected by various rules administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It is legal to kill a pesky raccoon if you have a valid hunting license if done humanely. The use of poison and leg or body grab traps is not legal without permission and is not recommended for raccoons. Check local ordinances before using any lethal control method. Never fire a firearm within city limits or in residential areas.

AP Photo/Casey Christie

By David Figura l [email protected]

So you have wild animals on your yard or property and they are causing a nuisance, health hazard or property damage. What are your options? This story will deal with pests, especially small mammals.

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The first step is to analyze why the animal is on your property. It’s often there to eat. It could be attracted to your bird feeder, your open garbage cans, your garden, or the dog or cat food on your porch. Non-lethal steps can be taken to deal with these attractants including removing your bird feeder, proper fencing, keeping your trash closed cans, not putting pet food outside, etc.

But what if the animal and its family refuse to leave? Killing an animal is only suggested by the state Department of Environment “when other best practices fail to alleviate the problem”.

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When it comes to “nuisance” animals, the DEC has divided these animals into two classes – protected and unprotected species. Protected species (examples include raccoons, possums, skunks, beavers and gray squirrels) can be caught during the designated hunting or trapping season with the appropriate sporting license. In some cases, special permission is required to kill them off-season.

Vulnerable Species (examples include woodchucks, porcupines, chipmunks, mice, rats, moles, red and flying squirrels) Vulnerable species can always be shot or captured and euthanized indefinitely. However, if you hunt them with a firearm, crossbow or bow, a small game hunting license is required.

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AP Photo / Johnathan Paroby

Can’t or don’t want to do it yourself? Contact a local Nuisance Wildlife Control operator. NWCOs are private business owners licensed by the DEC to handle and remove nuisance wildlife in and around your home.

For the do-it-yourself crowd, the following rules and recommendations on the deadly route apply. There are no prescribed methods. Note, however, that many suburban, urban communities have bans on firing bows or crossbows and/or firing firearms. In general, one must not fire a firearm within 500 feet (for a firearm), 250 feet (for a crossbow), or 150 feet (for a bow) from a dwelling, farm building, or structure occupied or used, unless , you own it, lease it, are an immediate family member or employee, or have the consent of the owner.

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Jupiter images

Marmots (unprotected species)

* Can be killed at any time, no limit on the number.

* With one exception, no special permit required. A small game hunting license is required to use a bow, crossbow or firearm.

*Using a trap to capture and then put to sleep is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense. Bury or dispose of carcasses within 24 hours.

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AP/Wilfredo Lee

Raccoons (protected species)

*Regulations and a set hunting and trapping season govern the killing that can be used for that purpose. There is no daily baggage limit. A small game hunting or trapping license is required during hunting and trapping season. Visit the DEC website for more information.

* Complimentary DEC nuisance permit required during off-season.

* Out of season, using a trap to capture and then euthanize is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense. If removed during the closed hunting or fishing season, the carcass must be buried or cremated immediately.

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Dick Blume l Dick Blume/ [email protected]

Cottontail (protected species)

*Regulations and a set hunting season govern the killing, what can be used for that purpose, and how many can be killed per day. A small game hunting license is required during hunting season.

*A complimentary DEC nuisance permit is required during off-season.

*During the off-season, using a trap to capture and then euthanize is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere at any time is a punishable offense. If caught during the closed hunting season, the carcass must be immediately buried or cremated.

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AP Photo/ Casey Christie

Skunks (protected species)

*Regulations and a set fishing season govern the killing that can be used for that purpose. There is no daily baggage limit. A fishing license is required during the fishing season.

* No harassment permit required to kill them off-season.

* Out of season, using a trap to capture and then euthanize is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense. If removed during the closed hunting or fishing season, the carcass must be buried or cremated immediately.

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Possum (protected species)

*Regulations and set hunting and trapping seasons govern the killing that can be used for that purpose. There is no daily baggage limit. Small game hunting and trapping licenses are required during these times of year.

* No permit required to kill them off-season.

* Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense. If removed during the closed hunting or fishing season, the carcass must be buried or cremated immediately.

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Flickr Lea Jensen

Porcupine (unprotected species)

* Can be killed at any time, no limit on the number.

* With one exception, no special permit required. A small game hunting license is required to use a bow, crossbow or firearm.

*Using a trap to capture and then put to sleep is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense. Bury or dispose of carcasses within 24 hours.

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Flickr/Colin Vanner

Weasel (protected species)

*Regulations and a set fishing season govern the killing that can be used for that purpose. There is no daily baggage limit. A fishing license is required during the fishing season. Visit the DEC website for more information.

*A complimentary DEC nuisance permit is required during off-season.

* Out of season, using a trap to capture and then euthanize is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense. If removed during the closed hunting or fishing season, the carcass must be buried or cremated immediately.

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Dominik Fiorille | Especially for newyorkupstate.com

Red foxes, gray foxes (protected species)

*Regulations and a set hunting and trapping season govern the killing that can be used for that purpose. There is no daily catch limit for these animals. A small game hunting or trapping license is required during hunting and trapping season.

* Complimentary DEC nuisance permit required during off-season.

* Out of season, using a trap to capture and then euthanize is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense. If removed during the closed hunting or fishing season, the carcass must be buried or cremated immediately.

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AP Photo / Johnathan Paroby

Gray, black, or foxtail squirrels (protected species)

*Regulations and a set hunting season govern the killing, what can be used for that purpose, and how many can be killed per day. A small game hunting license is required during hunting season.

*A complimentary DEC nuisance permit is required during off-season.

*During the off-season, using a trap to capture and then euthanize is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere at any time is a punishable offense. If removed during the closed hunting or fishing season, the carcass must be buried or cremated immediately.

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Photo by Hernan De Angelis

Squirrel (unprotected species)

* Can be killed at any time, no limit on the number.

* No special permit required. However, if you hunt them with a firearm, crossbow or bow, a small game hunting license is required.

*Using a trap to capture and then put to sleep is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense. Bury or dispose of carcasses within 24 hours.

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David Lassman l [email protected]

Chipmunks (unprotected species)

* Can be killed at any time, no limit on the number.

* No special permit required. However, a small hunting license is required if you take them with a firearm, crossbow or bow.

*Using a trap to capture and then put to sleep is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense. Bury or dispose of carcasses within 24 hours.

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Don Pfitzer

Bats (protected species)

“Under no circumstances should you attempt to handle a bat. Like any other animal, bats typically defend themselves by biting when provoked or threatened,” the DEC said. “In general, bats are not dangerous animals and are very beneficial to our environment, so harming or killing these animals is wrong and unnecessary.”

If you have a problem, contact your nearest DEC Wildlife Office or a licensed nuisance animal removal professional. Some bat species are protected and require experts to identify them. For tips on safely removing a bat from your home, visit the DEC Little Brown Bat webpage.

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Flickr/Stevehdc

Beaver (protected species)

*There is a fishing season and what can be used for that purpose. There is no daily catch limit. A fishing license is required during the fishing season. Visit the DEC website for more information.

*A complimentary DEC nuisance permit is required during off-season. According to the DEC: “Permits to remove beavers can only be given to the landowner of the property where the beaver control activities will take place. Permits to remove beaver dams can be given to anyone but do not entitle entry and require permission from the property owner on which the dam is located. Depending on your location, you may also need to obtain other permits.” Contact your nearest regional DEC wildlife office for more information.

* Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense.

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AP Photo/Paulina Arce

Rats, Mice, Moles

* Can be killed at any time, no limit on the number.

* No special permit required. If a firearm, crossbow or bow is used, a small game hunting license is required.

*Using a trap to capture and then put to sleep is fine. Live trapping and releasing elsewhere is a punishable offense. Bury or dispose of carcasses within 24 hours.

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Why the ban on capturing and releasing live animals?

According to the DEC: “It is illegal to move or relocate an animal off your property. You cannot capture an animal alive and release it in a park, on state land, or anywhere other than the property it was captured on.”

The reasons against it are threefold, says the DEC. First, the animal could carry a disease, and you could introduce a disease into a new area and affect the wildlife there. Second, if the animal poses a problem, one would merely move a problem from one area to another. Finally, many animals often struggle and often die while adjusting to a new territory due to competition with other animals or lack of food – or are hit or run over by a motor vehicle in their efforts to return to their homes.

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What does it mean to humanely kill an animal?

No, there is nothing in the country’s environmental laws about this. The DEC only recommends following the guidelines established by the American Veterinary Medical Association. The idea, according to the association, is to euthanize the animal as quickly as possible without long suffering. For example, drowning the animal in a cage is not recommended and is not considered humane.

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peter davis

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