Introduction to Raccoons
Raccoons live among us in rural, suburban, and urban environments. These nocturnal animals are highly intelligent, adaptable, intelligent, and very curious creatures. Generally thought of as solitary animals, they are mostly seen at nighttime. They leave their dens to search for food, or to find new refuge to hold up, all the while trying to avoid the many predators threatening them. Raccoons travel varying distances depending on age, sex and environment. Understanding raccoon movement patterns can help with wildlife removal services and raccoon relocation. Always keep your distance if you see an animal acting strange – raccoons carry diseases such as rabies and can be extremely dangerous. Contact Animal Control if you suspect the raccoon is sick.
How Far Do Raccoons Go?
Raccoons go to find food, shelter and potential mates. Their home range depends on how much there is to eat (their food availability), water sources, and competition amongst themselves, depending on how many raccoons are in the area (ie. other males). In urban areas raccoons may go a few miles, in rural areas they may have a larger territory.
Factors That Influence Raccoon Movement
Home Range and Territory
Male raccoons have a larger home range than female raccoons, a male’s territory often encompasses several square miles. Adult male raccoons will travel further to establish their own territory especially during mating season. Female raccoons stay closer to home to care for their young. Young raccoons stay with their mother until approximately 10 months to a year of age. Trapping to catch these critters is not really recommended as you might be trapping a young raccoon that is still very dependant on its mom.
Food Availability
Raccoons are intelligent and opportunistic feeders. Referred to as trash pandas, raccoons eat pretty much anything they can get their paws on. In urban areas they can find more food to eat, in garbage cans, bird feeders and from pet food being left outside. In the wild they must travel further to find any prey animals, fruit and other natural food sources. When food is scarce raccoons will travel further to eat and survive.
Raccoon Mating Season and Dispersal
During mating season males will travel extensively to find potential mates. Juvenile raccoons, when independent, must leave their mom and find a new territory. This dispersal process helps prevent overcrowding and increases the survival rate for the young and adult alike.
If You Catch a Raccoon, How Far Away Can It Be Relocated?
Challenges of Raccoon Relocation
Trapping and relocating raccoons seems like a humane option but it comes with risks if you catch one in a cage. If you catch a raccoon and relocate it, it may struggle to find food, shelter and be unable to avoid predators in a new environment. You might inadvertently be taking mother raccoons away from their baby raccoons, which will result in them perishing. Plus the local laws may prohibit relocation due to risk of raccoon rabies.
Capture Site and Relocation Distance
Wildlife control experts often relocate raccoons less than one km away from the capture site. Whether in suburban or urban areas, the animals should still know where to get food and water to survive, but the distance away might prevent them from returning. Studies have shown, however, that raccoons will travel long distances to get back to their home territory even after being moved to a new relocation area. The laws in your jurisdiction may prohibit trapping and releasing raccoons on public lands (any land that is owned by the federal or provincial government) so double check before you turn loose any of these animals.
Dangers of Raccoon Movement
Risk of Disease Transmission
Raccoons carry rabies and can spread infections such as roundworm through raccoon feces. Direct contact with a rabid raccoon is a threat to humans, pets, and other animals. Raccoons also carry parasites that affect wild animals and domestic pets like cats and dogs.
Structural Damage and Nuisance Behavior
Raccoons are extremely destructive when they’re searching for food or shelter. They can create entry points into attics, sheds and basements. Once inside, even young ones, may cause structural damage and contaminate areas with feces and urine.
How to Keep Raccoons Off Your Property
Prevent Access to Food and Safety
Removing easy access to garbage cans, trash cans and pet food is key to keeping raccoons away. Wildlife control measures such as securing entry areas with a strong wire meshing and installing prevention screen can keep raccoons at bay. If these animals find weak access points on your roof, they will enter.
Protect Your Pets and Property
Raccoons will see small animals like birds or rodents as easy prey to eat. They can also attack domestic animals. Keeping dogs and cats inside at night is key, and sealing entry points can prevent a potential raccoon problem. Additionally, if your pet comes across any mother raccoons outside, they will become aggressive to protect their young. Preventative measures reduce the chance of a raccoon attack on pets.
Conclusion
Raccoons travel varying distances depending on their need for food, refuge, and mates. Relocation by trapping is sometimes used for raccoon removal but it’s not always the solution because a lot of the time they can find their way back home. Understanding their movement patterns and taking steps to deter raccoons can help minimize conflicts with these curious critters so that trapping won’t be necessary.
