Raccoon Prints in Your Backyard: What to Do When Raccoons Visit
Spotting raccoon prints in your backyard can be a concerning experience. These distinctive paw prints, with their five-fingered pattern and small size, serve as evidence of these curious creatures’ presence. While it may seem harmless at first, it’s essential to understand how to handle raccoons when they visit your property. Raccoons are known for their cunning nature and ability to cause damage if not dealt with properly. Here are some ideas to help you manage potential raccoon visits safely and peacefully.
Cover Up Potential Food Sources
Raccoons are nocturnal animals that often wander into neighborhoods in search of food and shelter. Therefore, the first step in managing a raccoon visit is determining whether the prints are fresh or old. Fresh tracks indicate recent activity, while older ones suggest less immediate concern. If you notice fresh raccoon tracks, it becomes crucial to take measures to deter these animals from causing any potential harm or exploring further into your property. Covering potential food sources like outdoor garbage cans and securing any openings that could provide access to your house will help deter them from sticking around.
Set Up a Separate Food Source
You could also consider creating a space separate from other potential attractants where the raccoons can find food. This could be a designated area with bird feeders or dishes filled with fruits or nuts specifically for them—a win-win situation where they’ll have what they need while staying away from unwanted places. Choose a location that is easily accessible for raccoons but separate from other potential attractants like garbage cans or compost piles. Placing the feeders or dishes in an open space away from these areas prevents further enticement and encourages raccoons to focus on the provided food sources. Ensure that the designated feeding area is well-maintained and regularly stocked with fresh fruits or nuts. Raccoons are opportunistic eaters, so offering a variety of foods can keep them engaged and satisfied. Monitoring the consumption rate and adjusting accordingly will help strike a balance between providing enough sustenance without overfeeding.
Watch Out for Overpopulation
Keep an eye out for any signs of overpopulation as this may require additional mitigation measures. If you notice an increase in raccoon activity despite efforts to deter them, it might be necessary to consult local wildlife experts who can provide advice on controlling their population growth while respecting environmental concerns. Pay close attention to the presence of tracks in different areas, as well as claw marks left on trees or fences. If you start observing a noticeable surge in these signs, it might be a red flag indicating a growing population.
Conclusion
Remember, while raccoons may seem cute and harmless at times, they are still wild animals requiring caution when dealing with their presence in residential areas. By understanding their behavior and following proper preventive measures like securing possible entry points and removing tempting sources of food, you can coexist peacefully without sacrificing the safety and cleanliness of your backyard.
Contact Shumaker Animal Control for Humane Raccoon Relocation
If you are experiencing raccoon problems on your property, contact the professional wildlife removal experts at Shumaker Animal Control at (443) 854-8072 or through our website for more information. We have the knowledge and expertise needed to safely relocate raccoons and other wildlife away from your property.
