Spotting a raccoon in your yard can be both fascinating and concerning. These intelligent, masked creatures are common in urban and suburban areas across Canada, often venturing into our spaces in search of food and shelter. While they might look cute with their bandit-like facial markings and dexterous paws, raccoons can create problems ranging from scattered garbage to potential health risks.
This article provides general guidance for non-emergency raccoon encounters. If a raccoon appears sick, injured, or aggressive, contact your local wildlife authority immediately. Never attempt to handle or feed wild raccoons.
1. Keep Your Distance
Raccoons may seem adorable, but they’re wild animals that can become defensive if they feel threatened. Maintain at least 6 metres between yourself and the raccoon.
Watch from inside your home if possible. These curious creatures typically aren’t dangerous, but they can carry diseases and will protect themselves if cornered.
2. Remove Food Sources
Got a midnight raccoon visitor? Your outdoor buffet might be the culprit! Secure garbage bins with bungee cords or weights, and never leave pet food outside overnight.
Fallen fruit from trees should be collected promptly. Remember, a well-fed raccoon is a returning raccoon – and possibly bringing friends next time.
3. Noise Them Away
Raccoons startle easily when confronted with unexpected sounds. Clap your hands loudly, bang pots together, or turn on a radio near their location.
Motion-activated noise devices work wonders for nighttime visitors. The key is consistency: whenever you spot them, create noise immediately to establish your yard as an unwelcoming environment.
4. Check For Babies
Spring and summer are prime raccoon baby seasons! Before taking deterrent actions, observe whether the raccoon is a mother with kits nearby.
Female raccoons seek sheltered spots like sheds, decks, or attics to raise their young. If babies are present, contact wildlife services for humane removal options rather than separating families.
5. Secure Your Home
Raccoons are nature’s little locksmiths – they can pry, push, and manipulate their way into surprising spaces. Inspect your home for potential entry points, especially around the roof, chimney, and foundation.
Mesh screens over vents and caps on chimneys prevent unwanted tenants. Remember to check garden sheds and garages too!
6. Try Natural Deterrents
Raccoons have sensitive noses that you can use to your advantage! Sprinkle blood meal fertilizer, coyote urine (available at garden centres), or used cat litter around your yard’s perimeter.
Bright motion-activated lights disrupt their nighttime comfort. Many homeowners find success with combinations of scent and light deterrents refreshed regularly.
7. Call Wildlife Services
Sometimes professional help is necessary, especially with persistent raccoons or those showing unusual behavior. Your local wildlife service has the expertise to handle removal humanely and legally.
Many Canadian municipalities have specific protocols for wildlife management. Before attempting trapping yourself (which often requires permits), consult with experts who understand raccoon behavior.
