Identification

Weight: 9-26Ibs.
Diet: True omnivores. They will eat whatever is available provided they can kill it.
Habitat: All over. Raccoons can be found in wooded and urban environments. They are highly adaptable. They live in trees, chimney's, sewers, attics, under sheds and porches etc.
Activity: Nocturnal/dormant periods during winter months when weather is at extremes.
Procreation: Mating occurs once a year in January and February. 3-5 young are born 6 weeks later. The father does not assist in raising the young. In fact, if a male finds young raccoons, he will eat them.
Symptoms: A. Attic: Owners will complain of something heavy in the attic that moves during early evening and early morning. B. Chimney: When raccoons are in a chimney, the owner will complain of bird like chirping noises emanating from the flue. This will occur during the spring months when the young are born.
Signs: Avg. Hole Size: 4 inches in diameter minimum.

Damage and Damage Identification

Damage to House: Raccoons typically don't damage houses except for creating an entrance. They have been known to damage roofing tiles. They will mash down insulation as they walk around the attic. Occasionally they will actually enter a building though the shingled roof. Usually there is no damage to the flue tile when entering through the chimney.

Damage to Lawn/Garden: Raccoon like grubs (and worms) as much as skunks do. However, raccoons tend to peel the sod off the soil to get at the grubs. Skunks, by contrast, just dig a hole where the grub is. I also understand that raccoons can strip a com husk like a human. Sweet com is a special favorite.

Feces: Raccoons will often create toilet areas, which may be found inside or outside the house. Often raccoons living in attics will defecate on the roof before entering the home. You will find the feces on the flat portions or in the drainage area between two roofs (See photo) . Otherwise, the feces may be found inside the attic usually well away from the nesting area. The toilet areas may also be identified by the brown staining on the ceiling. Be sure to take appropriate precautions when in close proximity to these toilets. Isolated droppings will look similar to a dogs. Look for evidence of raccoon food particles in feces such as hairs, com, etc. (Be careful when handling feces).

Gnaw Damage: Raccoons have sharp pointed teeth. So when they bite you will see definite indentures in the item. In contrast, rodents have four major front teeth. You will see items scraped more than bitten with a ridge line (which is the gap between the front teeth) noticeable. Note photo of a piece of wood which was bitten by a raccoon.

Tracks: These tracks are the front and rear respectively. Created by of Beartracker's Animal Tracks Den, )

Safety: Raccoon feces can harbor eggs of Baylis ascaris procyonis a rather dangerous roundworm.