Raccoons In Garbage Can

06.19.2008 - Raccoons are very urbanized animals.  Studies reveal that raccoon population densities are about ten times as high in urban areas than in wild areas.  Cities and suburbs simply have more of the resources needed for raccoons to survive - shelter in our attics and under our buildings, and food from pet dishes, handouts, and of course dumpsters and trash cans. I frequently get calls about raccoons that are causing problems around dumpsters and garbage cans.  Raccoons are very strong and crafty, and they make a big mess.  They love to tip over garbage cans to find food.  A homeowner wakes up and finds a mess of garbage strewn across the yard.  Thus, I get called to come out and trap the offending raccoons who are creating the mess of garbage.  Oftentimes, the removal of just one or two "trouble raccoons" who have begun to engage in a destructive behavior will eliminate the problem. However, when it comes to trash, there's a few things that the average homeowner can do to prevent the problem.  First of all, don't waste food and don't throw out food.  Second, don't leave the garbage outside for a long period of time.  If possible, keep it in a garage or shed until garbage pickup.  Also, sturdy cans help, especially with a locking lid.  You can drill a few holes in the lid and sides of the can and affix the lid shut with bungee cords. In the above photo, I was called out for two small-sized raccoons that were stuck inside a dumpster.  It was easy to climb in, but not easy to climb out.  I used my snare pole and grabbed them out of the dumpster and relocated them about 15 miles away. The raccoon (Procyon lotor), is a unique animal native to North America. It's not closely related to any other animals, with distant relatives such as bears and weasels. Coons are easy to recognize, with a black mask and ringed tail. Raccoons tend to weigh between 10-20 pounds as adults. They are mostly nocturnal, and are omnivores. Racoons average a lifespan of about 5 years in the wild, and have a litter of 3-6 young each spring. They are very strong, excellent climbers, very intelligent, and they are very skilled with their hands. Raccoons have learned to thrive in urban areas, and live in very high densities in cities, where they eat garbage and pet food. They commonly break into homes and attics, where they cause considerable damage, and they also destroy other property, and thus racoons are considered pest animals by many people. Raccoon control and removal, especially from inside homes, is best left to a professional.

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