Raccoons are present in so many different countries and continue to thrive where other animals are challenged to do so, mostly because they rank among nature’s most extreme survivalists. Given the effort that the animals put into defeating the odds stacked against them we should really opt for humane raccoon removal when we face raccoon invasion issues.
Human Challenges to Wildlife Survival
Many wild animals suffer when they are exposed to the modern adjustments that human beings make to the environment. As a result, species become endangered or worse, extinct. Raccoons are tough little animals though and are known to survive under difficult circumstances.
Raccoons’ Adaptable Behaviours Ensure their Survival
These animals are known for the adaptability and high levels of intelligence and adaptability. Raccoons are opportunistic feeders. This means they will consume pretty much anything in the meat and vegetable category. They are very creative and determined when it comes to foraging. The slightest hint of the presence of something edible will drive a raccoon to exert all its effort to get to that food. This is why they topple bins and claw their way into homes. It is not surprising, therefore, that raccoons are found in so many different locations around the world.
Raccoons are so intent on surviving that they have overcome numerous obstacles put in their way as they forage for food. One prime example of this is the failure of numerous human designed mechanisms to keep raccoons out of waste bins. Toronto’s latest thrust to install green bins that are raccoon resistant has been closely followed by numerous reports and video recordings of raccoons breaching the bins.
These distinct animals have a reputation for being flexible with their choice of living quarters. In nature, raccoons turn hollowed out trees and nests abandoned by other creatures into their dens. Being the survivalists they are it is not surprising that they do the same with human dwellings. They move into attics, sheds, garages and other human-occupied spaces and establish dens. Usually, they are enticed by the dens proximity to a seemingly endless food supply.
Raccoons will travel though prefer to reside in urban settings.Raccoons: Biologically Wired for Survival
Raccoons also adapt biologically to guarantee their survival. As winter approaches each year, the animals pack on additional body fat in preparation for the sparse food supply in the cold season. In addition to the minimal scavenging they do in winter, Raccoons will use their body fat to prolong their survival. As they settle into periodic semi hibernation states called torpor, their bodies reduce the energy being used (by reducing the temperature) which allows the stored body fat to last longer.
Zoologists have also noted that raccoons evolve over time to ensure their survival. One example of this is the change in body size. When food supplies dwindle, raccoons gradually adjust to smaller sizes so they can survive on less.
How to Handle Raccoons in Your Space
If you live near or in an area that serves as a habitat for raccoons, chances are you’ve been dealing with the animals for some time now and given their knack for survival, you’ll be encountering them for quite some time. Simply put, raccoons are here to stay.
So what can you do to keep your environment raccoon free? It takes deliberate and persistent effort to keep raccoons away from your property. Our properties typically provide two of the raccoons main needs for survival – food and shelter. You should, therefore, minimize or better yet eliminate the potential ‘breach points’ through which raccoons can get inside your building. This means making quick repairs to holes and cracks and strengthening weak areas around your home. You should also secure your garbage to prevent any foraging attempts by raccoons.
But despite all your efforts at keeping raccoons away, you will definitely need expert intervention as the animals typically outsmart most DIY efforts to keep them away. This is where the experts come into the picture. Humane raccoon removal teams like that of Skedaddle will remove raccoons from your premises and install technology that will prevent their return.
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