Raccoons are nocturnal creatures so they traditionally come out only during the nighttime hours to scrounge for food. It is a common myth that if a raccoon is found out and about during the daytime hours that it most likely has rabies or is very sick. Raccoons can be seen during the daytime and it is perfectly normal, but as a homeowner, it is important for you to learn more about these creatures so you can assess if the behaviour is normal or if raccoon removal services are needed.
An adult raccoon travelling across a roof. Sometimes raccoons living inside attics need a break from the heat.
What is Normal Daytime Behaviour?
When you see a raccoon during the daytime hours, it is important to note the animal’s behaviour. If the raccoon seems responsive and alert, behaving in a normal manner, then they should be fine. Here are some reasons why a raccoon might be seen during the day.
- Raccoons can come out during the daytime hours if they have found a food source available at a particular time.
- They may have been frightened from their den site by a person or dog causing them to relocate themselves to one of their other homes in the area.
- Mother raccoons can have their usual patterns disrupted during the spring and summer birthing season when nursing a litter of babies can force mother raccoons to forage for their own food during daylight hours.
Not Normal Behavior
When you see a raccoon out during the daytime, you must note if its behaviour appears abnormal. An adult raccoon should never seem off balance or overly lethargic. If a raccoon seems to have difficulty walking, this could be a sign that something is wrong with the animal. Perhaps the raccoon is injured or sick. Rabies and distemper are two illnesses that can cause raccoons to behave in a strange manner. If you spot a raccoon on your property that seems to be sick, off balance or lacking a genuine fear of humans, contact wildlife services immediately.
Juvenile raccoons are much less likely to be strictly nocturnal as compared to adults
Signs of a Raccoon Infestation
If you see a raccoon near your home, you most likely have an infestation somewhere nearby. Take a look around your home. Have you noticed a new strong and weird smell? Have you seen damage to the exterior of your home that was not there before? Have you heard sounds at night such as scratching, rustling or whimpering? If you have seen raccoons regularly around your home, then the creatures have probably found an area nearby to call home, perhaps a crawlspace or even the attic of your house.
Once you begin to notice such signs, wildlife control must be contacted. The home will need to be inspected by an expert to ensure that raccoons are not present. If a problem is found, a plan of action will be created to see the raccoons removed humanely and quickly. Preventative measures will also be provided to keep the raccoons from coming back into your home.
Experts in raccoon removal will know just what to do to lure the raccoons away and then seal off entry points to prevent raccoons from returning in the future. Such creatures can be a danger to the home due to creating physical damage from scratching and chewing as well as urine and feces. Raccoons also carry disease and can be a health risk in the home.
At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in raccoon removal. Contact our office immediately when you spot a raccoon in your neighbourhood for an assessment.
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