The Coquitlam area is home to a variety of wildlife species, including the mischievous raccoons known for their notorious habits of scavenging through trash cans and making a mess on your property. But as the colder months approach, many Coquitlam residents may wonder if these critters hibernate. The answer is no, raccoons do not hibernate in Coquitlam or anywhere else. Instead, they will go into a state of torpor, which is a temporary reduction in metabolism and activity.
However, this does not mean that they will disappear altogether. In fact, raccoons can be more of a nuisance during this time as they seek out food sources before winter. If you’re wondering how to keep them away from your property or need raccoon removal in Coquitlam, keep reading!
A Closer Look at Raccoon Behaviour
During the colder months, you might notice that raccoons seem a bit less active than usual. This is due to a process known as torpor. They slow their metabolic rates and lower their body temperatures to conserve energy, but unlike hibernation, this state of decreased activity can be interrupted easily.
The “torpor” state is a survival mechanism to cope with the harsh winter, but it’s essential to understand that raccoons are not true hibernators. They can wake up and emerge from their den if disturbed or if the weather becomes mild.
Foraging Habits During Colder Seasons
Unlike animals that store food for the winter, raccoons will rely heavily on fat reserves they’ve built up throughout the warmer months. But they may forage intermittently during warmer periods, resulting in occasional sightings.
Their diet during the cold weather mainly comprises any food source that they can find, which unfortunately includes your trash cans and compost bins.
Where do Raccoons Shelter?
Raccoons generally use dens for shelter during the cold months. These might include hollow trees, burrows dug by other animals, or even your attic or chimney. They prefer warm, quiet, and safe retreats where they can benefit from the trapped heat.
So, while raccoons in Coquitlam don’t hibernate, their behaviour significantly changes during the colder temperatures and they might become less visible. Always remember that they can still pose potential problems, so preventive measures are advised.
Investigating Sleeping Patterns
When it comes to the sleeping patterns of raccoons, you’ll find them being primarily nocturnal creatures. Remember, these sneaky critters aren’t hibernating; they’re simply in a state of torpor.
In this state, they will sleep for extended periods, usually during the coldest temperatures. However, unlike true hibernators, their sleeping patterns aren’t rigid. They have the flexibility to adjust their sleep based on their nutritional needs and environmental factors. On a comparatively warm winter day, don’t be surprised if you spot a raccoon out and about, foraging for food.
Sleep Cycle in Colder Weather
Raccoons in torpor maintain an on-and-off sleeping pattern – they alternate between periods of decreased activity (or sleep) and brief wakeful periods. When food supplies are scarce, they can sleep deeply and continuously for several weeks. But when the temperature rises or food is available, they can easily wake up, and exit their den to eat, drink, and defecate.
Why is this important? Understanding sleeping patterns can help you devise effective strategies to prevent them from invading your property or causing inconvenience. For example, securing your waste bins or removing potential food sources before sunset can significantly reduce the chances of a wildlife visit.
Becoming acquainted with raccoon behaviour during the colder seasons in Coquitlam can help you better deal with these creatures. From early interventions to preventive measures, the key is always to stay one step ahead. Remember, peaceful coexistence is indeed possible without disturbing the natural cycle and routines of these misunderstood critters.
How to Keep Raccoons Away From Your Property
Keeping these animals away can seem like a daunting task, especially during the winter when they’re more desperate for food and shelter. However, with the right strategies, it’s absolutely possible. Here are a few helpful tips for preventing raccoons from making trouble on your property.
Securing Your Trash Bins
The first and easiest step is to make sure your trash bins are secure. Remember that raccoons are resourceful creatures and won’t hesitate to dig into your garbage if they smell something tasty. Use a bin with a locking lid, or consider getting a wildlife-resistant garbage can.
Do Not Leave Pet Food Outside
If you have pets, you might be used to leaving their food outside. While this might be convenient for you, it also invites raccoons into your property. Try to feed your pets indoors, or immediately remove any leftover food after feeding.
Garden and Compost Management
Raccoons are easily attracted to the smell of compost. If possible, try to use a sealed compost bin rather than an open pile. As for your garden — pick ripe fruits and vegetables as soon as possible and regularly clean up fallen fruits from the ground.
Seal Potential Entry Points to Your Home
Raccoons are great climbers. They can gain access to your home through small openings, cracks, and unsecured vents using their dexterous paws to pry their way inside. Regularly inspect your house for potential entry points and seal them up to prevent any unwelcome guests.
Keeping wildlife away from your property in Coquitlam requires a well-planned strategy. Consistently follow these practices, and you can significantly reduce the probability of these furry bandits causing you any stress or nuisance. The key lies in making your property less attractive to them — not just in terms of food but also nesting areas.
When to Call a Professional for Wildlife Removal in Coquitlam
While prevention methods can be highly effective, raccoons are smart, agile, and persistent. These traits can sometimes make them quite a challenge to manage, especially when they become too accustomed to human environments. In such situations, it becomes necessary to turn to professional wildlife removal services.
If you observe constant raccoon activity around your home despite implementing prevention measures or if you notice signs of these animals taking shelter in areas like your attic or garage, it’s time to call a professional. Here are a few scenarios where professional help is recommended:
- If raccoons manage to invade your indoor space, causing damage or posing a threat to the occupants.
- If babies are involved. Removing them safely and humanely requires specialized handling and experience.
- If the problem persists despite all your attempts to prevent them.
Most importantly, never attempt to remove raccoons yourself. Professionals in wildlife removal are trained in safely and humanely handling these animals. They are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary for efficient removal, and ensuring that your home is sealed against future invasions.
Choosing a Wildlife Removal Service in Coquitlam
When choosing a professional service for raccoon removal, make certain to select a company like Skedaddle that is licensed, has good reviews and prioritizes humane handling. A dedicated wildlife removal service will conduct a thorough inspection to determine the scope of the problem, deploy humane removal methods, provide a comprehensive solution to prevent re-entry and offer follow-up services if required.
Living harmoniously with local wildlife is part of the Coquitlam experience. Despite the minor inconveniences they may cause, raccoons are a significant part of the ecosystem. Being aware of their behaviours and using protective measures can help create a peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. When situations get out of hand, remember that professional animal control solutions are just a call away.
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