
Raccoon Population Exploding in GTA - How Skedaddle Can Help
Raccoons are mammals known for their grey fur, dexterous front paws, and facial mask. They are small, intelligent animals that can be found living in cities throughout Ontario, especially in Etobicoke. Raccoons get their distinctive mask when they are ten days old. Although they are admired for their intelligence and ingenuity, these attributes are what makes them so difficult to remove when facing an infestation in your home. This nocturnal species prefers to make its den in warm dry attics, crawl spaces and areas around the roof. Because it’s difficult to distinguish between healthy raccoons and ones with rabies, professional removal is always required.
Raccoons are always on the hunt for food. Use preventative measures outside.
In 2017, the city of Toronto reportedly had an estimated raccoon population of one hundred thousand. That number is so big that many now call Toronto the raccoon capital of the world. There’s no clear indication that number will be dropping soon. Their growth rate seems to be unchecked, and that makes a lot of city dwellers uneasy.
There is evidence that the raccoon infestation began in 2002 when the city launched its “organic bin” program, which separates compostable waste in green bins. The bins, however, quickly became popular with raccoons who would tip them over in order to get at the food inside. With ample food sources, these creatures flocked to the city in large numbers.