Raccoons and Skunks Have Important Roles in Our Ecosystem

When people think of raccoons and skunks, their first reaction is that these creatures are a nuisance. People also view them as carriers of rabies and other diseases. If these animals become too pesky, it may be time to call for skunk and raccoon control in  Madison. Yet, our nocturnal friends play a critical role in the ecosystem. They carry out particular functions that benefit our environment and other species. These crepuscular animals—active mostly at dusk and dawn—take care of many jobs that humans take for granted, such as acting as our ecosystem clean up detail. It’s important to learn more about these mammals, so we can fully appreciate the jobs they do to keep our rural, urban and suburban areas healthier.

The Useful Scavengers

The word scavenger sounds unpleasant, but animals that eat what is discarded or deceased provide an enormous service to our biosphere. Both raccoons and skunks are scavengers that roam the terrain and eat waste. They are adept at finding garbage and other refuse to feed their families. It is not unusual for them to have home territories that reach several miles. At times, they will also consume the carcasses of dead animals. Their industrious habits mean the ecosystem has a productive way of reducing unwanted carrion. This is how most people notice the animals, as skunks and raccoons engage in feeding routines that cause them to intersect with humans.

The Happy Gardeners

Raccoons and skunks may not be gardeners in the traditional sense with tools and floppy hats, but they are excellent seed spreaders. With their omnivore diet, they travel from place-to-place expelling the seeds of plants, trees and flowers. In this way, nature maintains the life cycle with its efficient use of mammals for seed dispersal. Raccoons also protect bees by controlling wasp invasions. Wasps are opportunistic and will take over bee colonies. Raccoons feed on wasp larvae, so the insects steer away from their presence.

The Beneficial Omnivores

Raccoons and skunks are our nighttime janitors. While we settle in for the evening, they are on the job eliminating unwanted pests. These animals are part of complex food chain that does not work effectively in their absence. Their diet includes insects, larvae, eggs, earthworms, grubs, rodents, snakes, toads and lizards among others. They help to limit the populations of various species that grow too large and cause infestation problems.

The Purposeful Homesteaders

It seems that raccoons and skunks are on a mission to ruin your day when you find them digging under your porch, climbing around your attic, or rummaging through your garbage. However, these animals mean you no harm. Like all mammals, they need good food sources and good places to live in order to care for their families. When they are in search of these necessities, they often run into problems with people. The best thing to do is seek professional assistance. Humane experts in skunk and raccoon control in Madison know how to carefully and responsibly remove and protect animals. DIY solutions are never recommended because there is the possibility of human or animal injuries, and animals will likely return without proper exclusion techniques.

The Eco-Friendly Travelers

When we encounter raccoons and skunks in our homes or yards, it helps to consider why they are there. Being shy by nature, they are not interested in having interactions with humans. Most often, they are performing instinctual tasks. We understand that you don’t want them taking up residence or rooting through your belongings, but their purposes keep our environment clean and livable and benefit their own preservation.

Humane Wildlife Control Exclusion Techniques

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control Madison is committed to the safe removal of wildlife. We believe that exclusion techniques are the humane way to help reestablish animals in their home environments and to protect their families and yours. Contact us today for more information about services.