What Are Some of the Most Interesting Raccoon Facts?
Not only are the following facts about raccoons interesting, but the information can also be useful to you if you find them on your property.1. Raccoons Can Live Almost Anywhere
If you want to know how to get rid of raccoons, you should know that it can be a challenge because they can live almost anywhere. They are found throughout Canada, the United States, and Central America. They are adept climbers and can make their dens in tree hollows and rock crevices. Raccoons make homes near water, so ponds or water features on or near your property may attract them, as can unsecured garbage cans and other food sources. When raccoons den in human homes, they are often found in basements, attics, and even chimneys.2. They Are Largely Solitary
Raccoons are territorial and mostly live on their own. They don't form long-term breeding pairs; the male leaves the female after mating to raise the babies on her own. Female raccoons may stay with their mother for up to a year, at which point they are ready to breed and start raising families of their own.3. They Are Very Smart
Research has shown raccoons to be more intelligent than cats and dogs and nearly as smart as monkeys. Not only are they smart, but they have demonstrated problem-solving capabilities. They also have dextrous paws that they can use to manipulate objects, so garbage receptacles need tight seals and possibly locking mechanisms to keep raccoons out.4. They Appear To Wash Their Food Before Eating It
Raccoons often engage in a behavior called dousing, which involves dipping their food in water before eating it. It looks like they are washing their food, but a desire for cleanliness is not the reason for the behavior. Raccoons are very tactile creatures, and getting their paws wet softens the skin and stimulates nerves in their paws. Raccoons douse food to gather more information about it, e.g., what it is and whether it is safe to eat. Raccoons make homes near water so they can forage for food there and then douse it. They go through the dousing motions even when they don't have water available; it might not provide as much information, but it helps the raccoons to get a better grip on the food before eating it.5. They Face Few Natural Threats
An adult raccoon can weigh up to 20 pounds. Because of their size and cleverness, they have few natural predators. Human beings are probably the biggest threat to raccoons. Sometimes the harm that humans do to raccoons is unintentional, such as accidentally running over them in a car. Nevertheless, raccoons have adapted to live close to humans and some now prefer it despite the risks involved.6. They Carry Parasites and Disease
Raccoons can carry diseases that can spread to people or pets. For example, raccoons are the second-most frequent carriers of rabies after bats, though it is rare for rabies to pass from a raccoon to a human. Raccoons can also carry canine distemper, which doesn't harm humans but can be dangerous to dogs. Raccoons can also spread diseases and parasites indirectly through their feces, which can contaminate the soil. An example is raccoon roundworms, which can severely damage the neurological system of people and pets.Why Should You Hire Skedaddle for Raccoon Removal in Milwaukee?
Our process involves safely removing the raccoons and then decontaminating where they have been to clean up their parasites. Professional raccoon removal near me is safer for both animals and homeowners. Learn about our process in Milwaukee in more detail. 
