Baby raccoons are no strangers to the urban neighborhoods of Minneapolis. These cute and cuddly animals are a common sight in backyards and alleys alike, especially during the warmer months. However, while raccoons may seem harmless, they can become a nuisance and even pose a danger to humans and pets if left unchecked. From birth to instinctual survival, these curious animals go through a journey like no other. 

As we explore the journey from birth to survival, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control will provide tips on raccoon removal in Minneapolis, how to keep raccoons away from your property, and how to get rid of raccoons for good. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or just a curious nature enthusiast, this article will offer insights into the fascinating world of baby raccoons and how they navigate life in the city.

The Fascinating Journey of Raccoon Cubs From Birth to Survival 

The Early Days: Birth to Leaving the Den 

The journey begins in the den, where a mother raccoon gives birth to between two and five cubs after a gestation period of about 65 days. Born blind and deaf with only a thin layer of fur for warmth, these newborn cubs are utterly defenseless and entirely dependent on their mother for survival. From feeding to nurturing, the mother devotes her entire being to the protection and well-being of her young ones. 

The Life in the Urban Jungle: Adapting and Foraging 

At about two months, the cubs begin to venture outside the den under the watchful eye of their mother. Here, they learn to adapt to their surroundings and begin foraging for food – the key to their survival. Raccoons are omnivores, and their diet includes a wide variety of items, such as insects, fruits, vegetables, and even garbage! 

Getting Ready for the Real World: The Journey to Independence 

By the time they are about six months old, after numerous foraging expeditions and many survival lessons from their mother, the cubs are usually ready to strike out on their own. This journey to independence is marked by the cubs leaving their mother and setting out to establish territories of their own, seek their own food sources, and ultimately face the trials and tribulations of the urban landscape on their own. 

Survival in the City: The Challenges Faced 

Raccoons face a raft of threats in the urban landscape: traffic, pets, diseases, starvation, and even humans themselves. Yet, these adaptable and intelligent animals have proven remarkably resilient in the face of adversity. Their curiosity, agility, and resourcefulness are the keys to their survival. But remember, while their survival skills may be admirable, the presence of raccoons in residential zones poses challenges and potential hazards for homeowners and tenants alike. Being aware of how they navigate their life in the city can be an initial step to keeping them at bay and staying safe.

Secrets of a Scavenger: Understanding Foraging Habits 

As nocturnal animals, raccoons conduct most of their scavenging activities during the late evening and night, employing a remarkable sense of finding food. Their paws are incredibly sensitive, allowing them to feel their way around and pick up objects due to their heightened sense of touch. This ability to ‘see’ with their hands plays a crucial role in their formidable scavenging abilities. 

Once they’ve identified possible food sources, they prove to be persistent in their quest for nourishment. Be it tightly sealed trash cans or high garden fences, they are both agile climbers and adept problem solvers. Their ability to remember solutions to tasks a full three years after first learning them, as researchers have found, speaks volumes about their intelligence and adaptability. 

Navigating Human Spaces 

The urban jungle is a treasure trove of food sources for raccoons, from unattended pet food bowls to accessible compost bins. Their omnivorous eating habits and excellent climbing abilities make suburban and urban areas a haven for these animals. As such, understanding their foraging habits can be a stepping stone to ensuring minimal interaction between them and us humans. 

It’s also essential to remember that despite their cute appearance, they can become aggressive, especially when feeling cornered or threatened. Always exercise caution when you encounter them, particularly if they’re foraging for food. They are wild animals, capable of self-defense, and could carry diseases such as rabies. 

How to Keep Raccoons Away from Your Property 

Preventing these animals from encroaching on your property involves a multifaceted approach that includes eliminating food sources, sealing possible entry points, and employing deterrents. 

Eliminating Food Sources 

They are drawn to a property by the availability of food. Here are a few tips on how to eliminate these food sources: 

• Ensure trash cans are securely closed and cannot be easily toppled over. Use metal or heavy-duty plastic cans with tight-locking lids and preferably straps or clamps to secure them.
• If you have pets, feed them indoors or remove their food bowls immediately after they finish eating if fed outside. Leftover pet food is an appealing meal.
• Keep your yard free of fallen fruits, nuts, or other edible plants. Regularly clean up any such fallen produce.
• Compost bins can be a buffet for raccoons. Use a secure compost bin with a lid to prevent them from accessing the composted food.

Sealing Entry Points 

Raccoons look for safe, warm places to nest and raise their young, and can make use of a variety of locations in and around your home. To prevent this: 

• Check your home for any potential entry points such as vents, loose soffits, and uncapped chimneys. Seal these points with appropriate, sturdy materials like sheet metal or heavy mesh wire.
• Keep trees and shrubs trimmed, and ensure they don’t offer a ‘bridge’ for raccoons to reach rooftops or other high access points.
• If you’re building or renovating a deck, consider installing a deck exclusion barrier to prevent raccoons and other wildlife from using the space below the deck to nest.

Employing Deterrents 

While physical barriers can prevent raccoons from accessing your home, some additional deterrents can discourage their presence: 

• Light up dark areas of your yard. Raccoons are nocturnal animals and prefer to stay in dark or dimly lit areas.
• Use humane, non-lethal deterrents that take advantage of their aversion to certain scents and noises.
• Install a motion-activated sprinkler. The sudden burst of water can startle raccoons and deter them from venturing further into your yard.

While these measures can certainly help, the most effective way to prevent or solve a raccoon problem is to consult a wildlife control expert. Our extensive experience with raccoon behavior and habitation patterns allows us to deliver effective and lasting solutions. 

Call Skedaddle for Raccoon Removal in Minneapolis 

If you have encountered raccoons on your property, remember that attempting to handle or remove them yourself can be risky and may result in injury or illness. Instead, turn to the professionals at Skedaddle for removal. Our team of seasoned technicians has the expertise needed to carry out a comprehensive site inspection, removal, and preventative strategies to deter their return. 

A Comprehensive Site Inspection 

At Skedaddle, the first step in our removal process is conducting a thorough inspection of your property. Our technicians will identify signs of their presence such as footprints, fecal matter, or areas where they have been foraging. Furthermore, we will determine the points of access and the specific locations where they are nesting. 

Safe and Humane Raccoon Removal 

Upon identifying their residence and entry points, our team will work strategically to humanely remove them from your home or property. We prioritize the welfare of the animals involved in our removal processes. We use innovative and harmless techniques that ensure the safe extraction of all raccoons, including babies, without causing them any stress or harm. 

If you’re dealing with raccoons on your property, take the first step toward a safe and humane resolution today. Don’t compromise on the well-being of these unique animals or the safety of your home. Contact Skedaddle Wildlife Control Experts right away, and let us put our experience, tools, and commitment into action. Your raccoon issue is our priority. Reach out to us now for professional, timely, and effective removal!