Winter is a challenging time for many animals, including raccoons. While some animals hibernate, raccoons do things differently. You might wonder, do raccoons hibernate in the winter? The answer is no. Instead of hibernating, they enter a state called torpor, where they slow down their metabolism and reduce activity to survive the cold months. They will often find shelter in hollow trees, abandoned buildings, or even attics to stay warm. During winter, they become less active but still need to eat. They forage for food on milder days, relying on their stored body fat to get through tougher times. 

Understanding what raccoons do in the winter helps us appreciate their resourcefulness. However, if you find them nesting in or around your home in Niagara, it’s best to avoid handling them yourself. Knowing who to call for raccoon removal is crucial to ensure they are safely and humanely removed. This way, you can keep both your property and the raccoons safe during the winter season.

What Do Raccoons Do in the Winter?

Raccoons are fascinating animals that have adapted well to various environments, including urban areas. During winter, they become less active but do not go into full hibernation like some other animals. Instead, raccoons enter a state known as torpor. This means they significantly reduce their activity levels and metabolic rate to conserve energy. They will sleep for extended periods but will wake up occasionally to forage for food.

While they don’t hibernate, raccoons do prepare for winter by eating more during the fall to build up their fat reserves. This extra fat helps them stay warm and provides energy when food is scarce. They also look for warm, sheltered places to sleep, such as attics, garages, or even under decks. Understanding these behaviours can help homeowners take preventative measures to keep raccoons from settling in unwanted areas.

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything they can find. During winter, their diet changes as their usual food sources, like fruits and insects, become less available. They will scavenge for leftovers, pet food, or anything edible they can access easily. Knowing what raccoons eat in winter can help you take steps to secure your food sources and make your property less attractive to these animals.

Physical Adaptations for Winter Survival

Raccoons have several physical adaptations that help them survive the colder months. One of the most noticeable is their thick fur, which provides excellent insulation against the cold. Their fur consists of a dense undercoat and longer guard hairs that repel water, keeping them dry and warm. This fur is essential for maintaining their body temperature during the harsh winter months.

Another significant adaptation is their ability to store fat. Raccoons eat more in the fall to build up their fat reserves, which they rely on during winter when food is scarce. This extra fat not only provides energy but also helps insulate their bodies, keeping them warm. Raccoons can lose up to half of their body weight during winter, making these fat reserves crucial for their survival.

Raccoons also have strong, dexterous paws that allow them to manipulate objects and access food sources that are otherwise challenging to reach. Their paws remain functional even in cold temperatures, enabling them to forage and find shelter. These physical traits make raccoons well-equipped to handle the challenges of winter survival.

Behavioural Changes in Winter

Raccoons exhibit several behavioural changes during winter that help them conserve energy and increase their chances of survival. One of the most significant changes is their reduced activity levels. While raccoons are typically nocturnal, they become less active overall during the winter months. They will venture out of their shelters less frequently, only emerging to search for food when necessary.

Another behavioural adaptation is their tendency to seek out warm, sheltered places to sleep. Raccoons will look for dens that provide protection from the elements and predators. These dens can be natural, like hollow trees, or man-made structures like attics and garages. Homeowners need to be aware of this behaviour to take steps to prevent raccoons from making their homes in undesirable locations.

Raccoons are also known to share dens during winter, a behaviour known as communal denning. This allows them to share body heat and stay warmer. Communal denning is more common among females and their offspring, but unrelated raccoons may also share a den if it provides adequate shelter and warmth. Understanding these behaviours can help homeowners identify potential denning sites and take preventative measures to keep raccoons away.

Tips for Preventing Raccoon Problems

If you’re a homeowner, you likely want to avoid having raccoons take up residence in your attic, garage, or under your deck. There are several steps you can take to make your property less inviting to raccoons during winter. First, make sure to secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and place them in a secure area. Raccoons are attracted to easy food sources, and unsecured garbage is a prime target.

Another important step is to seal any entry points that raccoons could use to get into your home. Check for gaps, holes, and weak spots in your attic, garage, and basement. Use metal mesh or heavy-duty materials to block these entry points. Also, consider installing chimney caps to prevent raccoons from entering through your chimney.

It’s also a good idea to remove food sources from your yard. This includes pet food, birdseed, and fallen fruit. Raccoons are less likely to stick around if they can’t find anything to eat. By taking these preventative measures, you can reduce the likelihood of raccoons making your home their winter den.

Why Choose Skedaddle for Wildlife Control in Niagara

When it comes to dealing with raccoon problems, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control is the best choice. With over 30 years of experience, Skedaddle has developed effective, humane methods for removing raccoons and other wildlife from your property. Unlike other companies, Skedaddle does not use traps or relocation, which can be stressful and harmful to the animals.

Instead, we focus on comprehensive exclusion techniques to ensure that raccoons cannot re-enter your home. Our team of trained professionals will identify and seal entry points, clean and decontaminate affected areas, and provide advice on preventing future issues. This approach not only solves the immediate problem but also helps protect your home in the long term.

Our commitment to humane practices and effective solutions makes us the top choice for homeowners facing raccoon problems. If you’re dealing with raccoons this winter, don’t hesitate to contact Skedaddle for expert assistance. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and raccoon-free.

Managing Winter Raccoon Challenges With Skedaddle

Raccoons in winter present unique challenges for homeowners, but understanding their behaviours and adaptations can help in effectively managing potential issues. By implementing preventive measures like securing food sources and fortifying entry points, you can protect your home from unwanted raccoon invasions. Choosing experienced wildlife control services, such as Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Niagara, ensures a humane and thorough approach to resolving raccoon problems, and safeguarding your property for the long term. By being proactive and informed, you can enjoy a raccoon-free home this winter while respecting the role of wildlife in your environment.