Why You Shouldn't Feed Wild Raccoons in Okanagan?

Wild animals may be cute and cuddly, but this doesn't mean you should try to get closer to them. However many youtube videos you've seen of homeowners passing out peanut butter sandwiches to eager raccoons, you should resist the temptation to imitate this dubious behaviour. Before long, you'll find yourself in need of wildlife control in Okanagan.

Human Food Isn't Nutritious

A lot of the foods humans eat aren't even nutritious for people — so why would they be good for animals? White bread and other foods people like to give out have little or no nutrition that other creatures can use. All wild beings have digestive tracts tailored specifically to their unique lifestyles. Human food is unhelpful at best and dangerous at worst. Even pet chow can gum up raccoon digestive tracts.

A Fed Raccoon Will Return for More

When you feed one, it's almost guaranteed that he or she will come back. This is because it's much easier to receive a free handout than it is to search for nutrition in the environment. Some raccoons often catch tough prey like mice or small rats. This requires patience and effort. What's the problem if a raccoon keeps returning to your yard? A permanent incursion can cause many problems, some of which most homeowners aren't likely to be aware of. The most serious problem for you as a property owner is that returning animals are very likely to set up a den space. Most wild creatures aren't considerate when choosing where to start digging. They simply look for the place most likely to protect their young. This might be under your deck, next to your chimney or inside your attic. Nearly all wild carnivores actively avoid humans. This is how things should be. Humans rarely mean good things to predators. As kind as you might be to your yard guests, your neighbour could easily kill or trap them. The process by which animals become accustomed to people is called habituation. Habituated animals are more likely to bite a person or pet. This is because they often develop a sense of entitlement to the food you provide. Habituated raccoons are often shot by law enforcement agencies charged with looking after public safety. This might sound brutal, but it's how raccoon removal works when things go too far. Public agencies would much rather kill an animal than risk having a bite incident on their hands. Wild carnivores can transmit rabies and other diseases through bites or direct contact with a wound. Rabies can be deadly, and while human infections are extremely rare in North America, animal infections are relatively common.

Other Animals May Follow

Denning animals tend to leave their sites when their offspring make their way out. This creates a natural vacuum that other needy animals are all too willing to fill. Even if your space is too small, many species will happily expand it by clawing through drywall, wood or other surfaces. Even if the den in question isn't in your home, a hole in your yard can attract a slew of additional creatures. The best way to prevent such invasions is to avoid attracting individual opportunists in the first place. Avoid feeding them directly, and keep your yard free of bird seed, pet food or other attractants. 

Raccoon Removal Near Me

If you already have a colony in or around your home, it's time to call a humane wildlife control professional. DIY removal can be tricky and hazardous, so you shouldn't attempt it. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we'll get rid of your problem quickly and ethically. Humane removal is cheaper, nicer and more effective, so there's no better method. We promise to clean and clear the infected area and make sure the wildlife doesn’t return. Call or contact us online today.