Raccoons surviving in city and country alike. Besides being a nuisance, raccoons threaten humans and animals with rabies and other diseases.
Raccoons frequently raid garbage and live inside attics, chimneys, and garages. They are excellent climbers and once a raccoon is on a roof, it can rip open vents or find construction gaps in soffits, which will lead the raccoon to the attic. When you have a raccoon problem in attics or walls, insulation will be damaged and become contaminated with urine and feces. Raccoons are nocturnal and seldom active in the daytime. During extremely cold, snowy periods raccoons have been observed sleeping for long periods at a time, but do not hibernate. Their common gait is a shuffle like walk. However, they are able to reach speeds of 15 miles per hour on the ground. Raccoons climb with great agility and are not bothered by a drop of 35 to 40 feet. As well as being excellent climbers, raccoons are strong swimmers, although they may be reluctant to do so. Raccoons don’t travel any farther than necessary; they travel only far enough to meet the demands of their appetites.