Raccoon
Procyon lotor
moderate risk
other
Overview
Highly intelligent and adaptable urban mammal. Raids garbage, damages property, and is a primary rabies and distemper vector.
40-70cm body plus 25cm ringed tail. Distinctive black mask over eyes. Gray-brown fur. Nimble forepaws.
Prevention Strategies
- •Bungee-secured or locked garbage cans
- •Electric fence for gardens and ponds
- •Cap chimneys and seal attic vents
- •Do not leave pet food outside
Control Methods
- •Exclusion of attic entries after young mobile (spring-summer)
- •Live trap and relocate (check local laws)
- •Motion-activated sprinklers in gardens
- •Electric fence for corn and fish ponds
Interesting Facts
- •Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) can infect humans and cause neurological damage
- •Can remember solutions to tasks for up to 3 years
- •Urban raccoons show higher cognitive test performance than rural individuals
- •Introduced raccoons are a major pest in Japan and Germany