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How To Care For Raccoons: A Comprehensive Guide


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Raccoons are fascinating creatures that are commonly found in urban areas. They are known for their mischievous behavior and love for scavenging for food. However, despite their cute and cuddly appearance, they can be dangerous if not handled properly. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to care for raccoons.

Understanding the Behavior of Raccoons

Before taking care of raccoons, it is important to understand their behavior. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active at night. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal-based food. Raccoons are intelligent animals that are capable of problem-solving, and they have a keen sense of smell and hearing. They are also excellent climbers and swimmers.

Creating a Safe Habitat for Raccoons

If you want to take care of raccoons, it is important to provide them with a safe and secure habitat. Raccoons are wild animals and should not be kept as pets. However, you can create a habitat for them in your backyard by providing them with a shelter, food, and water. The shelter should be large enough for them to move around and sleep comfortably. You can use a dog house or build a wooden shelter. It is also important to provide them with fresh water and food, such as fruits, vegetables, and meat.

Handling and Feeding Raccoons

If you come across a raccoon that appears to be injured or sick, it is important to handle it with care. Raccoons can carry diseases, such as rabies, so it is important to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling them. You should also avoid feeding raccoons by hand, as this can encourage them to become too comfortable around humans. Instead, place their food in a secure location, such as a feeder or bowl, and keep it away from your home.

Other Important Considerations

Keeping Raccoons Away from Your Home

While raccoons can be fascinating creatures to watch, they can also cause damage to your property. To keep them away from your home, you can use natural deterrents, such as pepper spray or ammonia. You can also secure your garbage cans and compost bin, as these are common sources of food for raccoons.

Protecting Your Pets from Raccoons

If you have pets, it is important to protect them from raccoons. Raccoons are known to attack pets, especially small dogs and cats. To prevent this from happening, you can keep your pets indoors at night and supervise them when they are outside. You can also install a fence around your property to keep raccoons out.

Getting Professional Help

If you encounter a raccoon that appears to be sick or injured, it is important to contact a professional wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise and resources to care for raccoons and release them back into the wild. In conclusion, caring for raccoons requires a deep understanding of their behavior and needs. By providing them with a safe habitat, handling and feeding them properly, and taking other important considerations into account, you can help ensure that they thrive in their natural environment.
TopicKey Takeaways
Understanding the Behavior of RaccoonsRaccoons are nocturnal omnivores with a keen sense of smell and hearing. They are intelligent animals that are capable of problem-solving and are excellent climbers and swimmers.
Creating a Safe Habitat for RaccoonsRaccoons should not be kept as pets but can be provided with a safe and secure habitat in your backyard. This can include a shelter, food, and water.
Handling and Feeding RaccoonsRaccoons can carry diseases, so it is important to handle them with care and avoid feeding them by hand. Instead, provide them with food in a secure location.
Keeping Raccoons Away from Your HomeYou can use natural deterrents and secure your garbage cans and compost bin to keep raccoons away from your home.
Protecting Your Pets from RaccoonsTo protect your pets from raccoons, keep them indoors at night, supervise them when they are outside, and install a fence around your property.

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