Raccoons can be found all over the country, from California to the East Coast. These animals pose a serious threat to the environment and people. They live in hollow logs, under porches, attics and have even been found living In garages and in farm machinery. Animal Control often receives many calls from people in winter about Raccoons in their homes. Mostly, they are found in attics. Animal control will hopefully find these animals and safely remove them far from your home. Once removed and released the Raccoon has been known to find their way back to its "home". That's why Animal Control has been known to release them far enough away so they cannot return. Raccoons love to be curious. Raccoons can climb into trash cans, open doors, and turn on water spickets. Most of their mischief is due in search of food. These animals are called Nocturnal. These animals sleep at night, but are awake during the day. While you sleep, they can be seen getting into everything. They are well-known to tear up lawns in their search for grubworms. This is their most popular dish. Just one Raccoon can destroy an entire yard in one night.
Raccoons are determined about food and will do whatever it takes to get it. These animals also carry diseases. One, a very common one: Rabies, once infected this animal can be extremely aggressive, foam at the mouth and look very unpleasant. Roundworm is a parasite found in Raccoon feces (or poop), that can cause death if it's touched. Roundworm is a parasite which can live in the intestines and can spread throughout the body, infecting various organs. Some cases can even lead to death. Raccoons are great swimmers and climbers. Because climbing is an important part of a raccoon’s lifestyle, their tail and feet were made for it. The tail used for balancing and the feet designed for clinging and hanging. Raccoons can climb left and right, forward and backwards, as well as up and down. Raccoons live in the wild for between 5-12 years. In captivity, they can live up 20 years. Their weight runs anywhere from 12-20 lbs, the largest on record was 60lbs! These furry critters can teach us so many things, not just about them but also how to care for them and the environment.
Bentley James has a lot of experience when it comes to wildlife. His knowledge and experience in wildlife is the main source of most of his facts. He is an avid trapper and hunter as well as a fisherman. Bentley is an expert on the outdoors and the incredible creatures that can be found there. Bentley says "knowing your wildlife and the outdoors makes it so much more enjoyable, so that when you see animals you will know what they are, how they live, and what it is they do. Bentley can easily identify the type of animal and its age by looking at its footprint. Bentley are raccoons dangerous can also identify an animals hair by a few hairs. Bentley hopes that these articles can help to educate you about nature and the creatures we see every day.