Raccoons

About Raccoons

Raccoons are highly adaptable, intelligent mammals that have become common nuisance wildlife throughout Orange County neighborhoods. Easily recognized by their distinctive black mask and ringed tail, raccoons are nocturnal omnivores that raid garbage cans, pet food bowls, and fruit trees. They frequently den in attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, and under decks, causing significant damage to insulation, ductwork, and roofing materials. Raccoon droppings can harbor roundworm eggs that are dangerous to humans and pets. These strong animals can tear through soffit material, roof vents, and screen covers to access shelter. Professional trapping and exclusion is the safest and most humane approach.

How to Identify Raccoons

• Stocky body, 24 to 38 inches long including tail, weighing 10 to 30 pounds
• Distinctive black facial mask and bushy tail with 4 to 7 dark rings
• Grayish-brown dense fur with dexterous front paws
• Tracks show five toes on both front and hind feet, resembling small handprints
• Nocturnal; loud thumping, scratching, or chittering sounds from attics at night

Lifecycle

Raccoons mate in late winter, with females giving birth to 2 to 5 kits in spring after a 63-day gestation period. Kits stay with their mother for about a year, learning to forage and climb. Raccoons reach sexual maturity at about one year of age. In urban environments, they can live 2 to 3 years on average.

Health & Property Risks

• Carry rabies, distemper, and raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris) dangerous to humans
• Cause extensive damage to attics, insulation, roofing, and ductwork
• Contaminate attic spaces with urine and feces requiring professional cleanup
• Can be aggressive when cornered, especially mothers protecting kits