We understand that when it comes to wild animals, human beings might feel like they are normally the ones under attack. But in reality, a fair share of fighting and conflict goes on in between different animal species.
Raccoons might look cute and cuddly-looking, but they have a lot of natural enemies.
Foxes
Foxes are high-level predators and scavengers, meaning they will eat whatever they need to stay alive. Since foxes and raccoons live in similar environmental areas, raccoons often find themselves as prey for foxes, especially young raccoon cubs.
Adult foxes and raccoons are relatively the same size, so it makes sense for foxes to predominantly go after small, defenseless cubs. However, foxes will attack adult raccoons if given the chance.
Foxes are smart creatures that are known for their sly and cunning personality. These traits make them incredibly good at tracking and hunting raccoons and other animals of prey.
If an individual has a problem with raccoons on their property, they can use this enmity to their advantage. Fox urine can be sprayed around the area as a territorial marking scent in order to keep raccoons at bay. They will not likely come near any areas where their natural enemy is inhabiting.
Coyotes
While they mainly eat rabbits and rodents, coyotes are skilled predators that can take down raccoons, both adult and young. Coyotes are known to hunt in packs, which makes it even easier to hunt groups of prey, but lone coyotes are also successful when hunting a single raccoon.
Similar to foxes, raccoons have developed a natural aversion to coyotes, which means coyote urine is another great tool for homeowners facing a raccoon problem.
Great Horned Owl
It might come as a shock to learn that one of the raccoon’s most common enemies is the great horned owl. While these specific owls usually rely on rats, mice, and other small creatures for substance, they have been known to prey on raccoons as well.
Great horned owls are considered “large birds.” On average, they are between 18-25 inches tall with a wingspan of up to 60 inches. Their size makes them powerful predators, but they are also
fearless and aggressive, which allows them to easily attack animals larger and heavier than themselves, such as raccoons.
If you are looking for a convenient way to keep raccoons and other critters away from your property, animated decoys of great horned owls have shown to be highly effective.
How to Get Rid of Raccoons the Ethical Way
How to Get Rid of Raccoons the Ethical Way
With all of the enemies raccoons have, it’s no surprise that they may end up invading your property! Raccoons may find everything they need to survive within your space – protection from predators, a steady food source, and warmth from the elements. Raccoons will not stay in a space that makes them uncomfortable, so the most ethical way to remove them is to take away their creature comforts. Here are some small things you can do to get rid of raccoons the ethical way.
Removing Sources of Food
We all know the stereotype of the raccoon scavenging the trash can for food, but there’s a reason why we know it – it’s because it’s one of the primary ways raccoons can find food on your property!
Securing your trash cans is one of the most effective ways to deal with a raccoon issue. Even something as simple as a latching can often will force raccoons to move on to safer food sources.
In addition, if you have any outdoor pets, consider not leaving food out overnight for them. This is another attractant for raccoons that you can eliminate.
Chimney Caps
Raccoons will often make their homes inside of chimneys due to the warmth and security of the area. So chimney caps are recommended to prevent access. A chimney cap will allow smoke or exhaust out from the inside, but will also protect against outside invaders coming in.
Eliminating Other Sources of Shelter
If raccoons aren’t making their nest in your chimney, chances are that there are other places on your property that will serve them well as shelter. We’ll often see raccoons nest in wood piles, attics, crawl spaces, and more. Do your best to ensure all potential entry points to your home are sealed off, and move wood piles if possible. If you have a garage, this would be a good place for your wood pile.
If you’ve tried everything, but still haven’t gotten rid of your raccoon problem, call in the experts at Shumaker’s Animal Control. We have the tools and expertise to safely and humanely relocate raccoons from your property.
Have A Raccoon Problem? Call the Experts at Shumaker Animal Control
If you think you have a raccoon problem on your property, call the experts at Shumaker Animal Control to deal with the problem for you. Our experienced team will take care of the problem in a timely manner, ensuring that your home and pets are not in any danger.
At Shumaker Animal Control, we are a family-owned business who cares about the safety of you and your family but also about the well-being of the animals themselves. All of our trapping and control methods are humane, as we never try to hurt the angry or scared animal.
Call us at 443-854-8072, visit our website or fill out our contact form for more information.
