Archive for August, 2011
Raccoons
Raccoons
Raccoons
Raccoons live just about everywhere, from California all the way to the East Coast. These animals cause numerous problems non only to people, but to the environment as well. They live in hollow logs, under porches, attics and have even been found living In garages and in farm machinery. Usually in winter, Animal Control gets a lot of calls for Raccoons in people’s homes. (Mainly being found in attics). Animal control will hopefully find these animals and safely remove them far from your home. Once remote 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 ar very curious. They get into trash cans, can turn on water spickets, and can even open doors. Most of their mischief is due in search of food. These animals ar Nocturnal. (Sleeping in day, and awake at night.) While you are sleeping, they are out getting into almost everything. These animals ar known for completely tearing up lawns in search for grub worms. This is a favorite item on its menu. Just one Raccoon can destroy an entire yard in one night.
Raccoons are very determined when it comes to food and will do anything to get it. Another important part of these animals is that they carry diseases. One, a very common one: Rabies, once infected this animal can be extremely aggressive, foam at the mouth and look very unpleasant. The Raccoons feces (poop) can carry what is called Roundworm, (Baylisascaris procyonis) which if touched by a human can be sometimes deadly. The Roundworm is a parasite that can live in the gut and can travel through the body infecting unlike organs. Some cases have led to death. Raccoons ar amazing climbers and swimmers. Climbing is a major part or a raccoon’s lifestyle, their feet and tail were perfectly designed for that purpose. The tail used for reconciliation and the feet intentional for clinging and hanging. Raccoons can climb up and down, left and right, forward and even climb down backwards! A Raccoon in the wild can live anyplace from 5-12 years in the wild, andin captivity up to 20 years! Their weight runs anyplace from 12-20 lbs, the largest on record was 60lbs! These fuzzy critters can teach us so much, not only about them, but how we as people can care for them and their environment.