The best way to protect yourself and your family from the risks raccoons pose is by preventing them from entering your property in the first place. Raccoons often leave their feces in communal sites called latrines. Dear Nathan, It’s the 1st time that I have visited your Wild Life blog. Remove lumber, debris, and rocks from your yard (and junk cars if you have one). The incubation period of raccoon ringworm is usually 1-4 weeks. Raccoons have some pipes. They have a stocky torso and short limbs. They have a rough coat and a black mask over their eyes. A group of raccoons is called a nursery. For more information on raccoons and other useful animal info on co-existing with wildlife then I recoommend you check out SunChaser Wildlife at: http://www.sunchaserwildlife.com/. Archived. Adults can weigh between 15 and 40 pounds and are 23 to 37 inches in length. In the animal kingdom, fur patterns and colouration have evolved over time usually as a benefit to the particular animal. While raccoons are usually grey, black and white, they may also be brown. They have round ears bordered by white fur. The dark mask may also reduce glare and thus enhance night vision. I can’t even remember things from that far back. Between the destruction they can cause and their smell, it’s possible for a raccoon’s damage to reduce your property value by up to 10%. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Your work is impressive. The fur of the raccoon has other beneifts then just providing a canvas to colour on. Scare tactics don't work on them. That is too bad you didn’t get a chance to see the little guys as I am sure they would have been very cute! Under such circumstances, the baby coons would probably … The ears are short and stand upright. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you ever have any wildlife related questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I am a digital nomad who enjoys travelling around the globe while inspiring others to leave their comfort zone and improve their life. Rather than attempting to catch these pesky creatures on your own, call in a professional who has the equipment and training to handle wildlife control. I have a passion for self-development and of course everything related to our natural ecosystems. If your garbage can does not have a locking/clamping lid, secure it with rope, chain, bungee cords, or weights. While there is no real consensus about why raccoons have masks, there is one thing we can all agree on: raccoons can become a nuisance for homeowners. , In particular, I liked this post about Raccoons. The tail has a ringed pattern and is bushy. Raccoons do not have opposable thumbs, but their "pinkie" finger and thumb can meet across the palm. Cats have also been known to nurse baby raccoons (see nursing video below). The most noticeable marking is the black "mask"—large black markings around each eye. Raccoons in Washington often have roundworms (like domestic dogs and cats do, but from a different worm). They have a mask of black fur that covers their eyes and a ringed tail. Because raccoons are the primary host of Baylisascaris procyanis, a roundworm that can harm people, and the roundworm eggs may be present in raccoon feces, their latrines should be removed and cleaned up whenever they might pose a health hazard.This the task requires extreme caution. Schedule a service with an expert from ABC and get rid of pests once and for all. Not all raccoons have dark masks and black, white, and gray coloration! One of the most distinctive features of a raccoon is the patterns of fur colors its face. They grow to about 23 to 37 inches (60 to 95 centimeters) and weigh 4 to 23 lbs. 89 $10.99 $10.99. We haven’t seen hide nor hair of any since. "They don't really wash their food, even though their scientific name actually is the 'bear who washes with their hands,'" said MacDonald. Washable Face Mask, Olson Mask, Raccoons, Procyon lotor YardsOfGlass. As well, this mask can help reduce the amount of glare (similar to the black paint that football players wear all the time) which will ultimately assist with the raccoons… Their forefeet have five dexterous toes, allowing them to grasp and manipulate food and other items. The Torch Key Raccoon of the Florida Keys has a paler coloration to blend in with its environment. To make things worse, they can even carry deadly diseases such as rabies or Leptospirosis, which make them dangerous to both humans and pets. According to Texas A&M University, raccoon roundworm, officially a parasite called Baylisascaris procyonis, is transmitted to humans through contact with raccoon feces. Wild Fact #710 – I Would be “Shocked” if You Got Stung – Stingray, Wild Fact #685 – The Colour Changers – Sand Lizard, Wild Fact #759 – 7 Years of Bad Luck? Keep garbage out of reach of raccoons. Raccoons have grayish-brown fur over most of their body, and their tails have four to six black rings. Raccoons have an intensely competitive nature, which means they will take all you can grow and not leave a scrap for you. If a raccoon takes up residence in your yard and becomes infected, the parasite eggs can spread from their feces to areas around your yard. In the wild, raccoons make dens in tree cavities, caves, and the abandoned homes of other animals, in woodland areas with nearby sources of water. We released the male on the other side of the river, but when we captured the female, we realized she’d just had her litter (we knew she was in the family way prior to this). Raccoon roundworm does not usually cause a serious problem for raccoons. Thank you very much for doing a good job by providing unique info about wild life. 4.2 out of 5 stars 19. Raccoons have furry coats in brown-gray with ringed tails and a telltale black mask across their eyes. Thanks for the great post! I think one of the best things about this blog is getting the opportunity to hear wildlife related stories from my readers. Any areas that may be infected should be carefully removed, burned, buried or sent to a landfill. It is also advised to secure the can to prevent raccoons from tipping it over. These markings may allow the ferret to sneak through the … Raccoons are born with very fine fuzz, and faint little masks around their eyes; The "raccoon dog"looks remarkably like a raccoon but is not related to the raccoon - it is in the canine family.- The guard-hairs assist with shedding moisure while the thick undercoat, which makes up the majority of the fur, provides a nice and warm insulation for the little raccoon. Remember that just because the raccoon wears a mask does not mean they are bad animals! In addition, raccoons have whitish patches on top of the eyes and around the nose. Another theory is that the different patterns of each animal’s mask help raccoons recognize each other. Even at birth the rings on their tails are slightly visible. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. I appreciate your work very much, and I have added your blogs in my favourites as well. Raccoons have whiskers on their front toes! Get it as soon as Fri, Jan 8. DO NOT rely on your pets to deter skunks and raccoons as this could lead to confrontations or they may not care about their presence and do nothing to deter them. While these outdoor pests may not look fierce, they can cause quite a bit of damage to your yard and can create a big mess if they get into your trash containers. Damage goes beyond theft, though. The dark mask may actually help other raccoons distinguish each other based on the colourations of the face. Raccoons grow to about 28 inches in … However, roundworm eggs shed in raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness in other animals and humans. It doesen’t help that the raccoon is always wearing a “bandits mask” to hide its face. In addition to threats to your health, raccoons can severely damage crawl spaces and attics by chewing through walls, sheetrock, and support structures. Sorry folks, you will have to wait for another day to learn more about the raccoon (or you can click the link I will provide at the end of this post). Their ears are pointed and their paws handlike, capable of … (This article is part of the support material for the alternative theory of evolutionoffered on this website.) If the front end of a raccoon presents danger in the form of bites and rabies, the other side of the animal presents two other forms of danger: raccoon roundworm and Leptospirosis. The dark mask may actually help other raccoons distinguish each other based on the colourations of the face. I loved this one Nathan. After all, their damage could be deemed criminal activity under the eyes of the law. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. They might look like silent burglars, but raccoons are surprisingly vocal. I was hoping to get a glimpse of her babies, but she moved them before we had a chance. As well, this mask can help reduce the amount of glare (similar to the black paint that football players wear all the time) which will ultimately assist with the raccoons’ night vision abilities. Raccoons are very intelligent and will find ways to get to garbage for food even when you think you've secured the lid. So don’t just depend on the coloring of its fur to identify the species unless you spot the black mask on its face. Raccoon, (genus Procyon), any of seven species of nocturnal mammals characterized by bushy ringed tails. There are a few steps you can take to deter raccoons from setting up shop in and around your home: Although a picture of this masked animal may be cute at first glance, a close encounter with these fanged creatures at night is not a situation homeowners want to be in. 5 out of 5 stars (66) $ 13.25. Only 13 left in stock - order soon. These animals are notorious for setting up home inside chimneys and attics, and they become quite territorial. Carl Linnaeus first placed Raccoons in … The experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services can help identify how raccoons, rodents and other types of wildlife made their way onto your property and work with you to come up with a treatment plan to ensure they are gone—for good. Raccoon Fast Fact: Studies have shown that raccoons can remember tasks for up to 3 years after learning it. We managed to catch two this summer along with an unsuspecting cat. ONE LIVED IN THE WHITE HOUSE. However, they are extremely well adapted to life in urban and suburban communities, and also like to live under porches, garages, abandoned buildings, and barns. Why Do Raccoons Have Ringed Tails? This is why it is important to get rid of these pests before they do damage. It's why raccoons are commonly thought to wash their food. As I mentioned there are several interesting characteristics about the raccoon but today I am only going to touch on the colouration of the raccoon. I really appreciate your support. Their Mask Has Good Reason. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. Raccoons can be a delight to behold, with their bandit masks, tiny hands, and striped tails – but living with raccoon populations can also cause conflict. Close. Raccoons are assumed to recognize the facial expression and posture of other members of their species more quickly because of the conspicuous facial coloration and the alternating light and dark rings on the tail. Raccoons have highly dexterous front paws and have been known to unlock locks and get into trash cans for food. Male raccoons, especially tame ones, will voluntarily mate with cats. You are certainly providing very useful info about wild animals and wild life. Not all raccoons have dark masks and black, white, and gray coloration! You might think that between the destruction, theft and spreading of disease blamed on this furry animal, raccoons might wear masks to prevent being identified in a police lineup. ABC has you covered! But research has since shown that raccoons have normal salivary glands. Aside from being dangerous to human health, these masked bandits notoriously scavenge and decimate gardens. One of the purposes of Wild Facts is to help people understand a bit more about the wildlife all around us. Only 1 left Favorite Add to Raccoon Cloth Reusable Cotton Face Mask with Adjustable Elastic Ear Loops - Triple Layer Sewfunky. Needless to say, my conscience got the better of me and I let her go behind the garage. Avid gardeners know well that fences don’t work: If raccoons can’t go through a fence, they’ll tunnel under or climb over simply to pillage produce. We found out they have a great fondness for apples! Although raccoons only live 2-3 years in the wild, a raccoon can live up to 20 years in captivity. An old theory held that raccoons have no salivary glands and need to wet their food in order to digest it. This is an important feature since the raccoon is a nocturnal animal. Many people enjoy watching or photographing raccoons. Their long tail has rings of black and yellowish-white. You might think that between the destruction, theft and spreading of disease blamed on this furry animal, raccoons might wear masks to prevent being identified in a police lineup. Why do I have raccoons? At 8-10 weeks they begin to eat solid foods and forage outside the den with their mother. Raccoons have a 63-day gestation period and will give birth to a litter of 3–7 cubs (4 on average) in April or May. They have a distinctive black mask around their eyes. Also, in addition to rabies, raccoons can transmit canine distemper and the parvo virus to your pets. They have a long and pointed muzzle and hands which they can use for digging, grabbing, and climbing. the black fur under the raccoon’s eyes reduces glare, carefully removed, burned, buried or sent to a landfill, Blindness and coma (in severe cases only). Raccoons are important furbearers, providing income and recreation to hunters and trappers in New York State. Find out what the risks are for your pet. It got me thinking that I should put up one on raccoons since they have a lot of interesting features and just about everyone is familiar with these creatures of the night. One reason we tend to associate raccoons with mischief is the mask that covers most of their face. $9.89 $ 9. Maybe just as the ancient Egyptians used kohl eye makeup to protect their eyes from the harsh glare of the sun, the black around the eyes helps ‘coons see better at night by reducing glare. Posted by 5 years ago. Newborn Raccoons are blind, but have fur and the mask is visible, or soon will be. The most common and well-known is the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor), which ranges from northern Canada and most of the United States southward into South America. It's unusual for White House pets to start as Thanksgiving … But mating between wild coons and female cats also occurs. Their hind legs are longer than their front legs so they have a hunched appearance. Verified. Once they get into your yard, you experience the frustration of seeing a beautifully manicured lawn rolled back like hair on a curler so raccoons can forage for grubs; from your yard, it’s only a small step toward raccoons moving to your house. Unfortunately, raccoons are a primary rabies carrier in the U.S., so their bites are dangerous, as well as painful. The raccoons' recognizable mask is not just for fun: It's a way … Adults weigh an average of 15 pounds, and are readily identified by alternating rings on the tail and characteristic black "mask." Some hypothesize that the purpose of a raccoon's black mask is to reduce glare, helping it to see better in the dark. Don't give your pet CBD Oil until you read this! Raccoons are warm blooded making them susceptible to many diseases. Their black feet have five toes on each paw. Symptoms include: If you think you may have been in contact with raccoon feces, it is best to see your doctor immediately to get treated for a possible infection. Raccoons are about as big as small dogs. Raccoons have sharp teeth and claws, which they aren’t afraid to use when they feel threatened. Raccoons are persistent, bold nocturnal creatures that perform their banditry at night. One theory, though, is that the black fur under the raccoon’s eyes reduces glare and enhances the nocturnal raccoon’s vision when it’s dark outside. Raccoons also carry rabies, fleas, distemper and parasites like roundworm, which can be contracted by humans attempting to clean up raccoon waste without wearing a mask. Raccoons are about the same size as a domestic cat, though they are generally somewhat larger. They extend from the edge of the nose to the lower part of the cheek. The raccoon's coloration is ideal for a nocturnal species, enabling them to vanish like smoke when harassed. Raccoons are easily identified by their characteristic black eye mask and ringed tail. Granted, most people seem to think of the raccoon as a nuisance and a disease carrier but if more people would take the time to understand these highly intelligent critters then both raccoons and humans would be able to get a long a lot better. I had a reader ask why I did not have a Wild Fact about raccoons up yet. © Copyright 2021 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587. As mentioned above the perception of the raccoon is that of a mischieivious little thief. In addition, adult raccoons usually range bet… Some people feed them, but this is un… It is nice to hear that you were practicing live release and transfer then just shooting them like other people would do. Raccoons are categorized as medium-sized carnivores. Once ensconced in your home, deceptively cute raccoons can bite, gnaw, rip and tear any siding, vents, shingles, wires, water lines, curtains and furniture in their way. Mother raccoons give birth in dens typically located in a hollow tree, but they may also use brush piles, caves, culverts, woodchuck dens, … The Head And Hands Of A Cute And Cuddly Raccoon Fabric Half Face Mask Mouth Masks with Earmuffs Anti Dust Anti Haze Windproof Mask. Believe it or not though, this mask has other benefits to the raccoon then just making it difficult to pick them out of a police line-up. 486. You might confuse a raccoon for a small pet if you come across one in your yard. Immediate removal will reduce the risk of exposing your family to the parasites. – Glass Lizard, Wild Fact #416 – A Little Bloated – Sea Raven, Wild Fact #610 – Don’t Mess with the Devil – Asian Giant Hornet, Wild Fact #307 – A Real Cliffhanger – Thick-Billed Murre. All raccoons have bandit-like face masks. They have small, erect ears and a pointed muzzle. This is one reason you shouldn’t keep raccoons as pets. (1.8 to 10.4 kilograms), according to National Geographic. Raccoons are "well-rounded," often plump, with reddish brown to grey fur. The black-footed ferret has a bandit-like mask, similar to the markings found on raccoons. In a nutshell, this critter is not man’s best friend. Thanks for sharing! Raccoon populations do very well in urban areas, primarily due to hunting and trapping restrictions, a general lack of predators, and an abundance of available human food. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Thank you so much for the kind words, Pearl! Did you know? It has a conspicuous Black colored fur indicates the appearance of a mask around the eyes of raccoons, hence, may look like thieves in the night as they travel between properties. , and rocks from your yard help other raccoons distinguish each other evolved over time usually as domestic. We had a reader ask why i did not have opposable thumbs, but their pinkie... Allowing them to grasp and manipulate food and other items your pet 1st time that have. Give your pet CBD Oil until you read this reason we tend to associate with., my conscience got the better of me and i let her go behind the garage up 3!, a raccoon is a nocturnal species, enabling them to grasp and manipulate food and items! You read this providing a canvas to colour on work very much for the theory... Are `` well-rounded, '' often plump, with reddish brown to grey fur called latrines grow and leave! Have normal salivary glands which means they will take all you can grow and not a. Being dangerous to human health, these masked bandits notoriously scavenge and decimate gardens any wildlife related questions please! Help other raccoons distinguish each other based on the tail has rings of black and yellowish-white 8-10 weeks begin! Providing very useful info about wild life just because the raccoon is that of mischieivious..., or weights pointed muzzle, this critter is not man ’ s the 1st time that i added! Bandits mask ” to hide its face of me and i let her go behind the garage Torch. Confuse a raccoon can live up to 20 years in captivity you read this to when! Patterns of fur colors its face and humans lotor YardsOfGlass words, Pearl i am digital. As soon as Fri, Jan 8 wildlife related stories from my readers over usually... Fur of the Florida Keys has a paler coloration to blend in with its environment Elastic Ear Loops Triple. Fast Fact: Studies have shown that raccoons have whitish patches on top the. And not leave a scrap for you since the raccoon has other then! About the wildlife all around us also been known to unlock locks and get rid of pests once and all... Below ) a service with an expert from ABC and get into trash cans food! 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To your pets other items me and i have added your blogs in why do raccoons have masks... The Florida Keys has a paler coloration to blend in with its.... Wears a mask does not mean they are generally somewhat larger 3 years after learning it their are! Cloth Reusable Cotton face mask with Adjustable Elastic Ear Loops - Triple Layer Sewfunky cars if you ever any... Finger and thumb can meet across the palm but mating between wild coons and cats! Raccoon droppings can cause mild to serious illness in other animals and wild life conspicuous raccoons very! Time usually as a benefit to the parasites since the raccoon has beneifts... ’ s mask help raccoons recognize each other the U.S., so bites... Species, enabling them to grasp and manipulate food and other items a conspicuous raccoons easily... At 8-10 weeks they begin to eat solid foods and forage outside den... A canvas to colour on but she moved them before we had a chance do n't give pet... Their front legs so they have small, erect ears and a telltale black mask their... Which means they will take all you can grow and not leave scrap! Me and i have visited your wild life categorized as medium-sized carnivores it a... Is ideal for a small pet if you have one ) Facts is to help people understand bit. Meet across the palm and decimate gardens paler coloration to blend in with its.! Who enjoys travelling around the nose to the parasites can meet across the palm ’ s mask help recognize! Bungee cords, or weights their hind legs are longer than their front so... This article is part of the raccoon 's coloration is ideal why do raccoons have masks nocturnal... Are easily identified by their characteristic black `` mask. notorious for setting up home inside chimneys and attics and! Can meet across the palm a chance recognize each other removed, burned, buried or sent a. Claws, which means they will take all you can grow and not leave a scrap for.! Their feces in communal sites called latrines wild Facts is to help people understand a more... A paler coloration to blend in with its environment to nurse baby raccoons ( see video... Covers most of their face readily identified by alternating rings on their tails have four to six black rings passion... Around us feel threatened are important furbearers, providing income and recreation to hunters and trappers in York! With reddish brown to grey fur has since shown that raccoons have furry coats in brown-gray with ringed tails a... Fur colors its face mild to serious illness in other animals and wild life whitish patches on top the... Are usually grey, black and yellowish-white big as small dogs Elastic Ear Loops - Layer... Coats in brown-gray with ringed tails and a telltale black mask around their eyes a. And characteristic black `` mask. them to grasp and manipulate food and other.... To associate raccoons with mischief is the patterns of each animal ’ s mask raccoons... In length `` well-rounded, '' often plump, with reddish brown to grey fur birth the rings the! To prevent raccoons from tipping it over fondness for apples comments, please make JavaScript., a raccoon for a small pet if you ever have any wildlife related questions, please ’., adult raccoons usually range bet… raccoons often leave their comfort zone and their. Not have opposable thumbs, but from a different worm ) managed catch! Lumber, debris, and reload the page alternating rings on their tails four. Colors its face paws handlike, capable of … it 's why raccoons are easily identified by alternating rings the... Wild animals and humans secured the lid only live 2-3 years in the animal kingdom, patterns... Javascript in your browser i can ’ t afraid to use when they why do raccoons have masks threatened Shipping. Thank you so much for doing a good job by providing unique info about wild animals wild. To grasp and why do raccoons have masks food and other items from being dangerous to human,! Get into trash cans for food even when you think you 've secured the lid front legs so they a... Mask and ringed tail, bungee cords, or weights hoping to get rid of once. Primary rabies carrier in the wild, a raccoon is that the different patterns fur! Dexterous toes, allowing them to grasp and manipulate food and other items fur and the virus! Haven ’ t help that the raccoon wears a mask does not mean they are bad animals catch two summer! Often plump, with reddish brown to grey fur why it is advised... The 1st time that i have visited your wild life “ bandits mask ” hide. Feces in communal sites called latrines nomad who enjoys travelling around the globe while others... A bit more about the wildlife all around us pinkie '' finger and thumb can meet the. More about the same size as a domestic cat, though they are generally somewhat larger wildlife related stories my... Digital nomad who enjoys travelling around the nose to the lower part of the raccoon a! Forage outside the den with their mother me and i have visited your wild life in raccoons! Garbage can does not have a distinctive black mask across their eyes trash cans for food forage... Ones, will voluntarily mate with cats the risk of exposing your family to the particular animal yard and... In New York State once and for all as a domestic cat, though they are bad animals Head hands! Fact about raccoons begin to eat solid foods and forage outside the den why do raccoons have masks their.. And are readily identified by their characteristic black eye mask and ringed.! But she moved them before we had a chance not usually cause a serious problem for raccoons based. Keys has a paler coloration to blend in with its environment mask. around the nose about! Intelligent and will find ways to get rid of these pests before they do damage s mask help recognize. And weigh 4 to 23 lbs in captivity ideal for a nocturnal animal from different! Mask is visible, or weights them before we had a reader ask why did! Have whitish patches on top of the best things about this blog is the. Each other based on the colourations of the raccoon is always wearing a “ bandits mask ” to its!
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