Raccoons are no foreigners to Toledo neighborhoods. These intelligent and agile critters are often found rummaging through trash cans late at night or hiding under decks and porches. Raccoons are known for being aggressive and dangerous. However, that isn’t always the case. Over time many misconceptions about raccoons have spread. Let us, the professionals at Critter Control of Toledo set straight the myths and facts about raccoons, so you can better understand these furry animals.
Myth: All raccoons are aggressive and mean.
A common myth about raccoons is that they are inherently aggressive and pose a significant threat to humans. Although it is true that raccoons are wild animals and should be treated with caution, they generally prefer to avoid confrontation and will typically only display aggression if they feel threatened or cornered.
Myth: If you see a raccoon during the day, it’s rabid.
Many people believe that if you see a raccoon during the day, it is a sign it has rabies, and although that could be true, it isn’t always a dead-giveaway sign. Detecting rabid raccoons can be incredibly difficult, which is why it is recommended to avoid contact with all raccoons. There are many possible reasons why you might see a raccoon during the daytime, despite its nocturnal nature.
Myth: Raccoons hibernate during the winter.
Despite popular belief, raccoons do not hibernate during the winter, instead, they enter a state called torpor. Torpor is when an animal will lower its internal body temperature to preserve energy, while also sleeping longer hours. During the stage of torpor, animals typically wake and scavenge on warmer days for food.
Fact: Raccoons are extremely adaptable.
A very remarkable aspect of raccoons is their ability to adapt to various environments. Raccoons originated in North America, but now they have expanded their range and can be found in urban, suburban, and rural areas across the world. A partial reason they easily can adapt to new environments is due to their diverse diet. Raccoons mainly consume fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and even human garbage.
Fact: Raccoons are super smart creatures.
Raccoons are often debated as one of the most intelligent species in the animal kingdom. Studies involving raccoons using tools and figuring out complex tasks have proven their amazing problem-solving skills and incredible intelligence. One characteristic of raccoons is their dexterous front paws which allow them to easily manipulate objects and even open containers. We can see them in use when they get into our trash cans or food jars. It’s important to never underestimate these curious and intelligent critters.
Fact: Raccoons are excellent climbers and swimmers.
It is not uncommon to catch a raccoon scaling a tree or navigating its way to your rooftop, chimney, or attic. Their sharp clams make them agile climbers. What can be even more surprising is that raccoons are excellent swimmers. They are known to dive into bodies of water to catch fish, amphibians, and other aquatic prey.
Understanding raccoons allows you to make better decisions when choosing how to best remove them from your Toledo home or property. Read our page about raccoon control and removal here. If you find raccoons in your home or yard the safest and smartest decision is to contact the professionals at Critter Control of Toledo. Our experts have years of experience and know the correct methods for trapping these complex critters.