Raccoon populations are as high in the urban or suburban areas owing to the fact that there are no predators and the easy availability of food. Therefore, it is not surprising that raccoons roam the backyards of many homes and many a time they are not welcome visitors in the neighbourhood. If raccoons roam around in the backyard, read on to find out what is the worst damage that they can cause there. All examples provided by our raccoon removal experts.
How raccoons can destroy the backyard
Raccoons are nocturnal animals and build their homes in sheltered areas of the yard (building foundations). Most of damage therefore takes place during night-time. Raccoons can turn the landscape of the backyard upside down. They can destroy a garden if you have one. Raccoons are good at foraging stripping and eat anything that is good enough to be eaten. They feed on sweet corn, peas, potatoes and fruits. They also love to eat frogs, clams, fish and snails.
Turning over freshly laid grass or turf and searching for grubs is one among their activities. They forage into trash cans searching for food. They strip birdfeeders of birdseed. A spell of dry weather sees an increased number of raccoon foraying into the backyards in search of sources of fresh water to drink and juicy food to eat.
In addition to the fruits nuts and seeds that form their food, raccoons also like to eat chicken. They bite the chicken in the head or neck area and the heads are left behind. Raccoons are known to invade poultry cages and mutilate the chicken. Many chickens are likely to be killed in one attack and eaten in part. Raccoon also prey on wild birds and waterfowl.
Raccoons are known to kill cats for sport and the latter usually steer clear of them. Dogs, however, are prompted to fight with the raccoons which lead to a nasty situation. In many of the fights the dogs are injured seriously. Raccoons instinctively try to scratch out the dog’s eyes. They roll the dog onto its back and bite with severe ferocity. Sometimes the bites cut through chest wall leading to collapsed lungs. They also lacerate the urethra causing untold misery for the dog.
Raccoons defecate in existing structures that may be natural or man-made. It could be on a ledge or the stump of a prized tree close to the ground in your backyard. They also have community defecating sites that could become a source of contamination.
Raccoons are curious, quick and agile animals and the only way you can keep them out of your backyard is to secure it with a strong heavy-duty fence. It is a good idea to keep your poultry, dogs and cats well-protected and far from the reach of raccoons during night-time.
Wrapping up, raccoons are persistent animals and they are drawn to your backyard when food, water, or shelter is available there. Changes to your garden/yard may be necessary to make the property less attractive to them and thus avoid any further damage.