Raccoons are clever animals that people often misunderstand or overlook. During the holiday season, when our homes are full of warmth and extra food, these masked bandits become more active as they look for meals and shelter. Here are ten facts about raccoons you didn’t know that show just how smart and adaptable they are.
Handy paws
Raccoons have sensitive front paws that work a lot like human hands. This skill helps them open containers, doors, and more. If you’ve ever found your trash can tipped over, a raccoon could be the culprit.
Night vision experts
The black mask on a raccoon’s face isn’t just for show. It reduces glare and helps them see better at night. This makes raccoons skilled nighttime explorers, even when holiday lights are shining.
Memory masters
When a raccoon finds food or shelter, it rarely forgets. Their strong memory lets them remember solutions for years, so if they like your attic, they might come back again and again.
Holiday feast fans
Unlike many animals, raccoons don’t hibernate in winter. They stay active in December and January, attracted by holiday leftovers and the warmth of attics and garages.
Remember to keep your trash secure to avoid surprise visitors at your winter feast!
Attraction to all things shiny
Next on facts about raccoons you didn’t know, they have a penchant for shiny objects, much like crows. Thus, holiday decorations, with their glimmer and shine, are often irresistible to these curious creatures.
Not just trash divers
While they’re often called “trash pandas,” raccoons are also adept swimmers. They enjoy feasting on crayfish, frogs and insects from nearby water sources, proving their diet is more varied than just scavenging from bins.
Social yet solitary
Raccoons are generally solitary but can be pretty social when the situation calls for it, especially when food is abundant. This behavior often surprises people who think of them as lone rangers.
Communication chatter
Raccoons make many different sounds, from purrs to growls, to talk to each other. Their wide range of noises shows how complex their social lives can be.
Adaptable dwellers
Raccoons can live almost anywhere, from busy cities to quiet countryside. Their ability to adapt makes them one of the most successful wild animals in urban areas.
Clever tool users
Raccoons have been observed using tools to find food, demonstrating a level of intelligence similar to that of some primates. This cleverness is one reason they can be hard to keep away.
Summary
In short, raccoons are clever, curious and quick learners. These facts about raccoons you didn’t know show how smart and resourceful they are, especially during the holiday season and winter months.
And if raccoons are causing problems around your home, contact Pesty Critters Wildlife Control in Lee County and surrounding areas for safe, humane and prompt removal assistance. Keep reading our blogs to learn more about our services and Alabama’s common critters.
