When considering the mammal IQ scale, raccoons rank closer to humans than most people would normally think. In general, monkeys are ranked right below humans and great apes, and with raccoons scoring average IQ levels below monkeys, they are considerably close to human IQ levels as well. In addition to their high IQ scores, raccoons are known to have evolving intelligence and methods of thinking. They are able to learn from past experiences and engage in critical and problem-solving thinking when obstacles arise. Moreover, as a result of their notable intelligence, raccoons were once candidates for lab testing alongside rats and monkeys but were discarded for being too smart, adaptive and strong-willed.
Raccoons Can Make Over 50 Different Noises
Raccoons have a large array of vocalizations. In fact, studies have determined that these animals can make over 51 different sounds that communicate different things! They hiss, purr and growl when competing for food. Younger raccoons often chirp and squeal and raccoons with rabies often exhibit extremely high-pitched squeals.
Raccoons Have Special Paws
Similar to human hands, raccoons embody five dexterous toes on each of their front paws that essentially function as human fingers. This gives them the ability to easily grasp things, scavenge for food and lift the lids off of trashcans -something they are notorious for doing. Another interesting feature of raccoon paws includes the abundance of nerves that allow them to become extra sensitive and send messages to the brain – when underwater, raccoons use this sensitivity to examine objects. Raccoons also have special feet that are able to rotate 180 degrees which allows them to climb up and down trees head first.
It was planned to conduct laboratory studies of such drugs as Levitra.
Raccoons Can Move At High Speeds
Raccoons are scavengers and are consequently always on the move searching for their food. In addition to walking, these animals are fast runners as well. In fact, raccoons can run at speeds as fast as 15 miles per hour, not only on solid ground but also while climbing up and down trees, and if dropped from a height of 35 to 40 meters, they can still remain unharmed. In addition to running with agility, raccoons are also able to swim to escape from predators and catch prey to meet their dietary needs.
Raccoons Are Nocturnal
Raccoons are nocturnal and are therefore asleep for majority of the day and are most active at night. Moreover, there are many myths claiming that seeing a raccoon up during daylight hours indicates that it is rabid. This is not true as there are many reasons as to why a raccoon may be awake, such as the availability of food during the daytime.
Raccoons Are Extremely Skillful
Raccoons are commonly associated with wild, violent and vicious behaviour; however, this is not always the case and are actually quite skillful. As a result of their notable intelligence, people have been able to train raccoons to mirror the same basic skills that the average human toddler possesses, such as clapping and dancing.
Raccoons Can Survive Almost Anywhere
Raccoons were originally found in natural tropical areas but overtime, especially throughout the twentieth-century, they have managed to migrate and were then introduced to a wider array of habitats ranging from mountainous terrains to crowded cities; this is because of their noteworthy and uncommon ability to adapt to foreign environments. When considering their survivability, the average life expectancy of raccoons is typically between two to three years in the wild. The reasoning behind this low expectancy rate is simply cars and the expansion of roads and highways – raccoon death rates have increased because of countless roadkill incidents. However, they can live up to 20 years in captivity where they remain safe from road-related accidents.
Raccoons Do Not Have Life-Partners
Unlike wolves, beavers and other animals that mate for life, raccoons often have more than one mating partner. In fact, male raccoons attempt to mate with multiple females each season while female raccoons generally mate with one partner. Unlike other animals, male raccoons have nothing to do with raising their offspring and all of the responsibility falls on the mother as she raises her newborns alone.
Raccoons Have A Special Name
The scientific name for raccoons is Procyon lotor which is neo-Latin for ‘before-dog washer’. In 1780, scientist Gottlieb Congrad created a separate genus for the species Procyon which translates to dog-like, however raccoons and dogs are not related while raccoons surprisingly remain a close relative of the bear family. In addition to the latin name, the English word raccoon was derived from the Proto-Algonquian language and means “one who rubs, scrubs, and scratches with its hands”, which accurately describes this species.
Raccoons Love The City
Although they originated from earthly and natural habitats, raccoons love the city life! In fact, Toronto is one of the most raccoon populated cities in the world; approximately fifty times more raccoons live there than in neighboring suburban areas. Consequently, not only do crowded cities provide them with lots of space to scavenge around, but they also provide raccoons with easily accessible food resources. You guessed it – trash bins. With this being said you might want to keep in mind some raccoon proofing knowledge and a phone number of a reliable wildlife removal company!
If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Inc., we provide raccoon removal service, squirrel control services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients, guaranteeing effective results every single time. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergency services, and can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait, call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection, removal and prevention to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.
With their cute masked faces and nimble hands, raccoons are one of the most intelligent and curious species in the urban wildlife. However; the raccoon problem Toronto has been experiencing in the last decade has been nothing short of bothersome to property owners and residents. These nocturnal mammals certainly live up to their reputation to be quite destructive and troublesome. Raccoons have adapted well to the city life right here in Toronto, however, they are found in other urban, rural and wilderness areas in all parts of Ontario. They are omnivores and are known to enjoy variety of things from fleshy fruits to insects and small rodents. Raccoons have amazing dexterity and can use their front paws to pry things open, they can turn knobs, press switch buttons, and most famously can get in pretty much all garbage and compost bins. With the Toronto new green bins coming out soon it is the hope of the city that they will will help the raccoon problem, or else it will be millions put to waste if the raccoons adapt. Time will tell.
Increasing number of raccoons in Toronto has resulted in diverse reactions in humans. While some people raccoon-proof their properties, other deliberately feed them. Some wildlife experts caution residents against deliberately feeding wild animals as they could become dependent on humans as their food source. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated agree you should not feed wildlife, and not not feeding wildlife is strongly supported by Fur-Bearing Defenders in the aid to co-exist with them. This would disrupt the ecology cycle and make wildlife’s acclimation back into the nature almost impossible. Contacting professionals ensure your raccoon problem are taken care of, as well as the effective return of these animals back to their natural environment with as little human – wildlife interaction as possible.
Closer Introduction
Physically, raccoons appear harmless and adorable. Although not at all common, people have sworn that they make friendly and lovable pets, with a little bossy and demanding attitude. Again wildlife are supposed to be wild! However raccoon are mostly known for their curious personalities. They enjoy inspecting and examining every situation before taking any action. They collect a lot of information and retain it, as they are extremely intelligent. They are very aggressive and tend to snarl, hiss, and even attack when provoked. More physically, raccoons vary in size, having a length of 40-70cm’s and a body weight of anywhere between 3.5-9kg’s. Raccoons have grayish coats with more distinctive features of having black and white facial masks and extremely dexterous front paws, with long and sharp fingernails. Most raccoon problem are caused by raccoons’ nimble-fingered paws. They can open and close doors, reach and grab food or other items on shelves, pantries, cupboards etc. and they can cause serious structural damage to one’s property by tearing holes in walls, insulation, air duct, and scratching surfaces like hardwood. Read more on our wildlife prevention page to understand how to further prevent this happening to your property.
The damage these little creatures can cause doesn’t just stop at generating hefty repair bills to property owners; they can also transmit lethal diseases such as rabies. What is rabies? Aggressive when provoked, raccoons’ famous nimble fingers can also cut human skin deep causing various other bacterial infections. Human contact with wild raccoons is not recommended, and if a property owner is dealing with raccoon problem, they are strongly encouraged to contact professionally trained technicians. Read further in our article Rabies in Bats, Raccoons and other wildlife.
Damages Caused by Raccoon Problem
In search of shelter and bedding, raccoons will show no mercy to your property. This means their nimble hands will once again, be at work. Raccoons are wild animals and this shows in the damage they are capable of causing. They pick at drywall with their fingers, curious of what’s between the walls, they will rip apart ducts, rip through insulation, and even chew on any wires in their way. While they cause structural – sometimes major, other times minor, they can also cause electrical damage, and possibly fire in properties. While they are busy at work, ripping through one’s attic or basement, raccoons also tend to leave up to 20 droppings per day. Their droppings are bio-hazardous as they carry many diseases as previously mentioned. While they cause a lot of re-constructive work, a property that’s been infested by raccoons also requires a thorough sanitation. If you have pets and children, it is extremely imperative that you contact professionals to inspect and clear the property off raccoons, and to properly sanitize all surfaces potentially infected by their presence and droppings. SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated do provide the following services to help your raccoon removal problem: Animal Feces Removal, Attic Restoration and Attic Insulation renewal.
Prevention
While DIY options may provide quick or temporary solutions, we recommend expert advice and removal services for all of your raccoon problem. In our experience sprays, deterrent chemicals, and ultrasonic noise machines have been proven to be unsuccessful raccoon removal methods. They may work for a few days but the raccoon will return. In order to avoid raccoon problem specifically, here are some preventative principles you can live by:
Ensure your fences (if you have them) are in good shape. Treat the wood, and fix any gaps, damages regularly
Make your garbage and compost bins raccoon-proof by strapping the lids down with bungee cords
Keep your doors and windows locked, ensure screen doors are properly shut and locked
Do not leave any human food, food remnants, pet food, or food packaging/containers outside
If you have pets, keep pet food indoors or in garage
Ensure motion sensor lights are in working order in and around your property as light repels raccoons. If you suffer from raccoons consistently visiting your yard, invest it motion sensor lights
These are just tips,they may not work. The best solution for your raccoon problem is a professional raccoon removal and prevention service for city of Toronto. We can cease your raccoon problem by our effective one way door or if needed live trapping method. This method allows us to ensure successful captivity of the animals, but it also helps us ensure the animals are uninjured. We treat animals humanely and ensure they are brought back to their natural habitat. We don’t recommend any lethal, poison required methods as the existence of wildlife is necessary for a balanced ecosystem and it is illegal in Ontario.
At SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated, we provide superior Raccoon Removal services for any residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Let us help you solve your raccoon problem.We be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait and call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection to help evacuate and solve your raccoon problem.
Raccoon removal costs vary depending on your situation. Calling an expert to remove a raccoon that is lounging around your backyard is a simpler job and will vary in price to a mother raccoon with babies in your attic with property damage and multiple entry-ways.
For immediate raccoon removal solutions it will vary in cost from $275 to $500. This will include a full inspection of the roof, attic and other areas of premises to determine all entry routes. We will seal up holes the raccoon has made and install a one-way door. The one-way door will permit the animal to leave and not re-enter.
We offer additional services at a cost, so If you have a bigger problem you will need to have the problem inspected by a wildlife technician who can then provide you with a quote. Bigger problems include multiple animals living in your home or wildlife proofing your property to prevent future nuisance wildlife from entering.
Things to Keep in Mind
As the prices will vary depending on what company you select, here are a few other principals you should consider when selecting a wildlife control company
Wildlife control is a highly specialized work with unique liabilities dealing with wild animals
There is no one price fits all as every job is different
If you don’t take care of the problem immediately it will end up costing a lot more in the future
You pay for what you get! Hiring the cheapest may not be the best, and may end up costing you more in the future
Ensure your wildlife control company knows the law and practice is within the confines of the rules and regulations set in place
Your wildlife control company to conduct humane practices, with the safety and well being of the animal in mind when conducting services
The wildlife control company should be knowledgeable in wildlife behaviour and characteristics.
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated technicians have completed certifications, know the law and ensure our methods are humane. All our technicians have years of experience and have the wildlife safety as high priority.
Please note that the city does not provide wildlife removal services for from private properties. They do provide services for pets but they will not remove wildlife from your home – which in that case you will need to call a professional like SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated. Read more on our post, Animal Control vs Wildlife Control in Toronto
The best thing your can do is call a company, explain your wildlife problem, and ask for a price estimate over the phone. Every company offers different prices and in many cases, it’s hard to give an exact final price without seeing the job as situations, home sizes, number of wildlife/entry points vary.
Feel free to ask our technicians your questions, do your research and shop around. Ensure the company you decide to go with meets the criteria for being professional, humane and effective.
Read our Raccoon Removal page to learn further about our procedures or call and talk to one of our technicians.
Raccoons are pretty common wildlife animals that interact with humans in Toronto GTA. Sometimes the interactions are not wanted and humans are not pleased with it at all. They want the raccoons removed! But getting rid of raccoons can be a hard mission which is why many people just contact professional wildlife technicians like SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated to do raccoon removal for them. To figure out how to get them out, you need to determine how did the raccoon get in in the first place. For raccoon removal, professionals usually use a one-way door. A one-way door is a door set up at one of the entry points the animal has made, usually the main entry point. All other entry points are sealed before the one-way door is set up. This allows the animal to exit and not re-enter. This is the most humane raccoon removal method and involves no human-wildlife encounters. In some cases we use snares when one-way door option isn’t suitable. When using snares, the raccoon is picked up around the waist to avoid any injury to the neck. There is no one size fits all solution but not ensuring humane removal is the ideal raccoon removal method.
How do raccoon get into your home?
Knowing a little about raccoons will help you understand what raccoons do what they do. Raccoons are intelligent animals and will seek out the weak spots on your property. They may rip open soffits, open vent hole, open walls, gable vents and other roof vents. There are various different ways on how raccoons are able to come inside your home which can sometimes be mind blowing once you find out. They are very good climbers, very strong and have agile hands which are traits that make it easier for them to climb into your house, or rip soffits/vents to make their way into your attic. They are not one bit scared of heights as they are amazing climbers. You may have seen the story where the raccoon climbs 213 meters up a Toronto condo tower? Our check our video at the bottom of the page with our raccoon removal from a 200 ft crane. It was the tallest we’ve ever been on a job and removing a raccoon up there I have to admit was quite scary, but we got him down! Getting rid of raccoons is tricky, but once they are in your home you should remove the raccoons immediately before they cause too much damage.
Most of the time raccoons pick their home based on previous homes they have had. Some homes may have bigger holes and easier access. Any ripped soffits, damage on the exterior wall makes it easier for raccoons to enter your house. These homes will have to call for raccoon control frequently to make sure there is no raccoons returning to live inside their house. Once one raccoon lives in a house they leave behind their scent which attracts other wildlife and predators. It is advised when you remove raccoons you should clean that area extremely well. If you had a raccoon in the attic check your attic insulation to see how badly it’s damaged and have your attic restored to its clean state. Wildlife proof your home! If you don’t want to pay a professional, take all the wildlife prevention methods you can yourself to prevent further unwanted critters entering your home. Houses with lots of tall trees surrounding them are higher at risk of having raccoons living in their home. Trim the branches from your house and check for any holes in your roof or soffits a few times annually to ensure there is no wildlife in your home. Read our blog Signs that wildlife are living in your home. Check for these signs and try to remove anything that makes your home attractive to wild critters.
As stated, raccoons usually come in your home and or attics by tore open soffits, open vent hole, tore open wall, gable vents, and other roof vents. You will want to seal any holes and or openings but you need to make sure you don’t trap the raccoon in your home as this is cruel and illegal. Close / fix all holes except for the one way door. Leave this opening open so that the raccoon will be able to come out. If there are babies involved you will have to contact a professional to have them removed. Read our raccoon removal page for info on baby raccoon removal. These are the most common ways raccoons come inside your home. Check these areas of your home to ensure everything is sealed.
Getting Rid of Raccoons
SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated does not advise on do-it-yourself raccoon removal as too often accidents happen. Getting rid of raccoons requires knowledge and experience. Be careful not to trap your neighbors cat, or hurt the animal. Wildlife can be quite aggressive when under threat so be careful. Raccoons may also carry a lot of diseases which are dangerous to humans (rabies and roundworm). If you are getting rid of raccoons I strongly recommend you use a professional like SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated. Read further on raccoon removal page.
Call SOS Wildlife Control Incorporated at647-994-9453 to get rid of raccoons
