Raccoons
Posted Jun 14, 2011 12:27:59 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
You may be noticing an increase in raccoons lately. Animal control experts say it’s nothing to worry about.
Keith Pothier owner of Urban Wildlife Control Inc. tells 570 News it’s a seasonal thing. This time of year, baby raccoons are becoming more mobile and that means mother raccoons are starting to take them for their first outing to find food. Pothier says there are thousands of raccoons in the region, and each mother usually has anywhere between 5 to 8 babies in a litter. Because they are bringing the babies out all at the same time, it can seem like there is a population boom.
According to Pothier, the incidence of raccoon road kill will decrease as the summer goes on as the animals become more aware of their habitat.
Pothier says a living raccoon on your property isn’t necessarily a bad thing, the main concern is raccoons getting into your attic or chimney. That can be eliminated by making sure your house is in good shape. He says there are a number of things that can be done to help minimize the possibility of a problem developing. He says you need to make sure that all chimneys are securely screened. You can also install more secure roof/soffit intersections. That is the area on a building where a section of the overhang meets a lower section of a roof and can be particularly vulnerable to small animals.
The Ministry of Natural Resources states you can only move animals within one kilometer of where they are caught. Pother says any reputable wildlife control company will come out and give you a free prevention quote. It will address any weak areas on your home. In the event that any animal gains access to your house, they will honor that quote and do the removal at no extra charge.
Pothier says we live in a really healthy region, wildlife-wise. That’s why you will see a lot of critters around town. Unfortunately with that comes the occasional conflict. But, he says if that happens, a call to a good wildlife control company can give you good advice and a solid physical solution.
