When Cold Weather Moves In; So Do Raccoons

Much like humans, most mammals try their best to stay inside during the winter. Even with fur coats, they are not immune to cold weather and temperatures, so many animals, such as raccoons, will spend the majority of their winter inside and away from the cold.

During the entirety of the year, raccoons need three things: shelter, food, and water. When the winter comes around, those needs change slightly. They now need a warm place for shelter.

So, as a homeowner, how does winter and the effect it has on raccoons impact you? Well, there are a few things to understand about how winter changes the lifestyle of a raccoon.

Raccoons do not hibernate. However, they do enter a state of being called torpor during the wintertime. This is not considered hibernation because the raccoon does not sleep throughout the entire winter, but it does cause them to sleep for weeks at a time. The raccoon will sleep in a warm space for about two weeks straight. This sleep time helps them conserve energy and their fat stores. When they need to, or when the weather warms up for a day or so, they will venture out and search for food to replenish their energy. This journey out of their space will allow them to replenish their food and energy stores. It will allow them to go back into a state of torpor for another few weeks. For more information about torpor and the winter habits of raccoons, visit raccooninformation.com.

Winter makes animals very vulnerable. If they are not able to find their three main needs, shelter, food, and water, they may not make it through to the spring. This state of torpor for raccoons is helpful for survival. Winter makes food scarce. This sleep state allows them to conserve energy and requires them to consume significantly less food.  Raccoons in colder states will have longer periods of torpor and those in warmer states will have shorter periods of torpor in between searching for food.

Tarpor is a necessary component of a raccoon’s survival every winter. However, in order for them to have these sleep periods like they need, they have to find a safe, warm space to do so. Raccoons may settle down in hollow trees or may steal underground burrows from other animals. Man-made buildings are a perfect spot for wintertime rest as well. Some raccoons will make do with abandoned buildings, but others may find a way into buildings currently inhabited by the owners.

Wintertime infestations are extremely common with many wildlife pests. Raccoons are just one example of an animal that may make its way inside when the weather turns cold. They are searching for a space to keep warm and your home is the perfect spot.

When this happens, you do not want to wait until the weather warms up to begin removing the animals. Damage to your home can occur no matter the time of the year. If you can, be sure to animal-proof your home before the winter comes. This includes making sure that there are no openings or any weak spots around the home that an animal could use to make their way into space. If you are unsure of where to begin and want expert help, a professional company like New Journey Pest Control can help guide you through the process.

If you are midway through winter and find that raccoons have settled down in your space during the cold weather, you want to begin the removal process as soon as possible to prevent any potential further damage. You may find that they have found their way into your basement, but many people will have to begin the process of getting raccoons out of the attic.

This often includes entrapment and without professional gear or help, it can be a difficult task to accomplish. Getting a raccoon out of your home is much different than getting rid of one that is just hanging around in your yard during the summer. It is also smart to keep in mind that many states and counties have different laws regarding trapping and relocation of raccoons, so depending on where you live, you may need to research what is appropriate for your area.

During the entire process, it is vital that you keep in mind how dangerous raccoons can be to humans. They often carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. This is why it is necessary to remove them as soon as you find out they are in your space — even if it feels cruel to kick them out during the winter.