There is no denying that humans have the most useful and evolved hands in the entire animal kingdom. Despite this evolutionary achievement, there are many animals that do give people a run for their money, including raccoons. While no one will argue that raccoon removal in Coquitlam is often necessary when the critters get a little too used to your trash bins, you also cannot deny those fisty digits. 

Raccoon paws look and operate more like human hands than other species. The fingers have distinct spacing, and raccoons are noticeably active with their hands, especially when eating. Still, how useful are raccoon paws, and what do they use them for? 

1. Climbing

While you might not know it or expect it, raccoons are actually agile climbers. The talent is often overlooked because people tend to see the creatures scurrying across the ground and rummaging through waste bins. Still, raccoons can often be spotted climbing trees, even finding their way to the tippy tops. 

Despite their skill, most raccoons prefer to sleep on the ground in burrows or dens. They also tend to change nesting or sleeping sites every couple of days. 

While notorious tree climbers, raccoons can also scale buildings and other manufactured structures, thanks to their paws. Many suburban witnesses have spotted the agile critters on rooftops and telephone poles. In a word, raccoons are incredibly adaptable. 

2. Scratching

Raccoons are known for many features and traits, but their incessant nature to scratch is among the top. If you watch a raccoon for any length of time, you will inevitably notice them scratching themselves and other objects.  

The scratching behaviour is attributed to the animal’s attempt at grabbing. Many behaviourists believe that scratching other objects is how the animal learns to grasp things.  

One interesting sidebar is that the name raccoon loosely translates to the animal which scratches. The name was ascribed to the animal by an indigenous person from the Powhatan tribe in east Virginian, often referred to as the Algonquian peoples. 

3. Digging

Raccoons are foragers, meaning they search and collect food. However, they primarily feast on insects and other creepy crawlies. In order to find their meals, they will dig. Their agile paws and sharp claws make digging an easy task. 

Additionally, as raccoons prefer to live on the ground, they must build their dens. While many raccoons will find hollow logs or tree trunks to call home, others will burrow, creating a deep crevice in the earth to provide shelter and warmth. Their paws, like hands, make the grabbing, scratching, and moving of dirt and debris easier. 

4. Grabbing and Touching

Raccoon paws are very sensitive and can help the animal navigate its environment. For instance, when digging for insects or other bugs to eat, the animal relies on its sense of smell and touch. As it digs through the dirt towards a smell, it can sense the change in texture and movement along its digits. When it feels this change, it quickly grabs the insect or item to inspect it further. 

The paws also allow the animal to improve its sense of touch. Some experts say that the paws can act as a second set of eyes. The animal’s paws are so sensitive and responsive that they actually act as additional interpreters. It’s amazing. 

While raccoon paws are unique, as is the animal, you do not want the species getting too comfortable or familiar with your property. If you have noticed an increase in the raccoon presence around your home or business, contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control and schedule a property assessment. A team will inspect the property in Coquitlam to see if there is any problem or recommend preventative measures you can take.