Ajax is home to a diverse and very active wildlife population. Unfortunately, sometimes these wildlife citizens find themselves in conflict with the human way of life. This is what makes wildlife control a need in Ajax throughout all seasons. As each winter approaches though, many wildlife animals adjust their behaviour by becoming less active or even inactive. Raccoons in Ajax, like all other wildlife citizens, start to prepare themselves for the cold weather ahead by finding themselves a warm den. What else do raccoons do to adapt to the cold temperatures?

Raccoons and Winter

When raccoons sense the shift in the weather towards a colder climate, they begin to behave differently. They start to eat more food in an effort to build up fat stores that will help them to survive the cold months when food becomes scarce. This is very important as raccoons can lose up to 50% of their body weight in the winter. They also seek safe warm places to spend the winter.

If you’re counting on winter to bring you that much-desired break from raccoon activity… don’t. While raccoons are definitely less active during the winter, they will still venture outside of their dens because raccoons don’t hibernate. Instead they go into a state  of torpor, which is like a very light hibernation. Raccoons come out of torpor occasionally, to hunt for food and therefore, you will continue to see the signs of raccoon foraging (toppled bins and ravaged garbage disposal sites, etc.) during the winter.

Similar to other wildlife species like rats and bats, raccoons will often seek refuge from the harsh cold winter air inside your home. When raccoons move into your Ajax home, they often head for the attic because it is cozy and hidden (since many people rarely visit their attics). They will also establish dens in basements or under porches.

When Expert Intervention Becomes Necessary

DIY raccoon removal and wildlife control is not recommended, especially during winter as driving the animal out could lead to its demise. Additionally, DIY raccoon removal strategies (such as introducing offensive smells or sounds) typically fail because a raccoon that has found a comfortable den during the winter will be very reluctant to leave. If you have tried to get raccoons out with little or no results, it is time to get the experts on the job.

It can be dangerous for you to try to remove raccoons yourself as the animals can become aggressive. When defending their den from what they perceive to be an attack, a raccoon may bite or scratch at an intruder. This can result in the transmission of diseases such as rabies. It is therefore important for you to avoid DIY wildlife control and get the experts involved at the first sign of raccoon intrusion.

How You Can Help Wildlife Citizens this Winter

Each winter, humane wildlife removal teams like Skedaddle transfer evicted animals to rehabilitation centers. During the winter, these facilities use temporary measures to keep the animals warm until they can be safely released into natural habitats. Skedaddle urges you to help these vulnerable wildlife citizens by donating items such as blankets and old jackets that rehab staff can use to keep them warm. In fact, you can even create your own temporary shelters using plastic bins and soft warm material for stray cats that find themselves out in the cold each winter. If you decide to do this you should also give them some food and water each day to help them survive.

Skedaddle Wildlife Control Service

For the best raccoon removal service you should contact a company with the expertise and solid reputation for effective humane wildlife removal and control that Skedaddle has. Skedaddle is a premiere wildlife control team in Ajax with technicians that are highly trained and skilled in raccoon removal. Skedaddle’s wildlife removal services include transfers to safe rehabilitation facilities.