If you live in Andover and have ever had a raccoon problem during the fall or winter months, you might be interested in learning more about their life cycle during this period. Understanding their habits during different seasons can also help you better prepare for the times when these animals are most active and may be looking for a warm place to call home.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through the life cycle of the animal from fall to winter, from when they begin preparing for hibernation to when they come out of their dens during the warmer months. We’ll also discuss ways that Skedaddle’s services for wildlife control in Andover can help you deal with any raccoon removal needs you may have during this time of year. 

The Fall Season: Raccoons Prepare For The Winter Ahead 

As the fall season unfolds, our furry friends undergo a significant transformation process. This preparatory phase indicates a switch between their normal habitual patterns to winter-ready routines. The same raccoons we see hustling and bustling during the warm months, now have their sights set on the chilly season ahead. 

The Transformation Begins: Physical Changes 

One of the most evident changes that raccoons experience is in their physical appearance. Have you ever noticed how they suddenly look larger during the fall? The answer lies in the fact that these animals increase their food intake tremendously at this time. It’s not a coincidence. They are purposely trying to put on weight. This raiding of the ‘fridge,’ so to speak, helps them build a layer of fat – their very own natural insulation, just in time for the winter chill. 

Changes in Habits: Daily Routines Go Awry 

While physical changes in raccoons might be the most noticeable, their behaviors also undergo some shifts as the seasons change. Not an early bird by nature, the animal would normally start its day in the late afternoon. However, when fall arrives, they switch up their routines and often become nocturnal. Their increased night activity is primarily due to the late sunset and early sunrise – more darkness means more cover to scavenge for food and stay safe from predators. 

Mating Season: Love is in the Air 

The fall-to-winter transition is not just about survival for the raccoons; love takes center stage as well. Late fall marks the beginning of the mating season. This is the time when males begin their search for females in heat. It’s a beeline for romance amongst the fur and the foliage. These furry creatures will mate and then, as the winter fully sets in, the female will settle down in a cozy den to give birth. 

Undoubtedly, their life is filled with fascinating adaptations that help them thrive, no matter what the season brings. The weather transition is a crucial period, and observing these changes can provide a unique insight into the life cycle of a raccoon. 

Food Gathering: How Raccoons Stock Up For The Winter 

As the fall sweeps into full force, raccoons switch into overdrive in order to store enough food for the colder months. Notorious for their adventurous palates and resourceful natures, they take the task of food gathering to a new level when they feel the first chills of approaching winter. Here’s a deeper look at how these versatile creatures secure their meals. 

Diversified Foraging: All’s Fair in Love and Food 

Unlike many other wildlife species, raccoons are not fussy eaters. From trash cans to tree barks, garden fruits to small invertebrates, they are willing to try anything that might fill their bellies. In autumn, this diverse dietary habit benefits them greatly. As many plants bear fruit and insects are still plentiful, these wild animals take full advantage of the buffet nature provides. 

Strategic Scavenging: Not a Meal Wasted 

While raccoons are excellent foragers, they are also cunning scavengers. They increase their scavenging activities during fall when humans are more inclined to participate in outdoor activities. Leaving behind food scraps from picnics or barbecues, or even unsecured trash bins, often results in a feast for these opportunistic eaters. 

Food Storing: Prepping for the Cold Days 

These animals don’t technically hibernate but they do sleep a lot during the cold winter months, venturing out less frequently to find food. To prepare for this, raccoons exhibit a behavior known as scatter hoarding. They store food items around their territories, burying them in the ground or hiding them in tree hollows. Much like a squirrel with its nuts, these mammals remember the locations of these food caches and rely on them. 

Remember: If you notice these wild animals fondly exploring your backyard in search of food, it might be a sign to engage professional wildlife control services. It’s best to discourage them without causing harm, as they play a crucial role in our ecosystem by controlling pest populations.

Finding Shelter: Exploring The Cozy Hideouts Of Raccoons 

As the temperatures continue to drop, raccoons search for warm, safe, and secluded spots for their winter slumber. This quest for shelter is no lazy exploration, though. It’s a time-consuming, laborious task. But what are the ideal hideout characteristics these furry explorers are looking for? Let’s delve into their shelter-seeking habits and understand better. 

Den Features: Size, Comfort, and Security Matter 

Raccoons are not particularly picky about their winter abode, as long as the place ticks off certain essential criteria. A suitable den needs to be large enough to accommodate the size of the animal and its occasional guests – the family members. Comfort is an equally important factor. A good den should provide enough warmth for these creatures to survive the harsh temperatures. And most importantly, the den should be secure from predators and human disturbance. 

The Hunt for the Perfect Hideout: Prospective Dens 

When it comes to options for possible dens, these animals have an extensive list to choose from. From hollow trees and underground burrows to human structures like attics and sheds, their refuge could be anywhere. Raccoons are adaptable and opportunistic, ever ready to turn any spot that offers warmth and safety into a cozy retreat. 

A Firm Grasp on Territory: The Importance of Location 

The location of the den bears significant importance too. The den is ideally located near a steady food source and water body. Their territorial nature means that they prefer a den within their home range to remain in familiar surroundings. This makes scavenging for food more convenient and helps them return to the den quickly if threatened. 

Raccoon Haven: Denning Inside 

As the winter sets in, raccoons retreat into their dens, leaving behind the outside world for a much-deserved rest. Their days and nights are spent largely in sleep, though they may occasionally rouse for a snack or drink. Within the safety of their shelter, surrounded by the coziness of their den, they patiently wait for the winter to pass, snug and secure till the warmth of the spring sun calls them out once more.

When To Call Skedaddle For Raccoon Removal In Andover 

Occasionally, despite their best efforts to prepare and protect their winter dens, they may find their way into residential areas and homes, particularly those with abundant food sources and potential sheltering spots. This interaction between humans and raccoons is not always pleasant, given the potential for property damage and transmission of diseases like rabies, roundworms, and dangerous parasites. So, when should you call Skedaddle for removal services in Andover? Let’s find out. 

Signs of Raccoon Infestation 

There are some telltale signs to identify if a raccoon has taken up residence in or around your household. Pay close attention to these indicators: 

• Vocal Noises: These animals make several distinct calls, including growls, purrs, whinnies, and hisses. If you’re hearing these noises, especially at night, you could have a raccoon problem.
• Property Damage: Raccoons can cause noticeable damage to homes and yards, including tipped trash cans, breached compost bins, damaged crops, and traces of nesting materials.
• Unpleasant Odors: The presence of strong, undesirable smells could indicate a latrine, a spot where these wild animals regularly deposit feces and urine.

Action to Take 

If these signs are present in or around your home, don’t panic. The first thing you should do is seek professional help. While it may be tempting to deal with the situation yourself, remember that raccoons can be dangerous and unpredictable, especially when they feel threatened. Hence, leave it to our wildlife control professionals at Skedaddle who are trained and ready to handle such situations.