Ottawa is home to a wide range of wildlife, but among the most common visitors to urban areas are raccoons. These intelligent animals are known for their adaptability and curiosity, making them frequent guests in neighbourhoods. 

For residents dealing with raccoons, Skedaddle offers services for wildlife control in Ottawa to manage these encounters safely and humanely. Understanding the behaviour and characteristics of raccoons helps in appreciating why professional intervention is necessary for effective wildlife management.

In this blog post, we’ll explore raccoon size, their lifespan, and effective ways to manage their presence.

The Basics of Raccoon Size

Raccoons have a fairly wide range of sizes. On average, an adult raccoon can weigh anywhere from 8 to 20 pounds. However, in certain regions with abundant food supply, raccoons can grow even larger, sometimes tipping the scales at 30 pounds or more. The body length of a raccoon typically ranges from 16 to 28 inches, not including their bushy tails, which add another 8 to 12 inches. This makes them one of the heftier members of the urban wildlife community.

The size of a raccoon can vary depending on several factors. One major element is the availability of food. Raccoons in suburban areas with easy access to garbage cans and pet food often grow larger than their rural counterparts. Another factor is genetics; like humans, some raccoons are simply predisposed to be bigger. Lastly, seasonal changes can influence their size, as raccoons tend to bulk up in the fall to prepare for the winter months.

Understanding these size dynamics can be crucial for homeowners. A larger raccoon often means more significant damage if they decide to make your home their own. They can easily tip over trash cans, break into attics, and cause general mayhem in your yard.

Racoon Lifespan

When it comes to lifespan, raccoons in the wild generally live around 2 to 3 years. However, in areas where they face fewer threats from predators and have ample food supply, they can live up to 5 years or even longer. In captivity, raccoons have been known to live up to 20 years, but that’s a different story altogether.

The relatively short lifespan in the wild is usually due to a combination of factors such as predation, disease, and human-related incidents like being hit by cars. Despite their cleverness, raccoons are still vulnerable to these dangers. However, their ability to adapt quickly to various environments helps them survive longer in urban settings.

For homeowners, this means that a raccoon problem is unlikely to go away on its own. Raccoons reproduce quickly, often having litters of 3 to 7 kits once or twice a year. This rapid reproduction rate can lead to a more significant issue if not managed properly. 

Another factor influencing the lifespan of raccoons is the availability of food resources. Urban raccoons often have more consistent access to food, allowing them to maintain better overall health and extend their lifespans compared to their rural counterparts. Moreover, urban environments often provide numerous shelters, such as attics, basements, and other enclosed spaces, which can offer protection from harsh weather conditions and predators.

However, this increased lifespan in urban areas also brings certain challenges. Longer-living raccoons have more opportunities to interact with humans and come into conflict with pets. Additionally, the longer a raccoon lives, the more adept it becomes in navigating urban landscapes, making them more effective at raiding trash cans and finding food sources. These clever creatures can also become quite bold over time, losing some of their natural wariness of humans, which can lead to more frequent encounters.

The combination of relatively long lifespans and high reproductive rates can lead to significant raccoon populations in urban environments, necessitating ongoing attention and management from homeowners and wildlife control professionals. Without intervention, the raccoon population can grow quickly, leading to an increased likelihood of property damage and potential health concerns, as raccoons are known carriers of diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis. Understanding the lifespan and behaviour of raccoons can help homeowners appreciate the importance of proactive wildlife management.

Why Raccoons Are Drawn to Urban Areas

Urban areas like Ottawa offer a smorgasbord of food and shelter options for raccoons. From overflowing trash bins to pet food left outside, these adaptable animals find it easy to thrive. Your backyard might seem like a raccoon paradise, complete with hiding spots and endless food sources.

Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night. This nocturnal behaviour helps them avoid human interaction, although it can make for some late-night disturbances if they’re rummaging through your trash or exploring your attic. Their dexterous paws allow them to open containers, doors, and even turn knobs. This adaptability is one reason why raccoons are so prevalent in urban areas.

Their presence is not just a nuisance; it can also pose risks to your property and health. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies and roundworm, which can be dangerous for both pets and humans. Therefore, it’s essential to manage their presence effectively.

Effective Wildlife Control in Ottawa

If you’re dealing with raccoons, professional wildlife control is your best bet for a permanent solution. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specializes in humane, effective methods to remove raccoons and ensure they don’t come back. We don’t trap or relocate, which means we focus on long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Our process begins with a thorough inspection of your property to identify entry points and potential attractants. Once we understand the scope of the problem, we use humane methods to remove the raccoons. This might involve one-way doors that allow them to exit but not re-enter or hands-on removal techniques that ensure no harm comes to the animals.

After the removal, we seal entry points and provide advice on how to keep your property less inviting to raccoons. This might include securing trash bins, removing food sources, and making structural repairs to your home. Our goal is to offer a comprehensive solution that addresses the root of the problem, not just the symptoms.

Why Choose Skedaddle for Wildlife Removal

Skedaddle stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, our humane approach ensures that no animals are harmed during the removal process. This is not only ethical but also effective in preventing future infestations. Animals that are trapped and relocated often find their way back or are replaced by new ones, which doesn’t solve the problem in the long run.

Another reason to choose Skedaddle is our expertise. Our team is trained to handle a variety of wildlife issues, from raccoons to squirrels and beyond. We use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure the job is done right the first time. Additionally, our services are tailored to the specific needs of each homeowner. We understand that every situation is unique and requires a customized solution.

Lastly, our commitment to customer satisfaction sets us apart. From the initial consultation to the final follow-up, we ensure that our clients are fully informed and satisfied with our services. We take pride in our work and strive to exceed expectations every time.

The Humane and Effective Solution

Raccoons are fascinating yet challenging animals to deal with, especially for homeowners in urban areas like Ottawa. Their size, lifespan, and adaptability make them formidable visitors to your property. However, with the right approach, you can manage their presence effectively and humanely.

If you’re struggling with raccoons or other wildlife, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control offers the expertise and humane methods you need to resolve the issue permanently. Don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Contact us today and take the first step towards a raccoon-free home.