Q: What is the biggest misconception about raccoons that you have ever heard?
A: That raccoons are ferocious animals by nature and thus are always attacking humans whenever they can. This is not accurate at all. A normal, healthy raccoon is no more ferocious than an eastern grey squirrel or any other wild mammal native to New England. They may become defensive when cornered, but they much prefer to run away. Another big misconception is that all raccoons carry rabies. Its true that raccoons (along with red foxes, skunks, woodchucks and bats) are more likely to carry rabies than other wild mammals, but rabies actually occurs at a relatively low rate in raccoons in New England. The average raccoon that you see at dusk or during the night is far more likely to be healthy than rabid
Q: What is one of the most unique experiences you have had when working with raccoons?
A: My most unique experiences with raccoons definitely involve their ability to solve complex problems, which usually involve them escaping from their enclosure. We had one raccoon that learned the doorknob was the key to opening the door to its enclosure. But the knob was too high to reach. In order to open the door, the raccoon learned how to hang from the very thin windowsill using only its front limbs, shimmy close to the door and then hurl itself at the doorknob in order to escape. Raccoon-proofing their enclosure is a bit like toddler-proofing a house. They can and will get into trouble wherever they can.
A: The New England Wildlife Center maintains two semi-captive raccoons each year (Samantha and George) to act as ambassador animals. Much like an animal kept at a zoo, these animals are meant to teach the public about the natural history and beauty of these native animals. We are also trying to dispel the misconception and myths regarding raccoons and teach people how to live comfortably alongside these beautiful animals so that they can enjoy them as much as we do. Raccoons are one of New England’s most intelligent and versatile wild mammals—I like to say that they are the closest thing we have to a New England monkey.
Q: What advice would you give to the public to keep raccoons from being seen as a nuisance?
A: Keep in mind the natural behavior of wild raccoons as foraging animals that will take the opportunity to collect and eat just about anything that is edible. You wouldn’t blame your dog for eating food that you left out on the table while you were away at work. Its only natural for your dog to eat food that’s available; its your fault for forgetting to put it out of reach. The same goes for raccoons with food outside of your house. Unsecured food or trash an open invitation for raccoons to come and scavenge, and they’ll make quite the mess in the process. Make sure that trash is placed in locking barrels or bins or securing them with bungie cords. Along the same lines, raccoons like to den up in small burrows and crevices, including inside roofs, garages and sheds. Filling in holes along foundations and securing loose boards will prevent them from seeking shelter in human structures. Think like a raccoon and eliminate the things that are attracting them to your home.
