Wildlife Pests
Raccoons
History and Habits
The raccoon (Procyon lotor), also called “coon”, is a stocky mammal about 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) long, weighing 10 to 30 pounds (4.5 – 13.5 kg.). Characteristic features include short, pointed ears, a long pointed snout and grayishbrown fur covering the body. The raccoon’s most distinguishing features are the black mask around the eyes and the black rings circling the long, bushy tail.
Raccoons are not native to Prince Edward Island but occur naturally in the adjacent provinces. They were brought here during the early part of the twentieth century to be farmed for their valuable fur, and they subsequently escaped and thrived. They live throughout Prince Edward Island but are common in agricultural areas, marshes, streams and ponds. Raccoons are very adaptable and are also found in urban and suburban areas where mature trees, attics, sheds, and storm sewers are used as dens. Raccoons are excellent climbers and are very dexterous. They are most active at night, seeking refuge during the daylight hours in hollow trees, dense vegetation, under sheds, old buildings, barns, chimneys or other cavity spaces. During the winter months raccoons usually “den-up” for the coldest periods; this is not a true hibernation and they often venture out during warm spells.
Raccoons eat a variety of foods including insects, frogs, bird eggs, fruit, and garden vegetables, especially corn and grain. Because of their ability to live in association with humans, and their varied food preferences and denning habits, people often consider raccoons to be a nuisance.
Reproduction and Predation
Raccoons mate from late January through March. After a gestation period of 63 days, one to six young (average 3-4) are born between mid-April and mid-May. They are generally well developed at birth, being well furred except for their tails, but their eyes don’t open until they are three weeks old. The female and young usually remain together during their first winter but break up after the young reach sexual maturity during the spring. They have few natural predators; coyotes capture some and great-horned owls will prey on young.
Legal Status
In P.E.I. raccoons are classed as furbearers and game animals and receive legal protection. If you wish to trap or shoot raccoons you must first obtain a license from the Fish and Wildlife Division. This does not apply if raccoons are caught alive and released.
Damage Identification and Solutions
Raccoons may cause damage or problems in a variety of ways. Their distinctive tracks often provide evidence of their involvement. Garbage cans can be “raccoon-proofed” by securing the lids with elastic tie-downs available at most hardware stores. In addition, they should be fastened in an upright position, which prevents the raccoons from tipping them over. Metal or wooden stakes placed through the carrying handles and driven into the ground are effective. Wooden or metal garbage can bins with latchable doors provide the ultimate in security. Raccoons may gain access to roofs and chimneys by way of trees, trellises, downspouts, vines or shrubs. Keeping raccoons off the roof is desirable but may not always be practical. Therefore, efforts should be made to keep them out of the house by replacing loose shingles, repairing holes, or installing chimney caps or wire screening. Be certain that all the animals are out before final exclusion procedures are completed.
Removal
Where raccoons are plentiful, hunters and trappers should be encouraged to harvest surplus animals during the regular open seasons. The local Conservation Officer may be able to suggest competent individuals. Where this option is not practical, the use of live traps is usually the best alternative.
“Coons” are relatively easy to catch in live traps, but it takes a sturdy trap to hold one. Traps should be at least 10 x 12 x 32 inches (25 x 30 x 80 cm) and constructed of a heavy-gauge wire. For single-door traps, the back should be placed against a wall, rock, or other solid object. It is important to ensure that the back portion of the trap be tightly screened with small (0.5 in. or 1.3 cm) mesh screening to prevent the animals from reaching through the sides to pull out the bait. Sometimes it helps to partially cover the trap with brush. Staking down the trap will help prevent raccoons from rolling the trap over. Some hardware stores or trapping supply dealers may have suitable commercial models available for sale. Pest control companies or hardware rental firms usually stock large livetraps for raccoons or skunks (See Diagram). Barrel traps can be economically constructed by placing an open-topped 45-gallon (200 litre) barrel next to a fencepost. Drill a few holes around the bottom and bait it with canned pet food, sardines, or other smelly foods. Any raccoons entering through the top should be unable to jump or climb out. Check the barrel every morning to prevent unnecessary suffering. Raccoons caught by live trapping should be relocated at least 10 miles (16 km) from the capture site, in a remote wooded location. If you prefer to euthanize the animal, please contact either staff of the Fish and Wildlife Division or your local Conservation Officer for directions on humane methods to employ.
Parasites and Diseases
Raccoons are host to a number of parasites and diseases that can infect people or pets. Canine distemper is one example. Although no cases have been reported in Prince Edward Island, there is also the potential for rabies. Any raccoons exhibiting abnormal behaviour should be avoided, and Fish and Wildlife staff advised. Dead raccoons should be buried. Try not to touch the carcass, but if it is unavoidable, wear disposable rubber gloves and wash well afterward.
Help with Trapping and Removal
Atlantic Graduate Pest Control is experienced and has the proper traps to remove raccoons from your property.
Sick or Diseased Animals
Any sick or diseased raccoon should be reported to the Fish and Wildlife Division. Sick and diseased animals will be forwarded to the Atlantic Veterinary College for post-mortem analysis. Individuals will in turn be notified of the College’s findings.
Skunks
The Island History
Once highly valued for their pelts, skunks were introduced into Prince Edward Island by fur farmers sometime around 1915 and multiplied and established themselves in the wild throughout the Island. In 1932, a bounty of fifty cents was offered in hopes of controlling vermin. In 1942 it was raised to one dollar and increased again in 1943, but despite payments for up to 9,700 skunks per year, the animal was not eradicated and in fact survived at healthy population levels. Skunks declined sharply in 1970 and again in 1981 when several cases of distemper were positively diagnosed.
A Bit of Biology
Skunks have become accustomed to humans, thriving in semi-open agricultural areas, mixed woods, meadows and even urban areas. In the fall, skunks feed voraciously, building up fat reserves for winter dormancy. With the onset of cold weather, skunks seek out dens, becoming inactive for the winter. Areas that provide dark secure hiding places such as under barns, utility sheds and porches are common denning sites. They may appear for short periods in winter during prolonged mild spells. Mating occurs in late February and early March when males become active, leaving their dens in search of females.
After a gestation period of 62 days, females produce five kits on average with the young being born in late April or May. Within a month, the females and young can be seen actively foraging for food. Skunks are omnivorous, eating both animal and plant material, with insect larvae forming a large part of their diet.
The Great Horned Owl is their main natural predator but coyotes, foxes and dogs can take the occasional skunk. Vehicles and disease are other causes of mortality. In Prince Edward Island, skunk numbers are periodically reduced with outbreaks of distemper.
Skunks in the Urban Environment
Skunks readily adapt to the urban environment and their offensive odour and habit of digging holes in lawns in search of insect larvae, make it an unwelcome urban resident. Irrespective of chance encounters by family pets, the skunk can be beneficial to homeowners when foraging for June bug larvae. June bug larvae feed on grass roots resulting in damage to the lawn and in cases of severe infestation can kill large areas of grass.
Traps and Trapping
Traps suitable for live-trapping skunks can be rented, purchased, or constructed. Local rental agencies have a number of traps available at a reasonable fee or they may be purchased from a hardware store. On the other hand, a suitable trap is easily constructed from scrap material using the plan illustrated.
SKUNK LIVE-TRAP
Phone Atlantic Graduate Pest Control for humane removal of skunks.
Minimizing Skunk Problems
June bugs mate in May and June and are attracted to yard and window lights. The use of amber coloured lights and the drawing of window blinds in the evening will lessen the attraction of June bugs to a property. Fewer June bugs will result in fewer larvae. As well, you can treat the lawn with insecticides to reduce the incidence of larvae. Insecticides are available from farm and garden supply stores. Garbage left out-of-doors in unsecured containers is not only a source of food to local cats and dogs, but to skunks as well. Garbage should be confined in a secure container indoors.
Utility buildings and porches that have no secure foundation are open invitations to skunks as denning areas. Concrete foundations or wire screening extending into the ground will make these areas inaccessible to skunks.
Skunk Removal
Skunks can be trapped at entrances of known denning sites, or trapped about their feeding areas. A wooden box trap with a wire mesh end is ideal. Leg hold traps or any kill device such as a conibear trap should be avoided. Skunks caught in box traps can be safely moved if caution is taken to avoid shaking the trap. Wire mesh traps must be carefully covered with a cloth material before moving. Skunks caught in box traps can be released or disposed of by one of two suggested methods - drowning or chloroforming while still in the trap. To release an animal, the door is opened permitting the animal to leave on its own, unmolested. It is advisable to stand upwind when releasing an animal. To dispose of an animal by drowning, submerge the trap in water for a sufficient period of time to insure the animal drowns. When using chloroform, place the trap in a plastic bag, pour chloroform on a piece of paper towel and place on the trap, then close the bag tightly and leave for an hour.
Sick or Diseased Animals
Any sick or diseased skunk should be reported to the Fish and Wildlife Division. Sick and diseased animals will be forwarded to the Atlantic Veterinary College for analysis. Individuals will in turn be notified of the College’s findings.