The Raccoon is probably the best know fur-bearing animals and is protected under the Fur Bearing Animal Act. To trap a raccoon generally a trapping license or permit is required. When they become a nuisance to a homeowner it is usually when they have their young in early spring. This is also the time they cannot be caught and removed unless the young are removed with them at the same time.

Raccoons are nocturnal and seldom seen during daylight hours unless the have been disturbed. Thy are omnivorous and will eat fish, small mammals, birds, eggs, fruits, nuts and some vegetables like corn. Trees and brush are their natural cover and they live in dens like hollow trees or logs. In the city they are often found living under porches or hollow space under a garage or garden shed etc. They become a major nuisance when they rip some of the roofing of a building and build their nest in an attic to have their young. Often people hear chirping in an attic and find it is not birds but young raccoons making this sound. They have a single litter once a year with an average of two to four young but some may have as many as eight.

When foraging for food they may come indoors through pet doors to feed on the pet food found inside. It is not uncommon for them to enter through an open window. Once inside they may damage furniture, bedding and curtains while trying to get back outside. They often turn over garbage cans for food and then spread garbage all over a driveway, patio or deck. The commotion they make while doing this can be very disturbing at night, and usually cause neighbourhood dogs add to the noise. If there is no garbage available they may roll up grass sod to feed on worms and insects, leaving a mess that may be costly to repair.

In the unlikely case you are confronted by a raccoon it may act ferocious and look vicious. They may run at you as if they will attack, it is a defensive action. Do not run away but stand your ground and walk away. Like most wild animals raccoons will only attack when the have no change to get away like in a enclosed area. In that case move to a wall and give the animal space