EMERGENCY Calls

​​Southampton Office

(516) 366-0317

(631) 488-1258

High Caliber Wildlife Control

Professional Humane Trapping, Exclusion & Relocation Service

Raccoons (Procyon lotor), have an average lifespan of 2-3 years. They have a body length of 26”-38” with a 10” long banded tail and weigh between 12lbs-36lbs. They usually live in hardwood tree cavities, brush heaps, hollow logs and rock piles but are sometimes found in sewers, vehicles, buildings, barns, crawl spaces, chimneys, garages and attics. They are nocturnal animals that have poor long distance eyesight but have a tapetum lucidum behind their retinas which gives them “night vision”. When threatened raccoons make growling, hissing, grunts, barks, churr-churr and screeching noises.

Raccoons are opportunist eaters, they eat berries, acorns, nuts, fruits, insects, worms, frogs, fish, turtle, clams, snails and mice but sometimes are found feeding on garden vegetables, fruit trees and pet food. They frequently raid garbage cans and are also known for breaking into chicken coups, where they usually kill the chickens and will crack chicken eggs into two halves when eating them.

Raccoons are currently the number one carrier of the rabies virus in New York State. They also carry parasites including Raccoon Roundworm in their scat (feces), which is found in attics, garages, yards, bases of trees, wood piles and pool steps. Children's play areas are also susceptible, especially sandboxes, water-tables and sand-tables. Raccoon scat should never be handled without proper training and personal protective equipment, because raccoon roundworm eggs stay viable for years after they are shed from the host animal and may become airborne after the scat dries. Remember that raccoon roundworm and the rabies virus can both be fatal if not treated.

Also see the wildlife exclusion and trapping services we provide.

Raccoon