Homeowners in Canada often encounter raccoons, as these animals are frequently spotted in various settings, including urban and forest environments. Learning how to identify raccoon tracks can be particularly useful for homeowners who want to keep these creatures away from their property. This page will explain how to identify raccoon tracks, the different types of tracks, and how to interpret them.
Identifying Raccoon Tracks
To identify raccoon tracks, it's important to look for specific features. Raccoon tracks are typically 6.35 to 8.89 centimeters long and wide, with five toes. The inner toe is shorter than the other four toes, forming a semi-circle shape with the inner toe pointing inward. The heel pad, located at the back of the track, is usually oval-shaped, while the front of the track resembles a hand with the toes forming the fingers. The depth of the impression is also crucial, as raccoons leave deep impressions in soft soil or snow due to their weight.
Front Paw of Raccoon
Differentiating between Front and Hind Tracks
Raccoons have two types of tracks: front and hind tracks. Front tracks are wider and have a distinct shape resembling a human hand, while hind tracks are thinner and longer. The backtracks have a heel pad at the back of the track that is oval-shaped, while the front tracks have five toes but with the inner toe being less distinct.
Interpreting Raccoon Tracks
Interpreting raccoon tracks can provide valuable insights into their behavior, which can be helpful for homeowners who want to protect their property from these animals. The depth of the track can indicate the size and weight of the raccoon. Straight tracks suggest quick movement while meandering tracks suggest that the raccoon was exploring or searching for food. Splayed toes indicate soft ground, while close-together toes indicate hard ground.
Importance of Identifying Raccoon Tracks
Identifying raccoon tracks is an essential skill for homeowners in Canada interested in wildlife tracking. Raccoons are common in various environments, and their tracks can be seen in many habitats, including urban areas. The size and shape of the track, the depth of the impression, and the position of the toes can provide valuable information about the behavior and habits of these intriguing animals, which can help homeowners protect their property.
Raccoon Infestation
If you have been noticing raccoon tracks in your yard, it's possible that these pesky creatures have established a den on your property or even in your house. Raccoons are known to be opportunistic creatures, and they often take advantage of any available space to build their dens, especially during their breeding season, which typically occurs from late winter to early spring.
Raccoon Damage
If left unchecked, raccoons can cause serious damage to your property, including tearing up insulation, chewing on wires, and leaving behind a mess of feces and urine. In addition, raccoons can carry a variety of diseases, including rabies, that can be transmitted to humans and pets through bites or scratches.
Raccoon Removal Services
Fortunately, if you are dealing with a raccoon problem, there are experts who can help. At Integrity Wildlife Control, we specialize in humane raccoon removal and exclusion services, using only the most effective and safe methods to protect your property and keep your family and pets safe.
Our team of experienced wildlife control professionals understands the behavior and habits of raccoons and can identify the signs of a raccoon infestation, including tracks, droppings, and damage to your property. We will work with you to develop a customized solution to your raccoon problem, using a combination of trapping, exclusion, and habitat modification techniques to prevent further damage and ensure that your property remains raccoon-free.
If you need help with your raccoon problem, don't hesitate to call the experts at Integrity Wildlife Control at 1-289-272-9453 or fill out our online form to get a quote. We are committed to providing you with fast, effective, and humane wildlife control services to help you solve your raccoon problem once and for all.