Who Catches Raccoons? (People Who Trap & Remove Raccoons)

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In this article, we’ll answer the question:

“Who catches raccoons?”

First, you’ll find a short summary of the types of people who catch raccoons, followed by common questions and answers about trapping raccoons for removal from a house or yard.

Raccoons are medium-sized mammals in the family Procyonidae under the order Carnivora. These omnivores are native to North America but are also distributed across mainland Europe, the Caucasus, and Japan, and are well-known for their striped ring-tail appearance.

raccoon

Who Catches Raccoons?

Raccoons are caught by wildlife control specialists, hunters, and trappers for different reasons. However, homeowners and property owners can also catch raccoons if they know the proper methods for wildlife removal.

Wildlife Control Specialists

These are professionals who specialize in trapping and removing nuisance or sick raccoons from homes or businesses. They use humane methods and follow local laws and regulations regarding raccoon removal. They can also provide exclusion and prevention services to prevent future raccoon problems.

Hunters and Trappers

These are people who hunt or trap raccoons for sport, fur, meat, or pest control. They use various methods and equipment, such as firearms, dogs, snares, or cages. They need to have a hunting or trapping license and follow the rules and seasons for raccoon hunting or trapping in their area.

Homeowners or Property Owners

These are people who catch raccoons on their own property if they are causing damage or posing a health risk. They can use traps or repellents to catch raccoons, but they need to check the local laws and regulations regarding raccoon trapping and disposal. They cannot relocate or release raccoons to a new area without permission. They should also be careful of potential rabies exposure or injury from raccoons.

How Can I Find Someone to Catch a Raccoon In My Area?

One way to find someone who catches raccoons in your area is to use online directories or websites that list local wildlife control specialists or pest control services. You can search for keywords such as “raccoon removal near me” or “raccoon control in [your location]” and compare the ratings, reviews, and prices of different providers. 

You can also contact them directly and ask about their methods, experience, and availability.

Another way to find someone who catches raccoons in your area is to ask for recommendations from your neighbors, friends, family, or local authorities. They may have dealt with raccoon problems before and can suggest reliable and trustworthy professionals who can help you.

You can also check with your local animal shelter, wildlife rehabilitator, or animal control agency and see if they offer raccoon removal services or can refer you to someone who does.

Are Raccoons Difficult to Catch?

Raccoons can be difficult to catch depending on the individual raccoon and the season. Raccoons are intelligent and resourceful animals that can learn from their experiences and avoid traps. Some raccoons may be cage-shy, meaning they are wary of entering traps. Raccoons are also less active during the winter, making them harder to lure with bait.

What Do I Do If I Catch a Raccoon?

If you catch a raccoon, you need to check the local laws and regulations regarding raccoon trapping and disposal. You cannot relocate or release raccoons to a new area without permission, as this may spread diseases or cause ecological problems. 

You may need to euthanize or surrender the raccoon to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or animal control agency. You should also be careful of potential rabies exposure or injury from raccoons and wear gloves and protective clothing when handling them.

What Is the Best Time to Catch a Raccoon?

The best time of day to catch a raccoon is at night, as they are mostly nocturnal and forage for food after sunset and before sunrise.

As for the best time of year to catch a raccoon, it is during the spring and summer when they are breeding and raising their young. They are more active and hungry during these seasons and may be easier to attract with bait. They are also more likely to use human-made structures such as attics, chimneys, sheds, barns, or crawl spaces as their dens, making them more accessible for trapping.

What Is the Best Way to Trap a Raccoon?

The best way to trap a raccoon is to use a live cage trap that is large enough for the animal. Place the trap in a covered and dark area where you have seen raccoon signs or damage. Bait the trap with sweet and fatty foods, such as marshmallows or bacon, behind the trigger plate. Check the trap regularly and relocate the raccoon at least five miles away from your property.

Learn More About Raccoons

Now that you know more about who can catch a raccoon, you may also be interested in these other educational guides on these mammals:

People Who Catch Raccoons Summary

You now know who catches raccoons.

As you discovered, raccoons can be caught by wildlife control specialists, hunters, and trappers as well as homeowners and property owners who know proper methods for wildlife removal.