10 Interesting Facts About Raccoons

by | Feb 12, 2017 | Raccoon Removal

 

Raccoons Have High IQ Levels

When considering the mammal IQ scale, raccoons rank closer to humans than most people would normally think. In general, monkeys are ranked right below humans and great apes, and with raccoons scoring average IQ levels below monkeys, they are considerably close to human IQ levels as well. In addition to their high IQ scores, raccoons are known to have evolving intelligence and methods of thinking. They are able to learn from past experiences and engage in critical and problem-solving thinking when obstacles arise. Moreover, as a result of their notable intelligence, raccoons were once candidates for lab testing alongside rats and monkeys but were discarded for being too smart, adaptive and strong-willed.

Raccoons Can Make Over 50 Different Noises

Raccoons have a large array of vocalizations. In fact, studies have determined that these animals can make over 51 different sounds that communicate different things! They hiss, purr and growl when competing for food. Younger raccoons often chirp and squeal and raccoons with rabies often exhibit extremely high-pitched squeals.

Raccoons Have Special Paws

Similar to human hands, raccoons embody five dexterous toes on each of their front paws that essentially function as human fingers. This gives them the ability to easily grasp things, scavenge for food and lift the lids off of trashcans -something they are notorious for doing. Another interesting feature of raccoon paws includes the abundance of nerves that allow them to become extra sensitive and send messages to the brain – when underwater, raccoons use this sensitivity to examine objects. Raccoons also have special feet that are able to rotate 180 degrees which allows them to climb up and down trees head first.

It was planned to conduct laboratory studies of such drugs as Levitra.

Raccoons Can Move At High Speeds

Raccoons are scavengers and are consequently always on the move searching for their food. In addition to walking, these animals are fast runners as well. In fact, raccoons can run at speeds as fast as 15 miles per hour, not only on solid ground but also while climbing up and down trees, and if dropped from a height of 35 to 40 meters, they can still remain unharmed. In addition to running with agility, raccoons are also able to swim to escape from predators and catch prey to meet their dietary needs.

Raccoons Are Nocturnal

Raccoons are nocturnal and are therefore asleep for majority of the day and are most active at night. Moreover, there are many myths claiming that seeing a raccoon up during daylight hours indicates that it is rabid. This is not true as there are many reasons as to why a raccoon may be awake, such as the availability of food during the daytime.

Raccoons Are Extremely Skillful

Raccoons are commonly associated with wild, violent and vicious behaviour; however,  this is not always the case and are actually quite skillful. As a result of their notable intelligence, people have been able to train raccoons to mirror the same basic skills that the average human toddler possesses, such as clapping and dancing.

Raccoons Can Survive Almost Anywhere

Raccoons were originally found in natural tropical areas but overtime, especially throughout the twentieth-century, they have managed to migrate and were then introduced to a wider array of habitats ranging from mountainous terrains to crowded cities; this is because of their noteworthy and uncommon ability to adapt to foreign environments. When considering their survivability, the average life expectancy of raccoons is typically between two to three years in the wild. The reasoning behind this low expectancy rate is simply cars and the expansion of roads and highways – raccoon death rates have increased because of countless roadkill incidents. However, they can live up to 20 years in captivity where they remain safe from road-related accidents.

Raccoons Do Not Have Life-Partners

Unlike wolves, beavers and other animals that mate for life, raccoons often have more than one mating partner. In fact, male raccoons attempt to mate with multiple females each season while female raccoons generally mate with one partner. Unlike other animals, male raccoons have nothing to do with raising their offspring and all of the responsibility falls on the mother as she raises her newborns alone.

Raccoons Have A Special Name

The scientific name for raccoons is Procyon lotor which is neo-Latin for ‘before-dog washer’. In 1780, scientist Gottlieb Congrad created a separate genus for the species Procyon which translates to dog-like, however raccoons and dogs are not related while raccoons surprisingly remain a close relative of the bear family. In addition to the latin name, the English word raccoon was derived from the Proto-Algonquian language and means “one who rubs, scrubs, and scratches with its hands”, which accurately describes this species.

Raccoons Love The City

Although they originated from earthly and natural habitats, raccoons love the city life! In fact, Toronto is one of the most raccoon populated cities in the world; approximately fifty times more raccoons live there than in neighboring suburban areas. Consequently, not only do crowded cities provide them with lots of space to scavenge around, but they also provide raccoons with easily accessible food resources. You guessed it – trash bins. With this being said you might want to keep in mind some raccoon proofing knowledge and a phone number of a reliable wildlife removal company!

If you notice signs of wildlife in your house give us a call. At SOS Wildlife Control Inc., we provide raccoon removal service, squirrel control services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients, guaranteeing effective results every single time. Let us help you solve your wildlife problems. Taking action before it’s too late will help eliminate animal damage repair costs. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergency services, and can easily be reached at 1-800-981-0330. Don’t wait, call us to schedule an appointment for a thorough inspection, removal and prevention to help evacuate all your unwanted wildlife guests in the most humane way possible.

Call SOS Wildlife 1-800-981-0330!

Talking to Volunteers at Procyon Wildlife Veterinarian and Rehabilitation Services

by | Apr 12, 2016 | Human-Wildlife Conflict

Today we interviewed Linda from Procyon Wildlife Veterinarian and Rehabilitation Services to learn more about what they do as volunteers, their experiences, the good times and the bad.

Procyon Wildlife is a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center committed to helping wildlife in need. Their hardworking, passionate and caring volunteers spend their time caring for wildlife like raccoons, coyotes, foxes etc. and don’t gain a single cent from it. Their operations are run with the help of donations from people like you!

 

  1. How long have you been a volunteer at Procyon Wildlife?

8 years

  1. What types of animals do you handle?

Every type of wildlife that is native to our area.  Coyotes, foxes, squirrels, fawns, opossums, groundhogs, weasels and raccoons

  1. What kind of services does Procyon Wildlife offer?

We are a rescue, rehabilitation and release center.  We take in injured and sick wildlife but we deal mostly with orphaned babies.

  1. Approximately how many volunteers does Procyon have and how many are needed?

At the minute, we have approximately 90 volunteers but to run efficiently we really need 120.

  1. What do you feel is the most difficult thing wildlife is facing right now?

Loss of their natural habitat has negative and extensive consequences.

  1. Do you feel like there is a certain type of wildlife making more of an appearance at the rehabilitation center than others? What animal and why do you think so?

Yes. At Procyon, we deal with a lot of squirrels and raccoons.  Again it is because we are taking away their natural habitat.  Many rescues do not rehab raccoons so we take as many as possible.  Raccoons are very clever and can outwit many of the guards put in place to keep them out of an area.

  1. What kind of jobs are there available for volunteers?

Animal care is our most popular, however we need volunteers for our education program, fundraising, site maintenance, drivers and answering phones.

  1. Describe your daily routine as a volunteer

We have 3 shifts 5 am-9 am  Noon-4:00 pm and Evening 7-11 pm.  When a volunteer arrives they first read the observations made from the previous shift.  This way we are aware if there are problems with any particular animal or litter.  Then it is preparing formula/food for the babies.  Each orphan is weighed to calculate the amount they are to be fed.  Their enclosures are cleaned each shift.  After all the babies are fed,  the dirty dishes and laundry must be done and then the floors must be mopped.  This is an animal hospital so care must be taken that it remains as clean as possible.

  1. What made you decide to volunteer at Procyon Wildlife?

My whole life I have been surround by animals, although they were horses, dogs and cats, not wildlife.  When I came across an ad for Procyon, it just seemed natural to become a volunteer.

  1. What is your favorite part about volunteering at Procyon Wildlife?

When orphans arrive at Procyon, they are basically dying.  If we didn’t rescue them then they could not survive at such a young age.  To watch them being released gives volunteers a feeling of pride that they helped these babies survive.

  1. Describe your most memorable experience you’ve had while volunteering at Procyon Wildlife

There are many memorable times in a volunteer’s shift, and it really depends on the volunteer and the animal involved.  I have so many but for me it was a raccoon who had a case number but we called him Andy.  That was in 2011 and to this day I put Andy’s picture on any poster I’m involved in.  He was just special and I often wonder if he is still out there enjoying the good life.

  1. What is the most difficult part about volunteering with Procyon Wildlife?

I think everyone would agree that it is when we lose animals.  Whether is is from illness or injuries it is difficult to see their loss.

  1. What is the most rewarding thing about working with Procyon Wildlife?

Saving the animals is the most rewarding, but working with other same minded volunteers is something that makes you look forward to your next shift.

  1. Describe your overall experience with volunteering with Procyon Wildlife in 5 words

Joy, Anger, tenderness, pride and sadness

  1. How can people help Procyon Wildlife continue to aid wildlife in need?

We must learn to live with wildlife in every way that we can.  Secure places that they find attractive to have their litters.  Do not litter and keep garbage cans covered.  Help your wildlife facilities by donating items from their wish lists to monetary donations.  Procyon is run strictly on donations.  There is no government funding and every cent brought in goes towards formula, medications, vaccines and veterinary care.  No one at our facility receives a penny.

  1. Would you and why would you recommend volunteering at Procyon Wildlife

As I have said, it can be hard work as the babies get bigger, but there is nothing more rewarding then knowing that you have been part of a team that gives these babies a chance at the life they should have.  That is payment in itself.

  1. Additional Comments you would like to share?

Volunteering with Procyon might not be for everyone, but for those with a love for animals and our environment, it is very satisfying.  Working with wildlife gives you knowledge about the beauty of these creatures and you are in a position to be able to inform people in your community about their importance.

 

Thank you Linda, for sharing your experiences with Procyon Wildlife to us.  We along with wildlife that has been affected are greatly appreciative and in awe of what wildlife rehabilitators like Procyon Wildlife does for animals out there. If you would like to volunteer or donate to Procyon Wildlife, visit their website here

 

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