In the past few days, a video has been making rounds online that showed a raccoon opening a raccoon-proof garbage bin in Toronto, Canada. This garbage bin has a circular lid on top that has to be turned to unlatch.
A local from Scarborough posted the video. According to him, he was alerted about the presence of the critter, hence the video. In less than 30 seconds, the raccoon had already successfully opened the bin, which is manufactured by Rehrig Pacific Company.
It was said that the raccoon might have been carefully observing a human on how to open the garbage bin. That is what makes raccoon cool. They learn and then adapt.
You can watch the video here:
Of course, you can do something to keep these annoying critters from invading your garbage bins. We’ve listed a few handy tips below:
1. Keep your garbage cans secure.
You have to do everything to keep your garbage bins secure until they will be picked up. If you have organic waste for disposal, keep them in the freezer first to somehow reduce the smell.
If the garbage can has to be placed outside, make sure you store it in a closed area, such as the garage, shed, or a wooden lock-box. Although bungee cords can be used to hold the can, just make sure you remove the cords in the morning so garbage collectors won’t think twice about picking it up.
2. Do not keep the cans outside overnight.
Because raccoons are nocturnal, it is not a good idea to put the garbage can outside overnight. You have to wait until the morning before you put out the can and prevent those raccoons from getting in.
3. Keep the garbage can clean.
In some cities that have a compost program, food wastes are often segregated in green bins. If you reside in a city that has this program, observe the rules.
It would also be great if you rinse all recyclable garbage before you put them in the bin. Unwashed garbage may only entice wildlife. Plus, it can hurt them. Raccoons and other wildlife may get their paws and heads stuck in broken bottles or pointed cans.
4. Put garbage bins off the ground.
If garbage bins are placed on the ground, raccoons can easily get into them. All they have to do is tip them over and then knock open the lid. If your bins have handles, you can simply hang them from a wall using a bungee cord or a bicycle hook.
Important Reminders
Raccoons are great climbers. As a matter of fact, they rarely get trapped inside garbage cans. However, if a raccoon is injured, there are chances when it gets trapped inside the bin. If you suspect a raccoon is in the garbage bin, leave it alone and call for help. SOS Wildlife Control is a reliable name to call.
On a Final Note
Yes, a raccoon can easily open a garbage bin. But, you can do something to keep it away from it. Be a responsible homeowner and observe humane ways to prevent raccoons from attacking the garbage can.