PROTECT RACCOONS FROM HARM

Raccoons are one of the most intelligent wild animals commonly found in developed areas today, yet they are viewed by many as pests. Because of their agility and nocturnal nature, raccoons frequently get into trouble in urban areas; in fact, as many as 60 percent of raccoons die within their first year of their life, usually as a result of some interaction with humans. But most of these deaths are completely preventable. By taking a few steps to raccoon-proof your habits and your home, you can prevent the unnecessary suffering and death of these beautiful animals.

Humans are the raccoon's primary predator. In addition to the 2 to 4 million raccoons that are killed each year for their fur, countless others die painful deaths when they are hit by cars, get trapped in trash cans, are exterminated as household pests, or when their forest habitats are cleared. Homeowners with attics commonly hear baby raccoons and, mistakenly assuming they have been abandoned, hire exterminators to remove them.

But raccoons are simply trying to live, and their efforts needn't be a problem. In fact, raccoons are unusually well-suited to coexisting with humans. It just takes a little awareness to protect these intelligent wild animals from harm.

• Never leave pet food outside after dark. Raccoons will be unable to resist it, and will become accustomed to visiting your yard for food.
• Secure trash cans so that raccoons can't enter them. Either purchase a trash can with lock-down handles, or create your own "lock" by placing a bungee cord over the lid and fastening to the lip of the can. Keep your trash in a shed or garage until morning to minimize the chances that raccoons can even reach it.
• Buy a raccoon-safe chimney cover to keep raccoons out. But make sure you install it only after making sure there are no current residents; it's best to do this before cold weather hits. Never use smoke or fire to drive animals out of a chimney — this will almost certainly kill them.
• Seal attic openings — but again, only after making sure there are no raccoons already within. Safely place a radio or light in your attic to discourage raccoons from entering.
• If you suspect a mother raccoon and her babies are already resident in some part of your house, try to be patient — waiting out the problem is usually the best solution. Once the baby raccoons are a few weeks old, they'll all move on.
• When driving at night, keep an eye on the side of the road for raccoons and other wildlife. The Humane Society of the United States has a number of suggestions for driving with wildlife in mind.