Video: "Raccoon Nation"
- Total Wildlife Solutions
- Jun 9, 2014
- 2 min read
Raccoon removal is one of our specialties. In fact the very first animal I ever trapped as a boy growing up in Minnesota was a raccoon. I had set a cage trap in our backyard just to see what I could catch, the next morning I was surprised to find a raccoon in my cage. I spent the rest of the morning trying to figure out how to get it out of the cage. Raccoons are one of Missouri's creatures that have adapted well to urban environments. In fact some studies have shown that urban raccoons are healthier and live longer than their rural cousins. Raccoons are a common nuisance animal in the communities of Joplin, Carthage and Neosho, Missouri. It is common for raccoons to take up residence in attics, sheds, garages and under porches. Although raccoons can be fun to watch and for the most part are rather shy and try to avoid human interaction, there are a number of health risks for humans that find themselves sharing living space with raccoons. Raccons are associated with rabies and raccoon round worm. Over the past 30 years reported cases of rabies from raccoons has increased dramatically. It is always a good idea to keep your distance from all wild animals, however if you notice an animal acting strange or one that seems to be aggressive call a professional immediately. In addition to rabies, raccoon roundworm (Baylisasacris procyonis) is also a concern, it can cause blindness, brain damage and death. Avoid disturbing raccoon feces and items contaminated by feces.
To learn more about raccoons and methods to control nuisance animals, check out our raccoon page
This video is a short segment from a fairly old documentry by PBS's "Nature" program. It is an interesting look into the lives of urban raccoons.
