Why Is There a Raccoon in My Backyard?

Living in California comes with many benefits, like beautiful weather and vibrant wildlife. However, those very benefits can sometimes attract unwelcome visitors—raccoons. These curious creatures are opportunistic feeders, and they’re known to venture into backyards in search of food, shelter, and water. Understanding what specifically attracts raccoons to your backyard can help you take steps to prevent them from making your property their home.

What Do Raccoons Look Like?

Raccoons are easily recognizable by their distinctive physical features and behaviors. Here’s what to look for:

Size and Shape: Adult raccoons typically weigh between 8 to 24 pounds and have a stocky body with a long, bushy tail. They measure about 24-38 inches in length, including their tail, making them similar in size to a medium-sized dog.
Distinctive Markings: Raccoons are known for their “masked” appearance. They have a black “mask” of fur around their eyes and a ringed tail with alternating dark and light bands, which is one of their most recognizable features.
Color: Their fur is usually gray or brown with a slightly lighter underbelly, though it can vary depending on their environment.
Nocturnal Behavior: Raccoons are primarily active at night, so they’re most often seen after dusk and before dawn. If you hear rustling or see movement in your backyard during these hours, it could be a raccoon.
Footprints: Raccoon tracks are similar to those of a human, with five toes and a thumb-like appearance. Their footprints are often found near food sources, water features, or shelter areas.

Are Raccoons Dangerous?

While raccoons are not naturally aggressive, they can be dangerous under certain circumstances. Here are a few reasons why:

Disease Transmission: Raccoons are known carriers of several diseases, including rabies, leptospirosis, and parasites like roundworms. Their saliva, urine, and feces can spread these diseases, making direct contact risky.
Aggressive Behavior: Raccoons may become aggressive if they feel threatened, especially if they are cornered or protecting their young. They have sharp teeth and claws that can inflict injury if they lash out in self-defense.
Damage to Property: Raccoons can cause significant damage by gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and structural elements of buildings if they gain access to attics or crawl spaces.

If you see a raccoon acting aggressively, or if one seems sick or disoriented, it’s best to stay away and contact animal control or a wildlife specialist.

Are Raccoons Nocturnal?

Yes, raccoons are nocturnal creatures. They are most active at night, which is when they go out to forage for food. Their excellent night vision and heightened sense of smell help them find food in the dark. At night, they may scavenge through garbage, hunt for small animals, or search for fruits and vegetables.

Raccoons also prefer the cover of darkness to avoid predators and human interaction. While they can occasionally be seen during the day, particularly in urban areas, it’s rare for them to be active in daylight unless they are sick, or there’s a significant food shortage.

What Do Raccoons Eat?

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods. Their diet includes:

Fruits and nuts: Raccoons are known to enjoy fruits like berries, apples, and even citrus. They will also forage for nuts such as acorns and walnuts.
Insects and small animals: They often hunt for insects like beetles and caterpillars, as well as small mammals, amphibians, and birds.
Human food: Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through trash cans, compost bins, and pet food dishes in search of food scraps, leftovers, or anything they can get their paws on.
Vegetation: They’ll also consume plants, vegetables, and even corn if it's accessible.

Their dexterous front paws help them search through trash, open containers, and manipulate objects to find food.

Where Do Raccoons Live?

Raccoons are highly adaptable animals and can live in a wide range of environments. Common places where they make their homes include:

Wooded areas and forests: In the wild, raccoons often live in forests, where they can find food and shelter.
Urban and suburban areas: Raccoons are frequently found in cities, towns, and suburban neighborhoods, where they seek food in trash cans and make homes in attics, chimneys, or under decks and sheds.
Near water: Since raccoons are excellent swimmers, they prefer living near rivers, lakes, or ponds, where they can easily access water sources.
Attics and crawl spaces: In more urban settings, raccoons will often find shelter in attics, basements, garages, and under houses, where they can build nests to raise their young.

Raccoons are resourceful and will use almost any accessible space for shelter as long as there is food and water nearby.

What Attracts Raccoons To My Yard?

Here are some of the top causes for raccoons to be roaming around your backyard:

1. Easy Access to Food

Raccoons are natural foragers, and they’ll be drawn to your backyard if food is readily available. Here are some common sources of food that raccoons love:

Pet food: Leaving pet food outside at night can easily attract raccoons. If you feed pets outdoors, try to bring the food inside once they’re finished eating.
Bird feeders: While bird watching is a favorite California pastime, bird feeders often provide raccoons with a buffet. Consider placing feeders in areas that are difficult for raccoons to reach, or using squirrel-proof models.
Trash cans: Raccoons are notorious for rummaging through garbage. Make sure your trash cans are tightly sealed or stored in secure containers like animal-proof bins.
Compost piles: If you compost, be cautious about what you include in your pile—foods like meat, fish, and eggs are a big draw for these critters. The worms and insects that may thrive in your compost piles may also lure raccoons.
Fruit trees: If you have fruit trees in your backyard, such as oranges, apples, citrus, avocados, and figs, raccoons will be attracted to the ripe, easily accessible fruit. Harvest fruit as it ripens and clean up fallen fruit promptly.

2. Water Sources

Like all animals, raccoons need water to survive. If your backyard has a water feature, it might be attracting raccoons looking for a drink or to wash their food. Some common backyard water sources include:

Pools: If you have a swimming pool, raccoons may be using it for hydration or even as a place to cool down. Consider covering your pool when it's not in use.
Ponds and fountains: Any form of standing water, including ponds, bird baths, or fountains, can become an attractive source of water for raccoons.

3. Shelter and Nesting Opportunities

Raccoons are also drawn to places where they can seek shelter or build a nest to raise their young. In California, raccoons often look for spaces like chimneys, attics, or under porches to nest. These areas may be easily accessible if not properly sealed.

Your backyard could be providing the perfect environment for a raccoon to make itself at home. Look for these potential shelter areas:

Sheds and garages: Raccoons are known to seek shelter in quiet, dark places like sheds, attics, or even underneath decks. If you have an unused structure, make sure there are no gaps or holes where raccoons can squeeze through.
Wood piles: Stacks of firewood or debris can provide great hiding spots. Keep wood piles off the ground and away from structures.
Overgrown vegetation: Dense shrubs or overgrown trees can create hiding spots for raccoons. Trim back dense areas of vegetation to eliminate potential nesting areas.

4. Seasonal Factors

In California, the weather plays a significant role in raccoon activity. These nocturnal creatures are most active in the cooler months when food is scarcer, but they are often seen year-round in suburban areas.

Fall and Winter: During these seasons, raccoons are more likely to search for food and shelter as they prepare for colder weather.
Spring and Summer: Raccoons may also be more visible in the warmer months, particularly if they have young to care for.

5. Urban and Suburban Environments

California’s suburban neighborhoods, especially in places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and Sacramento, are prime areas for raccoon activity. The combination of dense populations, accessible food sources, and quiet residential areas makes these places ideal for raccoons to thrive. They are often more active in areas near parks, forests, or creeks, as they can easily navigate between urban and natural environments.

How to Keep Raccoons Out of Your Backyard

Raccoons are clever, resourceful, and often unwelcome visitors in many backyards. If you've seen one or more of these furry intruders rummaging through your trash or creeping around your property, it's time to take action. Keeping raccoons out of your backyard is essential to protect your home, garden, and peace of mind. Here’s how to do it effectively:

1. Secure Your Trash and Food Sources

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will raid your trash cans for anything they can find. To keep them from being attracted to your yard, secure all food sources:

Use Raccoon-Proof Trash Cans: Invest in trash cans with tight-fitting lids, or use bungee cords to secure the lids in place.
Remove Fallen Fruit: If you have fruit trees, pick up any fallen fruit daily. Fruits like apples, citrus, or avocados are particularly appealing to raccoons.
Feed Pets Inside: Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight, as it can draw raccoons into your yard.

Seal Compost Bins: Ensure compost bins are secured, especially if you're composting food scraps that raccoons find irresistible.

2. Close Off Entry Points to Shelter

Raccoons are always looking for safe places to shelter, especially during the breeding season. Make sure your home is secure and that there are no easy entry points:

Block Off Pet Doors: Raccoons can easily enter through pet doors, so make sure to lock them at night or install a raccoon-proof version.
Seal Gaps and Holes: Check your attic, chimney, and foundation for any holes or gaps where raccoons could enter. Seal them with hardware cloth, metal flashing, or boards.
Secure Under Decks and Porches: Raccoons often look for shelter under decks, porches, and sheds. Install a mesh or wooden barrier to prevent them from gaining access.

3. Install Motion-Activated Lighting

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures and prefer to forage in the dark. A well-lit yard can make your property less appealing to them:

Install Motion-Activated Floodlights: These lights will startle raccoons when they enter your yard, making them think they've been detected by a human. This is an effective deterrent that can drive them away.
Bright Lights on Entry Points: Keep lights on areas like your porch, driveway, or near trash bins to prevent raccoons from approaching.

4. Enhance Your Fence

Raccoons are excellent climbers and can easily scale most fences, but there are steps you can take to make it harder for them to get in:

Height and Material: Ensure your fence is at least 4-5 feet tall. Consider adding a curved top or an additional barrier to make climbing more difficult.
Install a Skirt: If your fence is near the ground, raccoons may dig under it. Install a skirt of hardware cloth or metal at the base to prevent digging.
Electric Fencing: While electric fencing can be effective, it should only be used cautiously, especially if you have pets or children. Set it to activate at dusk and dawn when raccoons are most active.

5. Reduce Attractants in the Yard

Aside from food and shelter, raccoons may be drawn to your yard for other reasons. Here's how to make your yard less inviting:

Remove Debris and Leaves: Piles of leaves or branches can harbor insects and worms, which attract raccoons. Keep your yard clean and free of clutter.
Trim Trees and Bushes: Raccoons can climb trees to access roofs or attics, so make sure branches are trimmed away from your house. Keep shrubs and vines trimmed back as well to prevent easy access to your roofline.

6. Use Raccoon Deterrents

If raccoons are persistent, there are some natural deterrents you can try:

Ammonia or Vinegar: Soak rags in ammonia or vinegar and place them in areas where raccoons tend to frequent, such as near entry points. The strong smell is unpleasant for them.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices spray water when motion is detected, surprising and scaring away raccoons.
Commercial Repellents: There are various raccoon repellents available on the market, typically in the form of sprays or granules that make your yard less attractive to these creatures.

7. Call a Professional if Needed

If you've tried the above steps and still have issues with raccoons, it may be time to contact a professional wildlife control service. They can help identify entry points, humanely remove raccoons, and provide long-term solutions to keep them out.