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Do Raccoons Hibernate?


Where Do Raccoons Go in the Winter?


While it is true that raccoons can stay inside an attic for extended periods in the winter without food or water, they do not actually hibernate like other animals. Raccoons do however enter winter torpor, a different state from true hibernation.


This guide helps homeowners understand raccoon behaviour in the winter to avoid problems like trapping them inside the attic because there was no noise and you thought they were gone.


 

Understanding Winter Torpor vs True Hibernation


The hibernation induction trigger affects how animals enter hibernation. Raccoons show different patterns:

  • Sleep patterns vary as raccoons slow their activity

  • Torpor lets raccoons wake easily

  • Not all animals hibernate fully

  • Fewer raccoons move during cold days

  • Animals prepare differently for winter survival


Most raccoons maintain higher body temperatures than animals enter hibernation states. Unlike hibernation, raccoons can wake and find food when needed.


 

Detailed Winter Shelter Selection


Raccoons choose hollow spaces carefully:

  • Tree cavities provide natural shelter

  • Fallen tree trunks offer protection

  • Attic or crawl spaces attract house raccoons

  • Urban areas provide many den options

  • Quiet animals share dens for warmth


House raccoons living in buildings often:

  • Prefer attics for winter shelter

  • Use crawl space areas

  • Create multiple den sites

  • Steal shelter from existing spaces

  • Share dens with other raccoons


 

Comprehensive Food Sources


Winter raccoons rely on various foods:

  • Human garbage becomes a primary source

  • Pet food attracts raccoon activity

  • Bird eggs provide protein

  • Dead vegetation offers some nutrition

  • Stored body fat helps survival


Raccoons prepare for winter by:

  • Breaking into trash cans

  • Raiding garbage cans

  • Finding pet feed sources

  • Taking missing chickens regularly

  • Looking for fallen tree trunks with insects


 

Extended Health and Safety Concerns


These greasy animals pose risks:

  • Spread diseases through contact

  • Carry pathogens in droppings

  • Cause salmonella poisoning risks

  • Create fire hazards in buildings

  • Damage structures when they steal eggs


When humans walk near raccoon dens:

  • Risk exposure to diseases

  • Might encounter several raccoons

  • Could face raccoon invasion

  • May find raccoon den sites

  • Notice raccoon mating season activity


 

Complete Prevention Strategies


To prevent future raccoon troubles:

  • Secure all pet doors

  • Remove pet food sources

  • Install safe and humane traps

  • Contact a professional wildlife control operator

  • Block entry to attic or crawl spaces


Additional prevention includes:

  • Securing fall garden areas

  • Protecting garbage cans

  • Removing easy food access

  • Managing other animals nearby

  • Installing proper barriers


 

Seasonal Behaviour Patterns


Raccoon mating season affects behaviour:

  • Reason raccoon mating season matters

  • Raccoons in the winter change activity levels

  • Impact on raccoon invasion risks

  • How raccoons live during breeding

  • When other raccoons gather


 


Important Safety Guidelines


For house raccoons control:

  • Never leave pet food outside

  • Secure all trash cans properly

  • Watch for fewer daylight hours impact

  • Monitor quiet animals near homes

  • Address raccoon problem promptly


Remember: Raccoons create problems when they find easy food and shelter. Understanding what raccoons eat and how they live helps prevent unwanted wildlife issues.



Wildlife Control Brampton

 

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