Raccoons are some of the most intriguing yet troublesome wild animals in Louisiana. From their signature black mask to their dexterous front paws, these mammals are well-adapted to thriving in both rural bayous and urban areas like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.
Below, we’ll explore their habits, habitats, and what you can do to prevent or manage raccoon-related issues.
Key Takeaways
- Raccoons are resourceful animals that thrive in Louisiana’s bayous, cities, and suburbs, eating everything from crawfish to garbage.
- With their climbing and problem-solving skills, raccoons often make dens in attics, crawlspaces, and other hard-to-reach spots.
- These critters can spread diseases like rabies and cause costly property damage if they move into your home.
- Professional help is the safest way to handle raccoon issues, and trapping is regulated by Louisiana wildlife laws.
WHAT MAKES RACCOONS SO UNIQUE?
Raccoons are incredibly resourceful animals with traits that make them uniquely suited to thrive in wild and urban environments.
Here’s a closer look at what sets these crafty critters apart:
Adaptable Diet
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders with a diet as diverse as the ecosystems they inhabit. Whether it’s snails, crawfish, clams, earthworms, or acorns in the bayou or pet food and garbage cans in suburban areas, they aren’t picky eaters.
In fact, their adaptability to human-provided food sources is a key reason they’re so common in urban areas.
Skilled Climbers
With their quadrupedal structure and incredible grip, raccoons can scale fences, trees, and even buildings. This makes them particularly adept at accessing attics, roofs, and chimneys, which they often use as dens.
Intelligent Problem-Solvers
Raccoons are known for their intelligence, which helps them figure out how to open dumpster lids or access bird feeders. Their problem-solving skills make them both fascinating and frustrating to deal with.
WHERE DO RACCOONS LIVE IN LOUISIANA?
Raccoons are found throughout Louisiana, from dense bayous to bustling cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
In natural settings, they often make dens in hollow trees, stumps, or rock crevices. In urban areas, raccoons are more likely to take refuge in attics, garages, or crawlspaces.
The abundance of water sources like the Mississippi River, marshes, and swamps further supports their population, as raccoons thrive near water where they can find food and shelter.
ARE RACCOONS DANGEROUS?
Raccoons might look cute, but they can bring serious problems to your home and health. They can carry diseases like rabies and distemper, which pose a threat to both pets and people.
They’re also hosts for raccoon roundworm, a dangerous parasite that can contaminate soil around their dens and cause health issues if it’s accidentally ingested.
When raccoons move in, they don’t pack lightly. They’ll tear into garbage bags, claw at roofs, and damage insulation while setting up a den in your attic or crawlspace.
If left unchecked, the damage they cause can lead to costly repairs.
RACCOONS AND LOUISIANA WILDLIFE LAWS
In Louisiana, raccoons are classified as game animals, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regulates specific trapping seasons.
Trapping season generally runs during winter months, but hunters should always check the latest regulations, including bag limits and any special local rules.
HOW TO KEEP RACCOONS AWAY
To keep raccoons from turning your home into their personal hangout, try these simple but effective prevention tips:
- Keep garbage cans tightly sealed, and bring pet food indoors at night.
- Ensure there are no standing water sources near your property.
- Inspect your home for gaps or holes raccoons could use as entryways, particularly around vents and chimneys.
- Trim tree branches near your roofline and clean up fallen fruits or nuts from your yard.
WHEN TO CALL PROFESSIONAL HELP
If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem in southern Louisiana, it’s best to call a professional pest control service like LaJaunie’s Pest Control. We’ll provide humane trapping services to keep your home safe while respecting wildlife.
From New Orleans to Baton Rouge, we offer same-day services and guarantee your satisfaction. Don’t let raccoons disrupt your peace of mind—contact us today!