Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they’ll eat just about anything they can find. This adaptability, while beneficial for them, can lead to conflicts with humans, especially when they start viewing our homes and yards as a readily available buffet. So, What Food Do Raccoons Like? Understanding their dietary preferences is key to preventing them from becoming unwanted guests.
Raccoons are not picky eaters. In the wild, their diet consists of a wide variety of foods, depending on the season and availability.
- Fruits and Berries: Raccoons have a sweet tooth. They enjoy fruits like apples, berries, grapes, and even garden vegetables like corn and tomatoes.
Alt text: A raccoon carefully picking and eating ripe berries from a bush, illustrating their fondness for sweet fruits.
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Nuts and Seeds: Another favorite among raccoons. They will readily consume nuts, acorns, and seeds found in bird feeders or scattered around yards.
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Insects and Grubs: Raccoons are also insectivores. They’ll dig in the ground for grubs, beetles, and other insects, playing an ecological role in pest control in some instances.
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Eggs: Raccoons are known to raid bird nests for eggs, which provide a source of protein.
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Small Animals: They are capable of catching small animals like rodents, frogs, and fish, supplementing their diet with protein and essential nutrients.
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Human Food: This is where problems often arise. Raccoons are attracted to the easy access to food in human environments.
- Garbage: Unsecured garbage cans are a major draw. Raccoons will scavenge for scraps of almost anything, including leftovers, fast food wrappers, and spoiled food.
Alt text: A raccoon standing on its hind legs, reaching into an overturned garbage can, highlighting their opportunistic feeding behavior on human waste.
* **Pet Food:** Bowls of pet food left outside are an open invitation for raccoons.
* **Birdseed:** Bird feeders, while intended for birds, are a readily available food source for raccoons.Understanding the raccoon’s diverse diet is the first step in preventing them from becoming a nuisance. Here are some practical steps homeowners can take:
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Secure Garbage: Use tightly fitting lids on trash cans, or even better, store garbage cans in a locked shed or garage. Raccoons are intelligent and persistent, so a flimsy lid won’t deter them.
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Remove Food Sources: Don’t leave pet food outside, and clean up any spilled birdseed. Consider using bird feeders designed to prevent access by larger animals.
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Seal Potential Entry Points: Raccoons can enter homes through surprisingly small openings. Inspect your home’s exterior for any holes, cracks, or gaps, especially around the roofline, vents, and chimneys. Seal these openings with durable materials like wire mesh or metal flashing.
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Maintain Your Yard: Raccoons are attracted to overgrown vegetation, which provides shelter and hiding places. Keep your lawn mowed, and trim bushes and trees. Remove piles of leaves, brush, and debris.
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Consider Professional Assistance: If you suspect you have a raccoon problem, it’s best to contact a wildlife removal specialist. These professionals have the expertise and equipment to safely and humanely remove raccoons from your property. They can also identify and address any underlying issues that are attracting raccoons to your home.
Alt text: A raccoon skillfully climbing a wooden fence, showcasing their agility and ability to access various areas in residential environments.
Raccoons are adaptable and resourceful animals, but by understanding their dietary needs and taking proactive steps to eliminate food sources and potential entry points, homeowners can minimize the risk of raccoon infestations and coexist peacefully with these fascinating creatures. Remember, preventing a problem is always easier than dealing with an existing infestation.
