Raccoons are funny critters who know no bounds when it comes to getting what they want. If you think you have raccoons in the attic, there’s no need to panic. Understand why your new tenants have called your home theirs and how they plan to survive the winter months upstairs.
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They Like a Warm Bed
Raccoons are resourceful critters and excellent climbers, so accessing the attic is often easy. Although hollow trees are their favourite spots, sheds and abandoned buildings work just as well. Man-made structures, such as attics, present consistent temperatures and reliable food sources, in addition to being warm places with little threat from predators. It’s loaded with insulation, which makes it an appealing den.
Some raccoons sleep alone, while others team up in a group to stay warm. If you find a group of raccoons in the attic, they’re likely taking advantage of each other’s body heat—the more the merrier. They want to escape the winter weather and your attic provides the perfect protected, sheltered, quiet space they need.
Raccoons aren’t picky creatures, and they’re just as resourceful at finding shelter as they are at finding food. Their resourcefulness does not put them above kicking out current tenants, entering underground burrows, and eating the food stored there. In fact, it can be tough to keep raccoons out of your yard and home because they’re so resourceful. If they’ve found a food source, they’ll keep coming back.
They’re Adventurous Eaters
It’s no secret that raccoons will forage for anything, and this is especially true as they begin to hunker down for the cold winter season. These omnivore scavengers go after everything in sight—it’s often why you’ll see them looting your garbage.
Their main staples include mice, nuts, seeds, frogs, bird eggs, and, of course, any human food scraps lying around. Their winter diet is much the same, including insects, small acorns, and whatever else enters their path. Their meal of choice depends on where they live, which is why it sometimes includes small animals and bird eggs. Raccoons are opportunistic eaters who know how to make the most of a situation.
These furry critters are ready to stay warm and cozy all winter season. They’ve prepared for the winter during the fall season by eating everything they could to build that extra layer of body fat.
They Don’t Hibernate
Contrary to popular belief, raccoons don’t hibernate in the winter, they enter a state of torpor. It’s similar, but it’s not full hibernation. Raccoons sleep for long periods of time, which reduces the amount of energy they need for survival. During torpor, their body temperatures lower and insulin levels rise to control blood sugar levels. Unlike hibernation, torpor has additional bonuses: It keeps them alert to predators and food.
Here is where a raccoon’s thick winter coat comes into play. Raccoons are busy building up fat stores for the long winter ahead. The extra pounds are essential to survival and help combat starvation. Raccoons in the attic are able to sleep for long stretches at a time, lasting around a month, without heading outside. In colder climates, where torpor lasts longer, raccoons will sleep longer.
You might find the raccoons in the attic with their tails curled around them. This is where most of the fat is stored. Curling their tail around them keeps them warm. They’ll sleep in this curled position for weeks, leaving on warm days to look for food. Raccoons are not true hibernators—they’re active year-round.
If you do find a raccoon in your attic, call wildlife removal professionals to get your new houseguest out safely and humanely.
Do you need wildlife removal services? Request a quote today!