If Raccoons Are Primarily Nocturnal Creatures Why Are They Seen in the Daytime?
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. However, it’s not uncommon for raccoons to venture out during the daytime. There are several natural and human-caused reasons why raccoons may be seen during the day.
10 Natural Reasons for Daytime Raccoon Activity
- Foraging Flexibility: While raccoons are nocturnal, some will forage during the day if food is scarce. This is especially common in areas where natural food sources are limited.
- Temperature Regulation: On warm sunny days raccoons will bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature.
- Seasonal Shifts: Changes in daylight during certain seasons can cause raccoons to adjust their activity.
- Mating Behaviour: During mating season raccoons will be more visible as they become active at different times to find a mate.
- Parenting: Moms with kits and baby raccoons will alter their nocturnal habits to ensure the safety or feeding of their babies. Female raccoons with young kits may be more active during the day. Mother raccoons need to find adequate food to feed their babies, and this can lead to increased daytime activity.
- Individual Variation: Some raccoons have naturally more flexible circadian rhythms so they can be active during the day.
- Territorial Patrol: In some cases raccoons will patrol their territory during the day to avoid conflicts at night.
- Predator Avoidance: In areas where predators are less active during the day raccoons will feel safer foraging during the day.
- Natural Food Sources: When natural food sources (insects, fruit, small animals) are available during the day raccoons will take advantage.
- Rabies or Illness: A rabid raccoon or one suffering from distemper or another illness may exhibit unusual behaviour, including being active during the day. If you see a raccoon acting strangely, it’s best to keep your distance and contact animal control.
Is It Normal Behaviour To See A Raccoon During The Day
Yes, even a healthy raccoon can be spotted when its light outside. We often get calls about urban raccoons outside on patio furniture or laying on a roof and most people assume the animal must be sick or injured
Here are some reasons raccoons make an appearance during daylight hours.
10 Human Caused Reasons for Daytime Raccoon Sightings
- Raccoon Trapping and Relocation: Raccoon trappers set traps for customers and relocate the animals during the day. When displaced during the day the adult raccoon will not have immediate shelter and will be visible during the day crossing streets, running through yards, climbing downspouts.
- Denning: Raccoons often den in attics, chimneys, or other structures. You might see them during the day as they enter or exit their dens, especially if they are disturbed or need to relocate.
- Urban Food Sources: Easy access to human food waste in trash cans, compost bins and pet food areas attracts raccoons any time.
- Habituation: Raccoons that frequently encounter humans can become habituated to their presence. This loss of fear can lead to more daytime activity as they become bolder in their search for food.
- Lack of Natural Predators: In urban areas, the absence of natural predators makes daytime foraging less risky for raccoons. Without the threat of being hunted, they feel safer exploring during the day.
- Habitat Disruption: Urban development and construction disrupts natural habitat and raccoons adjust their activity to avoid disturbances.
- Fewer Predators: In urban or suburban areas there are few natural predators so foraging during the day is less risky.
- Intentional Feeding: Some people intentionally feed raccoons which reinforces their daytime presence.
- Landscape: Urban gardens, parks and green spaces provide shelter and food for raccoons during the day.
- Wildlife Control: Wildlife control companies remove raccoons from attics, chimneys and decks. When displaced during the day the raccoon may not even realize it has been forced out until it returns from foraging.These examples show how human activity (not just providing food but actively displacing wild animals) can cause daytime sightings.
Raccoon Infestations and Removal
Raccoon infestations can be a significant problem for homeowners, causing damage to property and potentially spreading disease.
Signs of a Raccoon Infestation
- Droppings or Footprints: Finding raccoon droppings or footprints in your attic, chimney, or yard is a clear sign of an infestation.
- Gnaw Marks: Raccoons can cause significant damage by gnawing on walls, roofs, or other structures as they try to gain entry.
- Strange Noises: Hearing scratching, chirping, or other unusual noises coming from your attic or chimney can indicate the presence of raccoons.
- Daytime Sightings: Seeing raccoons during the day, especially near your home, can be a sign that they have taken up residence nearby.
- Damage to Trash Cans and Pet Food: Raccoons are notorious for raiding trash cans and pet food containers. If you notice these items being disturbed, it could be a sign of a raccoon problem.
Raccoon Removal
If you suspect a raccoon infestation, it’s essential to contact a wildlife removal service near you. They can humanely prevent raccoon damage and future infestations by:
- Sealing Entry Points: Professionals will identify and seal any entry points raccoons are using to access your home, preventing them from returning.
- Removing Attractants: Ensuring that food sources such as pet food and trash cans are secured can help deter raccoons from coming back.
- Installing Deterrents: Motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic repellent devices, and other deterrents can be effective in keeping raccoons away.
- Education: Wildlife removal experts can provide valuable advice on how to prevent future infestations, helping you keep your home raccoon-free.
Remember, it’s crucial to handle raccoon removal safely and humanely to avoid the risk of disease transmission and injury.
Conclusion
So now that you know why raccoons are up during daylight hours you’ll know when to do nothing and when to take action when your next sightings happens.
