How Do You Handle Aggressive Mother Raccoons?

Are you finding yourself at the receiving end of some raccoon rage? Well, that's not entirely surprising, given the time of year. Let's explore why raccoons may be more aggressive than usual right now and what to do about it, shall we?

Why Does Summer Bring More Raccoon Activity?

Raccoon kits are born in late spring and early summer, also known as baby raccoon season. So, an overly aggressive raccoon is most likely a new mother, protective of and worried for her little ones. Raccoon babies are born blind and hairless and depend entirely on their mother for survival. The increase in aggressive mother raccoon sightings during this time of year is mostly due to litters of 2 to 7 kits (with most litters averaging around 4). Of course, there is also the threat of rabies. If you observe a raccoon off-balance., lethargic, OR overly aggressive and you do not suspect a litter nearby, it is advisable to call your municipal animal control and inform them of your observations.

• Protecting Her Young
  Momma Raccoon stresses about the safety of her babies and is ready to defend them at the drop of a hat - particularly against male raccoons;
  
  
• Intensive Foraging
  Females will forage more so than usual for food (garbage, pet food, garden produce, accessible bird feeders, fruit trees, etc.) to sustain themselves and their growing litter, making any property with available resources a prime target.
  
  

Where Will You See Increased Raccoon Activity?

• Common nesting sites include attics, garages, chimneys, crawlspaces, sheds, and rooflines;
  
  
• Businesses may find nests in rooftop HVAC units or dumpsters;
  
  
• Raccoons may be more visible in the backyard and  garden;
  
  
• You may see more signs of raccoons around trash bins.
  
  

The Dangers of Dealing with an Aggressive Raccoon

Raccoons have sharp teeth and claws and are generally determined and courageous animals. If cornered or threatened, they will be combative.

Signs of Aggression to Watch for:

• Hissing, growling, chattering teeth, or snorting;
  
  
• Charging or making feinting attacks;
  
  
• The animal stands its ground when approached, refusing to retreat;
  
  
• Increased bold behavior, even during daylight hours, as they tirelessly forage for their growing litter.;
  
  
• Increased aggression towards family pets;
  
  
• Attempts to “shoo away” or block entry into a building backfires — the animal may tear through siding or roofing to regain access to your home.
  
  

Do’s and Don’ts when Dealing with a Mother Raccoon

DOs:

• Maintain Distance
  Always keep a safe distance between you and the raccoon, especially if it appears to be a mother defending her young. Do not approach or corner her.
  
  
• Secure All Food Sources
  Rigorously manage all potential food attractions. This includes double-bagging garbage, using wildlife-proof bins, bringing in pet food at night, protecting gardens, and securing composters. This is crucial across residential and commercial sites.
  
  
• Call a Professional Immediately
  Dealing with an aggressive mother raccoon is a high-risk situation that includes health treats (rabies and other pathogens), injury, or property damage.
  
  

DON'Ts:

• DO NOT Feed Wildlife
  Please ensure that you are not inadvertently feeding wildlife on your property. Secure garbage cans, move pet food indoors, remove all food and water sources;
  
  
• Do NOT Attempt to Trap or Approach Them Yourself
  This is dangerous and can provoke a defensive attack, potentially leading to injury or escalating the situation.
  
  
• Do NOT Relocate Them Yourself
  Unless you are 100% sure that you are able to catch the mother and ALL kits, please don't set traps. And, relocating within 1km of the capture site (the legal requirement) is almost always ineffective as raccoons will return to your property.
  
  
• Do NOT Corner or Threaten Them
  This will force the raccoon to defend itself aggressively.
  
  
• Do NOT Use Poisons
  Please don't ever use poison; this is inhumane, illegal, and extremely dangerous to pets, children, and other non-target wildlife. Read up on Ontario's laws pertaining to dealing with intrusive wildlife.
  
  

Special Tips for Protecting Children & Pets

• Supervise Outdoor Play
  Always supervise children and pets when they are outdoors, especially in areas where raccoon activity has been observed.
  
  
• Leash Your Pets
  Keep dogs on a leash when walking, even in your own yard, if raccoons are present. Do not allow them to approach or chase raccoons.
  
  
• Secure Pet Doors
  Ensure pet doors are locked or secured when not in use, especially at night, to prevent raccoons from entering your home.
  
  
• Educate Children 
  Let older children know to stay away from raccoons and to report sightings to an adult right away. Explain that wild animals, even if they look cute, can be dangerous and carry a long list of diseases.
  
  

Hawkeye - Your Permanent Raccoon Solution in Toronto

• The Flaw in Conventional Removal (The "Other Guys")
  The rule for almost all raccoon or wildlife removal services in Toronto is that if a raccoon is trapped, it must be released within 1 km of the capture site. Unfortunately, for raccoons, releasing them this close means they will almost always return to their familiar territory – your property. Raccoon relocation offers a temporary fix at best, leading to recurring infestations and costs.
  
  
• The Hawkeye Difference
  Hawkeye is the ONLY company in the GTA with the specialized license and legal authority to humanely and permanently remove (euthanize) problematic raccoons.
  
  
• Our Guarantee
  The specific raccoon causing the problem will not return to cause further damage, aggression, or denning issues.
  
  
• Immediate Safety & Peace of Mind
  The aggressive threat is eliminated, restoring safety to your home or commercial premises.
  
  
• Effective & Responsible Control
  Permanent Raccoon Removal ensures that the aggressive animal will not contribute to a further increase in the raccoon population.
  
  
• Our Humane Approach
  Permanent Raccoon Removal  is carried out with the highest professional standards, ensuring the animal's swift and humane passing when necessary for property protection and safety.
  
  

Protect Your Family, Business, and Property: Call Hawkeye Today

Don't let aggressive mother raccoons or persistent infestations endanger the safety, comfort, or value of your Toronto area home or commercial property. If you're wondering how to deal with a raccoon family, contact us for a professional assessment of your raccoon problem. We're here to provide immediate safety, lasting peace of mind, and protection of your investment.

Our Raccoon Removal Services are available all across the GTA, including Brampton and Mississauga.