Preventive raccoon control begins with you. Look past the cute little faces and remember that raccoons can bring potential damage and health risks to you and your family. Next time you notice these pests nesting on your property or trying to make their way into your home, contact a reliable raccoon control company in Toronto, such as Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control to prevent the situation from getting out of hand.

Benefits of Preventive Raccoon Control

There are many steps you can take to ensure the safety of your family and pets, as well as protect your property from damage. Consider these preventive measures.

Avoid Damage to Your Property 

From drywall to wires, raccoons can claw and chew their way through most materials found in and around the structure. They can remove roofing and vinyl siding to gain access to a building. Once inside, a raccoon will use insulation and fabric materials to build a cozy nest. Yards are also no match for the critters as they will destroy a garden and lawn to obtain food, such as vegetables or insects. By taking preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of having to make costly repairs to your home and garden.

Health and Safety Concerns

Taking raccoon control methods now can protect people from the risk of becoming infected by disease. Aside from receiving a scratch or bite from a rabid raccoon, you are at risk of roundworm, giardiasis, and salmonellosis, among others. As with all wildlife, raccoons are territorial and will attack if they feel threatened. If any pets or humans get too close, they will lash out and become defensive by biting and scratching. Learn what to do or not to do when an encounter with a raccoon cannot be avoided »

Maintain a Comfortable Living Environment 

When raccoons settle into a home, there can be a great deal of noise erupting as they move throughout the attic or destroy the walls. Raccoons will also growl, hiss, and whimper loudly. Due to their wide options of diet, raccoons can cause unpleasant odours in many different ways, including their urine and feces.

While Toronto and surrounding areas may still be covered in snow and ice in January, raccoon mating season is as little as eight weeks away. Breeding season transforms raccoon activity from occasional intrusion into high-risk occupancy.

Commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings offer warmth, height, and concealment, , making them ideal for raccoon dens. Commercial property managers often underestimate the impact of breeding-season until operations are disrupted or worse, halted.

Raccoon breeding season isn't just a pest issue; it's a high-stakes liability and structural emergency that requires immediate, permanent action.

Note that this article focuses on commercial, institutional, and municipal properties, not single-family homes. 

Raccoons are among the most destructive wildlife pests affecting corn crops in the GTA. They cause large-scale financial losses due to stalk breakage, kernel removal, and trampled rows.

Corn fields are especially attractive due to the cover provided by tall stalks, sweet corn sugars, and nighttime accessibility, all on large acreage. Traditional raccoon trapping and relocating does not work here as raccoons will almost always return. 

Hawkeye’s permanent raccoon removal is legal, ethical, and the only effective long-term solution.

Why Raccoons Target Corn Fields

• Corn provides high-energy food right before winter (late-summer carbohydrate loading).
• Fields are often close to forest edges, barns, irrigation ponds, or abandoned structures.
• Tall stalks are perfect for temporary cover, hiding, and denning.
• Nearby rural dumpsters or livestock feed is easily exploited.
  
  

Water treatment plants (WTPs) and wastewater facilities (WWFs) are mission-critical infrastructure where security and hygiene standards are absolute. Raccoons, seeking shelter and access to water, can compromise this essential barrier, risking mass contamination of the public water supply, extreme regulatory penalties, and critical equipment failure. This situation makes professional wastewater facility raccoon removal essential to maintaining public safety and regulatory compliance.

In this article, we'll look at the unique access points, the sevrious public health and regulatory liabilities created by raccoon infestation, and the only guaranteed, high-security method for permanent removal and site hardening.

Why Raccoons Target High-Security Water Facilities

• Guaranteed Water Source
  These facilities offer accessible, open water (such as clarifiers, reservoirs, drains) and high humidity levels, which are irresistible to wildlife. Raccoon in particular are drawn to all things water; they prefer to rinse or "wash" their food before consumption and are quite accomplished swimmers.
  
  
• Warm, Protected Thermal and Utility Shelter
  Pump houses are structures housing high-value, heat-generating motors and pumps. 
  Chemical storage voids offer shelter around chemical tanks and storage areas that trap heat.
  
  
• Underground Tunnels
  Tunnels and pipe chases running beneath the facility allow for undetected movement as well as protection from larger predators.
  
  
• Vulnerability of Infrastructure
  Raccoons exploit necessary gaps in facility security including unsecured manholes, lift stations, and drain gates.
  
  
• Utility Penetrations
  Unsealed openings where electrical conduits or large pipes enter pump houses or administration buildings are easily exploited.
  
  

Risks of Raccoons in Water Treatment & Wastewater Facilities

Contamination Risks

Raccoon feces in filtration zones, influent areas, and sludge processing rooms enable parasites like raccoon roundworm & pathogens to enter treatment streams and allow cross-contamination between equipment, catwalks, and chemical handling areas.

Damage to Mechanical & Electrical Infrastructure

Raccoons chewing wiring for pumps, blowers, PLCs, and electrical conduits allow for interference with SCADA systems, sensors, and automation lines.

Damage to UV systems, ozone treatment equipment, chlorination panels, etc. is also possible.

Breach of Regulatory Compliance (Important for Municipal Facilities)

Water treatment is governed by strict municipal/provincial safety regulations, so any wildlife breach can trigger compliance violations, fines, and audits and even cause shutdowns.

Worker Safety Hazards

Intruding raccoons cause issues ranging from aggression near dens (mothers protecting their kits) to rabies & leptospirosis exposure and slip and fall hazards from feces near wet slabs or catwalks.

Disruption of 24/7 Continuous Operations

Raccoons blocking clarifier lanes, secondary room doors, or containment areas can shut down pumps or blowers, resulting in severe downtime and emergency repair costs.

Identifying Raccoon Activity in Water Treatment Facilities

When considering raccoon removal for water treatment plants, managers and operators should look for:

• Disturbed insulation around pipes and tanks
• Damaged or chewed wiring near pumps/SCADA panels
• Tracks around clarifiers or sludge dewatering areas
• Nesting inside blower rooms or chemical storage areas
• Access holes in roof membranes or vents
• Noise, such as scratching or thumping inside ducting or pipe chases
• Pungent, musky smell near warm mechanical rooms
  
  

Why Permanent Raccoon Removal Is the Only Effective Solution

Deterrents are rarely successful and relocation often fails in complex facilities with many re-entry points.

• Canada’s wildlife law: Raccoons must be released within 1 km, so the release site may still be on the property and there’s a 99% return rate, especially in plants they’ve mapped.
• Hawkeye has the legal license to trap and euthanize—guaranteeing permanent removal.

Hawkeye's Permanent Raccoon Removal for Water Treatment Plants

• The Hawkeye Permanent Guarantee
  Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control holds the unique licenses in the GTA for permanent removal (humane euthanasia). This is the only guaranteed way to permanently eliminate the recurring source of contamination and restore security compliance.
  
  
• High-Security Protocol Requirements
  Our trapping, removal, and exclusion work is done under strict security supervision (e.g., photo ID check, controlled entry/exit) to maintain facility bio-security. Meticulous use of double-bagging, specialized PPE, and HEPA-filtered vacuums ensures zero cross-contamination of clean areas and safe disposal of highly hazardous materials.
  
  
• Permanent Infrastructure Hardening
  We advise or offer additional work to ensure the sealing of all utility penetrations and vulnerable access points with robust, long-term materials.
  
  
• Long-Term Monitoring Programs
  We help with monitoring goals and a wildlife management plan for municipal plants, industrial wastewater facilities, and pumping stations. Quarterly or monthly wildlife inspections are available, as is emergency response.

Why Water Treatment Plants Choose Hawkeye

• Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is the only GTA wildlife agent offering and guaranteeing permanent raccoon removal.
• We have extensive experience with municipal, industrial, and utility infrastructure.
• Our technicians under go ongoing safety-training for chemical plants, confined spaces and hazardous zones.
• We have the expertise and ability to comply with government procurement standards.
• A partnership with Hawkeye protects plant uptime and regulatory compliance.
  
  

FAQs for Water Treatment Plant Operations

Q: Can raccoons compromise water quality test results at treatment facilities?

A: Yes, raccoon feces in the water will absolutely compromise test results. Raccoon waste contains various pathogens and bacteria, including E. coli and the raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis).

Q: Can raccoons access clarifier bridges or floating equipment?

A: Raccoons can absolutely access these types of equipment, particularly if they're  located close to the water. Despite their rolly-polly appearance, raccoons are very athletic and agile climbers.

Q: Are raccoons attracted to sludge or biosolids areas?

A: Yes, raccoons can be attracted to sludge and biosolids areas if they contain insects, invertebrates (grubs and worms) or other organic matter.

Q: Are raccoons known to enter pump stations or underground valve chambers?

A: Unfortunately, raccoons can enter just about any space that promises shelter from the elements and predators. It's note worthy that they can squeeze through very small openings... much smaller than one might think possible.

Q: Does finding raccoon feces on a pipe access platform require a complete service shutdown? Can raccoon infestations lead to treatment plant shutdowns?

A: A raccoon infestation could potentially lead to a plant shutdown, depending on the severity and company policy. It any case, raccoon feces is considered a biohazard that requires immediate and proper cleanup following specific safety protocols, and the area should be restricted until all cleanup is complete. 

Q: Our facility uses chlorine. Will that kill the raccoons if they drink it?

A: Probably not. While large amounts of highly concentrated chlorine would likely be harmful or even fatal to a raccoon, chlorinated water generally won't kill them. 

Q: How do we prevent raccoons from digging under the chain-link fence perimeter?

A: The fence needs to be buried at least one foot (12 inches) to deter raccoons from digging. A strand of electrified wire near ground level might also help.

Q: Raccoons are chewing wiring on the pump motor casings. What permanent barrier can be used?

A: You can certainly try heavy-duty wire mesh around sensitive equipment but keep in mind that raccoons are highly intelligent and determined. Chances are that they will find a way.

Q: What is the safest time of day to inspect suspected raccoon areas?

A: If your goal is to actually observe the animal coming or going and map its travel route, evening/overnight is your best bet. If you need to merely find signs of raccoon activity, any time of day will do.

Q: Can raccoons survive in warm pipe galleries or air-handling tunnels?

A: Oh definitely! In fact, these types of spaces make a near perfect winter den!

Protect Your Water Treatment Plant with Hawkeye 

Raccoon intrusion into a water treatment facility is an unacceptable safety, public health, and compliance crisis. Due to the catastrophic risks involved, only a definitive, high-security, and permanent solution is viable.

Protect the public water supply and eliminate regulatory risk and contact Hawkeye todayfor a high-security inspection and the guaranteed, permanent raccoon removal solution.

If you're looking for wildlife control for water treatment facilities, Hawkeye's raccoon removal services are available all across Southern Ontario, including Toronto , Scarborough , Brampton, Vaughan , Markham , Ajax , Pickering , Newmarket , Etobicoke , Oshawa , and Mississauga.

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With its freezing temperatures and harsh winds, Ontario winter forces raccoons to abandon flexible den habits for a single warm, secure location, creating a high-risk, long-term raccoon infestation in winter, which lasts until spring and beyond. Identifying and addressing these primary dens in the cold months is crucial to preventing structural damage and costly spring repairs.

Raccoon Winter Behaviour in the GTA

After a flurry of activity during the fall months where their focus was on calorie intake, raccoons settle into long winter naps once the snow arrives. Focus is now on staying warm and safe from predators. This behaviour is one of the reasons homeowners and commercial/industrial property managers should search for winter raccoon control earlyin the season, before a raccoon infestation is too entrenched.

• Torpor, Not Hibernation
  Raccoons do not truly hibernate but rather enter a state of torpor—a deep sleep broken by periods of waking. While in this state, their body temperature lowers, and breathing and metabolism slow to conserve energy. They will keep a single, secure den for weeks at a time to conserve energy and survive freezing temperatures.
  
  
• The Thermal Imperative
  During the winter months, raccoons seek out areas with trapped heat (i.e., from the house, equipment, or ground) and maximum wind protection. This commitment to one warm spot makes winter dens extremely destructive.
  
  
• Reduced Activity, Increased Risk
  While they forage less often, raccoonss' activity when inside the den is focused on insulating and securing the perimeter by procuring and using any suitable materials. This often results in severe damage to building insulation, etc.
  
  

Where Raccoons Den in GTA Winters

Where do raccoons usually nest during colder months? Residential, commercial, and industrial properties offer a plethora of options.

• Structural Areas (Warmest Spots):
  
  • Attics:
    Attics are probably the most sought-after spot for raccoons (and other wildlife - think squirrels!) to wait out old man winter. Proximity to chimneys or plumbing stacks and just the rising heat from floors beneath make attics perfect for winter denning. Raccoons access attics through the roof and poorly sealed roof vents.
    
    
  • Chimneys:
    If uncapped, your chimney can provide a dark, contained vertical shelter.
    
    
  • Garage Ceiling Voids:
    The insulated space above an attached garage creates a thermal bridge to the main house/building. It is also safe and enclosed with little to no human traffic.
    
    
• Ground-Level Havens (Insulated Spots): Areas that hold ground heat and are protected from the wind and snow.
  
  • Crawl spaces:
    Crawl spaces underneath a structure provide consistent, moderate warmth.
    
    
  • Window Wells Basement Voids:
    Small, contained pockets near the foundation may also be converted to a winter den.
    
    
  • Sheds/Deck Voids:
    Areas under sheds or decks, especially if the ground is skirted, trap heat and provide sufficient shelter.
    
    
• Commercial Industrial Spots (High-Value Warmth):
  
  • Warehouses and Factories:
    Heat from machinery or HVAC vents attracts raccoons. Low-traffic areas like maintenance rooms should be inspected regularly.
    
    
  • Abandoned or Low-Traffic Buildings:
    Quiet, undisturbed areas still draw furry winter dwellers, even if not actively heated. Raccoons can evade detection for months in abandoned or vacant properties.
    
    
  • Seasonal Businesses and Schools:
    Buildings that are closed for periods of time, such as schools often see raccoon invasions. By the time the animals are detected, it's often too late and significant damage has been done.
    
    
  • Loading Docks:
    Open loading dock doors invite raccoons inside to explore hidden spaces for temporary dens.
    
    
• Natural/Outdoor Denning Spots near Homes:
  • Hollow trees, brush piles, abandoned burrows, woodpiles, and old cars/trucks and machinery also make for suitable raccoon winter dens.
    
    

Many homeowners and property managers set up bird feeders to attract songbirds, especially during colder months. Unfortunately, bird feeders are also a major attractant for raccoons—intelligent, nocturnal, opportunistic, and highly adaptable animals.

As temperatures drop, raccoons seek easy food sources, and bird feeders are one of their top winter targets. Let's explore what you can do to get rid of raccoons and keep them out of your feeders in the future. Keep in mind that DIY deterrents and gadgets are rarely all that effective, but Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control offers legal and permanent raccoon removal services in the GTA.

Why Raccoons Are Attracted to Bird Feeders

• Food Availability
  Spilled seeds and suet provide the high-calorie nutrition that raccoons need to survive the winter. Both black-oil and striped sunflower seeds are among their favorites. On that note, you might also fin squirrel and skunk visitors around your bird feeder.
  
  
• Easy Access
  Raccoons are agile climbers and can easily reach most bird feeders, poles, or decks.
  
  
• Nighttime Feeding
  Unlike birds, raccoons are active at night, so there's no competition around the feeder and the mess you find in the morning may well signal a raccoon visit.
  
  
• Smell and Habits
  Raccoons have an excellent sense of smell that can lead them to your bird feeder. And once they find a reliable food source, they keep returning.

How Raccoons Cause Problems Around Bird Feeders

• Damage:
  • Bending poles, breaking feeders, and tearing mounts.
  • Damaging nearby deck railings or roof gutters while climbing.
    
    
• Health risks:
  • Droppings on patios and decks contain roundworm and other pathogens.
  • Risk of contamination near outdoor furniture and children’s play areas.
    
    
• Secondary infestation risks:
  • Raccoons attracted to feeders often explore nearby attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces for shelter.
  • Bird feeders act as “gateway attractants” leading to full property infestations.
    
    

Recognizing Raccoon Activity Around Your Bird Feeder

• Feeder emptied overnight.
• Tracks or muddy paw prints on decks or railings.
• Torn suet cages or feeder poles bent.
• Scattered seeds and droppings under the feeder.
• Noises at night near decks or walls.
  
  

Pro Tip: Inspect your feeders early in the morning for signs of nocturnal visitors.

Do you have a raccoon problem? If so, you are not alone—raccoons are notoriously clever and agile creatures who can quickly make their way into seemingly inaccessible areas of your home. Whether it’s the roof or a window that has been left open, they know how to get in.

But instead of resigning yourself to months of trying to remove them after they already got access, why not focus on preventing them from entering in the first place? In this blog post, we'll be going over some effective ways for you to raccoon-proof your home and keep those pesky critters out for good.

As temperatures drop below freezing and natural foraging is inhibited by snow and ice, raccoons enter a state of prolonged periods of sleep (called torpor), turning attics and crawlspaces into highly sought-after survival shelters.

There is a persistent myth of "it's ok to wait until spring" and that raccoons merely hibernate and will leave on their own accord once the worst of winter is over. In this article, we will discuss why this is approach would be greatly misguided and potentially very costly. Raccoons neither hibernate, nor necessarily move out with warmer weather.

When it comes to humane animal control, the time to act is the minute you discover raccoons in your home - Call Hawkeye Bird & Animal Controlat once.

What Actually Happens to Raccoons in GTA Winters

Raccoons Do Not Hibernate

Instead, they enter short periods of torpor. This is a state of reduced activity that involves lowered metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and reduced movement to conserve energy during periods of food scarcity and extreme cold.

Raccoons Are in Desperate Need of Warm Shelter

Cold snaps force raccoons to seek heat-retaining structures, preferably near food and water sources. During Ontario's harsh winter months, raccoons invade:

• Attics, crawlspaces, basements
• Utility rooms, boiler rooms
• Mechanical and service corridors
  
  

The modern, urban raccoon's chance of winter survival is actually much higher than its cousin's out in the woods. Both, residential and commercial buildings provide adequate shelter and often easily raided trash bins or dumpsters, bird feeders or outdoor pet food and water bowls. Additionally, larger predators (i.e., coyotes) often avoid areas with frequent human traffic and pose less of a threat to raccoons.

Rabies continues to spread through Ontario, mainly the Raccoon strain.  Here is an update on the situation on rabies in Ontario from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) as of March 29, 2017.

OMNRF are reporting 1 new case of raccoon strain rabies from the previous week, occurring in a raccoon from Haldimand.  As of March 29, 2017, there have been a total of 295 cases of raccoon strain and 8 cases of fox strain rabies in Ontario. Hamilton has been the hardest his area with a total of 232 cases of Racccoon Rabies.

Calls for Raccoon Control and Removal are among the most frequent request in Oakville. Like so many other communities along the shores of Lake Ontario, Oakville provides plenty of space and habitat for raccoons to flourish. While the masked bandits are often thought of as just a bit of a nuisance, they actually cause a great deal of damage to properties and structures, as well as pose health risks to humans and pets alike.

Residential Raccoon Damage

• Roofs: Raccoons gaining access to attics through roof vents - leaving behind damaged shingles, vents, 
• Refuse and compost: Raccoons are boisterous animals, making a great deal of noise when carrying out their searches for food and shelter such as when they raid garbage and compost containers in search of food. They often leave behind a considerable mess, which can attract more animals;
• Food left outdoors: Eating food for domestic animals such as pet food and livestock feed plus feed for wildlife such as birdseed;
• In gardens: Especially in gardens containing fruit, tomatoes, melons, berries or sweetcorn, plants are eaten, dug up, or otherwise damaged and tracks and excrement are left behind;
• Raccoons are attracted to lawns and gardens, especially after a rainfall when grubs and larvae are near the surface. They dig small round holes and will repeatedly turn over large swathes of freshly laid sod to un-earth worms, grubs and larvae. This particular type of behaviour is common when other sources of food are less abundant. They may return repeatedly and because of the dexterity of its front paws, the extent of the damage caused by the raccoon is generally greater than skunks.

Raccoon Damage on Farms

• Corn crops: many cobs partially nibbled, with the husks pulled back and the leaves folded downwards. Stalks may be broken as the animal tries to climb to get at the ears;
• Raccoons are alo quite fond of fruit, able to demolish a whole berry patch in no time at all;
• Hen houses and farmyards: The extreme dexterity of their front paws allows raccoons to kill or injure poultry even when the birds are kept inside enclosures or cages, as they try to reach and destroy them through the wire mesh. Poultry are often found with their heads torn off and left a short distance from the body. The neck and breast may be torn open and chewed and the entrails consumed. ; Legs or feet of the young birds may be missing. Pieces of flesh may be found near water. The eggs are often broken lengthwise and the materials used to make the nest are disturbed. Eggs may be removed completely from nests or eaten on the spot with only the heavily cracked shell remaining. Raccoons can also destroy bird nests in artificial nesting structures such as bluebird and wood duck nest boxes.

For Oakville raccoon control and/or raccoon removal contact Hawkeye at 416.429.5393 today!

Why you should call Hawkeye for Raccoon Control and Removal

We GUARANTEE results. We offer PERMANENT solutions above and beyond what other companies can offer.

Hawkeye is the ONLY pest bird and animal/wildlife control company in Canada designated "Certified Wildlife Control Professional" AND holding the following licenses:  

Trapping of Fur Bearing Animals Permit: In contrast to all other companies, we can euthanize the bird or fur bearing animal, thus guaranteeing it will not return.

Falconry Permit: We use Birds of Prey (hawks, owls, falcons, eagles) to scare, chase, or remove in a natural and humane way.

Pest Control License:  We can employ chemical solutions to certain problems. These methods include natural pesticides.

Toronto isn't called the "Raccoon Capital of the World" by accident. But all across the GTA, urban raccoon populations are rising, including in Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and Markham. So, raccoon control in Toronto and surrounding areas is serious business.

Why GTA Parks Are Prime Raccoon Habitats

Is there a raccoon problem in our parks? Well, these distinctive animals are present in many parks and green spaces in the GTA and pose safety risks to children, pets, park staff, and community users. Before we get more into the risks and prevention/removal strategies, including whether there are effective raccoon deterrents for parks, let's look at what draws raccoons to our parks and why that is so undesirable:

Did you know that Toronto has been dubbed the ‘Raccoon Capitol of the World’? Estimates put Toronto’s raccoon population well over 100,000. Originally from the tropics, raccoons have slowly migrated north and can now be found all over North America - as far north as Alaska, as well as in Europe and even Japan. In fact, Japan is bemoaning many ancient temples being destroyed by raccoons. Raccoons are highly adaptive, both in terms of habitat and food. Scientists have studied raccoons for decades and still aren’t close to fully understanding raccoon behavior. Raccoons are intelligent and highly skilled when it comes to raiding your garbage or gaining entry into your home. Learn how to prevent raccoons from accessing your home or failing that, remove them.

Greater Toronto Area residents may come nose to nose with a raccoon or five more so now, during the fall months, than most other times of year. And while you may be sympathetic to the animals seeking shelter for the upcoming winter months, you definitely do not want that shelter be in your home, shed, or under your deck or roof.

With a declining economy, we see many empty apartments or entire buildings in Toronto and the GTA, some residential but more often commercial. Of course, an abandoned property makes for the perfect home for raccoons and other wildlife.

As temperatures drop, these buildings become irresistible targets for raccoons seeking a warm, secure den to survive the cold. A property may look empty from the outside, but it can quickly become a thriving, hidden home for a family of raccoons, leading to a host of complex problems. And because of the very fact that these properties are vacant, raccoon and other wildlife infestations go unnoticed much longer, giving the animals plenty of time to establish dominance and territory.

FAQs for Owners of Vacant Properties 

Q: I'm not in the area; can you still help?

A: Yes, absolutely. You do not need to be present for a Hawkeye technician to remove raccoons from your property. You will, however, need to have someone to check on traps twice daily (minimum) and contact us if a raccoon has been caught.

Q: Will my insurance cover the damage?

A: Most homeowner policies do not cover raccoon damages. Please discuss and confirm with your insurance contact. You may want to read this article as well: https://www.hawkeye.ca/blog/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-raccoon-damage

Q: What if there are baby raccoons in my vacant property?

A: Raccoons only have kits once a year - in the spring. The most important thing is to not separate a mother from her offspring. You MUST be able to capture and move all raccoons together.

Q: How long can a raccoon live in a vacant property unnoticed?

A: Raccoons can live in vacant buildings for as long as nobody is paying attention. During the pandemic lockdowns, reduced or non-existent human traffic and oversight caused huge issues which carry fall-out until today.

Q: What if I need to sell or rent the property?

A: If you spot signs such as raccoon droppings in an empty house, call a professional to remove the animals, repair the damages, and sanitize the den and latrine area.

Q: Is it illegal to leave a property vacant with a raccoon problem?

A: While it might not be explicitly illegal, allowing a raccoon problem on a vacant property in Ontario can lead to significant legal and financial consequences under municipal by-laws and property standards. If a raccoon infestation poses health or safety hazards or causes damages to neighbouring properties, the property owner could face orders to resolve the issue, fines of up to $50,000, and costs for municipal cleanup work. This may vary by municipality.

It is February and raccoons are starting to mosey out 'n about - in fact, one Hawkeye team member encountered one in a building that houses her chicken coop, just this past weekend. They are getting ready for mating and breeding season. Let's have a closer look at the lifecycle of raccoons.

Raccoon Mating and Breeding

In the late stages of winter and up until early spring, able bodied raccoons partake in mating rituals which culminate in females breeding with mostly just one male, and males breeding with as many females as possible. Yearling females often reach sexual maturity in their first mating season, while many boys develop a bit slower and may have to sit that first year out.

Mating Rituals

In the arena of Raccoon Mating, healthy, strong, young and older males will posture and compete for the right to mate - up to and including duking it out amongst each other and in front of the ladies. They'll scratch, bite, and even throw each other around while eligible females observe the spectacle and choose their champion accordingly. Communications between males and females include vocalizations, such as chirps and whistles, as well as physical contact in the form of the females arching their back and rubbing against the chosen male to express approval and interest in breeding. The chosen dominant, strong and healthy male may become several ladies' champion and breed with several females. Since the victor, or champion, cannot possibly impregnate all available females, even lower ranked males will eventually get the chance to mate.

Raccoon Breeding

Female raccoons have a very short window of fertility, only three to four days per mating season - so, much mating takes place during those few days. The actual mating or breeding involves an hour or so of foreplay and culminates in copulation. After a brief pause to recover they go on to repeat. Yeah, it's a busy couple of days! After all that mating is done and over with, the couple may stay together for a few days but the male will move on and leave the now expectant mum to fend for herself and her offspring.

Gestation and Birth

Mum-to-be must now spring into action and procure a suitable den to give birth to her litter of kids in about 2 months time. This is also the time where she will be most inclined to rip up a roof shingle or two to get access to cozy places like attics and where you'll need to pay extra attention or get in touch with a wildlife removal company. She will birth anywhere from one to seven raccoon babies, with the average litter containing four kits. The babies are born blind, deaf and hairless, weighing only about 4 to 5 ounces. The only thing giving away the impression that these are in fact raccoons, are the tiny little masks already visible. As they are completely helpless, they are solely depending on their mother's care for their first 3 weeks of life. Sadly, somewhere around 50% of newborns will not survive their first year.

Life in the Den

Although momma raccoon will take the wee ones to the outside world for little excursions once their eyes open around 4 weeks, the kits will stay in the den for the next 6-8 weeks, with their mum looking after their every need. 

A Raccoon's First Year of Life

Around three months of age, baby raccoons are weaned and introduced to the world in earnest. They will shadow their mother and learn about finding food and survival in general. All raccoons are intelligent and curious, and young raccoons have been seen playing and rough housing and performing fun acrobatic maneuvers. 

The First Winter

By the time fall arrives,, the wee ones have grown into independent, adventurous, and resilient youngsters., It is not uncommon, though, for them to spend their first winter denning with their mother and siblings, especially in colder climates. As with many other things, there is strength in numbers and more bodies can create and retain more heat.

Setting Out on their Own

Almost a year has passed and a new mating season is on the horizon. Young females may or may not be ready to reproduce and will likely stick close to their birth place, while their brothers will often move into territories that are 20km or more away. These young males are likely not yet ready to breed and will use the upcoming year to establish themselves in their new territory. Researchers believe that traveling this fairly long distance in search of a new home range is instinctive behavior to avoid or reduce the chance of inbreeding. We have now come full circle.

Airports are high-risk environments where wildlife—especially raccoons—can cause severe operational issues and safety hazards with potentially catastrophic outcomes. This makes airport wildlife management a critical component of aviation safety and regulatory compliance.

You might wonder why raccoon breeding season is a topic in the midst of December? Well, now would be a really good time to double check around your home and ensure that no raccoons (or squirrels) can get in. Because they ARE thinking about breeding season and they WILL find a cozy spot to den and raise their offspring. And, that cozy spot will hopefully not be your attic!

Mating Behavior During Raccoon Breeding Season

Raccoon Mating Seasons in Toronto

Raccoonmating or breeding typically occurs in the later part of winter - January and after - with females giving birth in the Spring time to the only litter per year. However, if the first litter doesn't survive or is not viable, the female may mate again and have a successful litter later in the summer. 'When is raccoon breeding season' often depends on the amount of daylight and temperatures. But let's look at the raccoon breeding cycle a bit more closely:

Raccoon Mating Habits & Courtship Rituals

Raccoon mating habits are not unlike those of many other mammals - including humans :) The males posture and compete for the right to mate - this may go as far as a physical fight. And, the females will observe the spectacle and choose their mate, usually the strongest male. Dominant, healthy males may breed several females. The actual mating involves an hour or so of foreplay and finally copulation and may be repeated for several days. You know.. just to be sure :)

Raccoon Gestation and Birth

Once the female has mated and is indeed pregnant, she will become solitaryand set out in search of a den to raise her offspring. A lone raccoon foraging and lingering around your home in late January or early February may very well be a pregnant female looking for a den. 

Gestation Period Details

Expectant mums have a 63 day (or, roughtly two months) gestation period before welcoming their litter into the world.

Typical Litter Size

Female raccoons will give birth to an average litter of 4 kits - although, litters can range from 1 to 7 little ones. Babies are born blind and deaf, weighing only about 4 to 5 ounces. They are completely dependent on their mother's care for their first 3 weeks of life. As many as 50% of raccoon babies may not survive their first year of life. If separated from their mother early one, their chances are nil.

Signs of Raccoon Breeding Activity in Toronto

Increased Nighttime Activity

During the time of courtship and mating, you are more likely to see groups of raccoons. While raccoons are primarily nocturnal animals, they will be more visible and more social and interactive with each other duing this time.

Raccoon Vocalizations During Mating Season

Raccoons are very vocal animals at all times, chitter chattering and conversing with each other - but even more so during mating season. You might hear a male raccoon letting out loud, screeching calls to get the attention of a fancied female raccoon, which may be answered by a softer, chirping sound coming from said female. These calls play a crucial role in their mating rituals and territorial behaviors.

Scent Marking during Raccoon Breeding Season

Raccoons don't pee on trees, or distribute their excrement willy-nilly. In fact, raccoons are very clean animals, using designated latrine areas - and this doesn't change just because it's mating season. Instead, they will use their entire body to rub their scent on trees or structures and thus let others know who the master of this particular domain is.