Will A Racoon Come Back After Being Trapped

Will a Raccoon Come Back After Being Trapped? Understanding Raccoon Behavior and Relocation

Raccoons, with their masked faces and nimble paws, are common visitors to suburban areas. Their intelligence and adaptability often lead to conflicts with humans, resulting in trapping as a management solution. But once a raccoon has been trapped and relocated, will it return? The answer isn't a simple yes or no. It depends on several factors, including the trapping method, the relocation distance, and the raccoon's individual personality and resourcefulness. This article will delve into the intricacies of raccoon behavior to help you understand the likelihood of a raccoon's return.

Understanding Raccoon Home Range and Territory

Raccoons are generally creatures of habit, establishing home ranges they defend. The size of this range varies depending on factors like food availability and habitat quality. A successfully trapped and relocated raccoon will likely try to return to its familiar territory if the relocation distance is short. They possess a strong homing instinct and an excellent sense of smell and spatial memory, enabling them to navigate back to previously known locations, even if it’s miles away. This is particularly true if the original location offers abundant food sources and suitable denning sites.

The Impact of Trapping Methods

The type of trap used also plays a role. A live trap, designed to capture the animal without harm, is generally preferred for humane relocation. However, even a humane live trap can be a stressful experience for a raccoon. The stress of capture might temporarily disrupt their orientation, but it rarely eliminates their homing instinct completely. On the other hand, lethal trapping methods obviously prevent any return.

Relocation Distance: A Crucial Factor

The further the raccoon is relocated, the lower the chance of it returning. Relocating a raccoon a significant distance—ideally 20 miles or more—to a suitable habitat with minimal human interaction is the most effective method to prevent its return. However, the availability of suitable release sites often poses a challenge. Simply moving a raccoon a few blocks away might not be sufficient to deter it from attempting to find its way back.

Factors Affecting the Likelihood of Return:

• Food Availability: If the original location offered abundant food sources, the raccoon is more likely to attempt a return. Removing attractants, such as unsecured garbage cans and pet food, will reduce this incentive.
• Den Site Availability: The presence of suitable denning sites near the original location increases the chance of a return. Securing potential denning areas can minimize this risk.
• Individual Raccoon Characteristics: Some raccoons are more bold and persistent than others. A particularly resourceful and determined raccoon may exhibit a greater tendency to return to its former home range despite relocation.
• Season: During breeding season, a raccoon's home range might be temporarily extended in search of mates. This could increase the likelihood of encountering the relocated raccoon.

Prevention is Key: Minimizing Raccoon Attraction

The best way to prevent raccoon problems is to remove what attracts them in the first place. This includes securing garbage cans, removing bird feeders (which also attract raccoons), and ensuring pet food is stored securely indoors. Addressing the root causes of the attraction will be significantly more effective than solely relying on trapping and relocation.

Conclusion:

While a raccoon might attempt to return after being trapped, the likelihood depends greatly on the relocation distance, the trapping method, and the availability of resources in both the original and new locations. Relocating to a suitable habitat a substantial distance away significantly reduces the probability of its return. However, proactive measures to eliminate attractants are the most effective long-term solution to deter raccoons from your property. Remember always to prioritize humane handling and follow local regulations regarding wildlife management.