We’re all familiar with the occasional raccoon rummaging through our trash cans. But you might notice that you don’t see raccoons much in the fall and winter.
So, where do raccoons go when it’s cold? What places do they look for when the temperatures begin to dip?
For some homeowners, raccoons can get a little too close for comfort. Let’s look closely at where raccoons go and what they do during the colder months.
Where Do Raccoons Go When It’s Cold?
As it turns out, raccoons are pretty adaptable creatures. They store body fat during the summer months to survive the colder months where food is scarce.
Raccoons will also start looking for a place to den in the fall. They typically look for a den in trees, hollow logs, or abandoned buildings. But they will make one if they can’t find a suitable place! Raccoons have been known to tear apart attics and crawlspaces in search of a warm place to stay.
What Do Raccoons Do in the Fall and Winter?
Raccoons change dens frequently and sometimes nestle in one place as a group. During the colder months, raccoons may search for a warm, quiet place to stay. Unfortunately, that place might be in your chimney, attic, or crawlspace.
If you find a raccoon den in your home, you need to call a professional to remove it. Raccoons can cause a lot of damage – they will tear up insulation, urinate and defecate inside the home, and even chew through wires. They can also carry diseases that are harmful to humans, such as rabies.
Raccoon Facts
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal animals, so you’re likelier to see them at night. As the weather starts to cool down, you might see raccoons more during the day as they search for food.
Raccoons are excellent climbers and can climb almost any surface. This is how they get into attics and crawlspace!
What Month Do Raccoons Hibernate?
Hibernation is a survival mechanism that allows animals to conserve energy during periods of scarce food. Despite popular belief, raccoons do not technically hibernate. However, they enter into a state of dormancy called torpor, where their body temperature and metabolism slow down.
At What Temperature Do Raccoons Hibernate?
Raccoons reach a state of torpor when the temperature reaches 15 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, their body temperature and heart rate will drop. Raccoons can remain in thor several days or even weeks at a time. But if the temperature rises above 15 degrees, they will wake up and become active again.
During periods of torpor, raccoons will not eat or drink. They will rely on their stored body fat to survive. If a raccoon does not have enough body fat, it will not make it through winter. This is why raccoons must fatten up in the fall!
Find Raccoon Removal in South Carolina
So, where do raccoons go when it’s cold? Anywhere they can! And sometimes that just happens to be your house.
If you live in South Carolina and have a raccoon problem, we can help. Our experts will safely remove the raccoons from your property and ensure they don’t return. We also offer other wildlife control services, such as armadillo, bat, bird, beaver, coyote, fox, mole, opossum, squirrel, skunk, snake removal and groundhog control. Contact Precision Predator today to learn more!
