In Massachusetts, we have one of the most common causes of conflict
with people, the raccoon (Procyon Lotor). They are not rodents, but can
still cause problems by nesting in attics, chimneys, under buildings,
or decks or inside tool sheds. Raccoons are the primary carrier of
rabies here, and so, extreme caution must be exercised if you see one.
Stay clear of it ! In the early 90's, it was estimated that there was
about 15 raccoons per square mile in Massachusetts. The Mid-Atlantic
Raccoon Rabies outbreak wiped out about 80-90% of them. Cape Cod is the
only area in Mass. that has not had a case yet.
BIOLOGY:
Raccoons generally live in hollow trees in the wild. In suburbia, they
will live anywhere that affords them shelter. Chimneys, attics,
basements, crawlspaces, tool sheds. Anyplace they can get access to.
Unlike squirrels, raccoons will not chew into a structure. They use
their hands (similar to human's) to rip vents, soffits, and any loose
wood that may be in their way. I have even seen where they will rip
shingles off a roof to gain entry to an attic. Raccoons mate from
December to January, and the young are usually born sometime in April.
In my experience, I have found baby raccoons as early as January, and
as late as July. Litters can be anywhere from 1 to 6 young, with 2 to 4
being most common.
FOODS:
Raccoons, like skunks, will eat just about anything that is edible.
Small rodents, snakes, worms, insects, grubs, fruits, and, of course,
garbage, bird seed, and pet food. Raccoons are also notorious for
knocking trash barrels over to get at the garbage inside.
DAMAGE:
Raccoons generally start causing problems when they move into a
structure. Living inside an attic is common. Although, I have found
them in basements, crawlspaces, chimneys, and garages. There can be
odors, risk of disease, and damage to interior ceilings. Chimney
dwelling raccoons will make a lot of noise, especially when the young
are present. If the flue damper is open in your fireplace, you just may
come face to face with one in your living room also.
REMEDIATION:
Once they are living in a structure, raccoons should be removed and the
structure sealed up. Cage traps are used to remove them, and then the
exclusion/repairs can be done. Chimney dwelling raccoons can be
prevented from ever moving in just by installing a chimney cap on each
chimney. Sometimes, both chimney dwelling and attic dwelling raccoons
will leave once their young are old enough to walk and climb on their
own, generally by mid-summer. Precautions must be taken to prevent
their return the next fall, however, or they may move back in when the
weather gets cold again. I have seen where they will tear off several
shingles attempting to get back into an attic that they previously
occupied. 
The tracks are generally in line, similar to a cat. They appear similar
to opossum, which very rarely cause the kinds of problems that raccoons
do. You may observe paw prints on your downspouts or deck railings if
they are gaining access to your structure this way.
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