Be careful around raccoons

Last week I received several calls concerning raccoons. One caller said her wiener dog (Killer) was attacked by a raccoon and beat up pretty bad. She said the 20-pound raccoon jumped on her 15-pound dog’s back and bit the tar out of him. She said “Killer” almost died. Another caller said he was going to put a garbage bag in his outside garbage can. When he lifted the lid off the can a very large raccoon sprung out of the can attaching itself to his bib overalls. Fortunately he was able to knock it off without getting bit by the animal.

Because of these incidents and others like them, I thought it would be a good time to share with you, the reading audience some baseline information on raccoons.

The raccoon is a stocky build mammal; it normally measures between 2- and 3-feet- long and its weight can vary from 10 to 30 pounds. It is distinctively marked with a black bandits mask over its eyes. It has a heavy fur brown coat with alternating brown and black rings around its tail. They stay active all year round; however, will take cover during periods of severe winter weather.

Raccoons like wooded areas near water. They will den in hollow trees, brush piles, rock piles, under decks, under buildings and ground burrows. They are generally nocturnal; however, it’s not unusual to see them in the early morning or late in the afternoon coming out to forage.

Raccoons are omnivorous, they will eat almost anything. They really like pet food that was left out overnight. They will get into your garden and eat all of your vegetables. They will dig up your vegetable garden looking for worms.

They will birth their young in April and May. Their litter size ranges from 4 to 6 babies. They will generally stay together as a family for one year before the young will gradually break away asserting their independence.

Rac-coons are known to carry a number of diseases, rabies being one and internal parasites. Parasites (round worms) can be passed to humans by consuming the parasite from unwashed vegetables.

If you see a raccoon, do not confront it. Raccoons are very powerful animals and will become vicious when cornered. Their front paws are human-like, with toes that are long, flexible and very dexterous.

If you have a raccoon problem, call the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for advice and assistance.

When cleaning with any cleaning product, always wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect your hands. If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266), e-mail them to nwees@hughes.net or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed do?  For more information about Ed, go online to www.nwees.com.

n Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified indoor environmental professional, forensic, fire, flood, mold Inspection and remediation/restoration contractor. Ed is the president of Northwest Environmental Services, Inc.