Raccoons spend most of the day sleeping in the ground, but at night they spend a considerable amount of time climbing trees. The raccoons’ sharp claws make them perfect climbers and they often mark the bark of trees before going up. This behavior is often a sign that the raccoons have a den in the tree trunk. You may even find their claw marks in the bark if you spot a raccoon in your yard.
Raccoons use their claws and feet to climb trees. Their sharp claws allow them to grip the bark and tree surfaces. Their preferences for their habitat are predictable, and they’ve become increasingly common in cities. They prefer to live in dense forested areas, or in areas where they can access water sources. Raccoons can also live in urban areas, though most raccoons do not live more than six years in the wild.
If you are worried about raccoons living in your yard, you can take several steps to keep them out. You can wrap porcupine wire or metal around the base of the tree to prevent them from climbing. You can also cover your bird feeders to prevent them from attracting raccoons. These methods are not always effective. Instead, you can try to remove their food sources.
One way to prevent raccoons from climbing trees is to place traps around your yard. While trapping won’t guarantee success, you can use predator urine or make homemade pepper spray. These methods work to keep raccoons out of your yard. You can also try to discourage raccoons by placing lights near their nest. While trapping raccoons is not 100% effective, it may discourage them from coming back.
Because raccoons are nocturnal, they have adapted to suburban living and are not afraid of humans. Nevertheless, they prefer to spend their nights in hollow trees. They will also make dens in barns, attics, and abandoned cars. Luckily, the raccoons have learned to adapt to urban life and even use the roofs of buildings to make their dens.
However, despite their abilities as climbers, raccoons are also attracted to the sweetness of trees. The sweet smell of apricot, cherry, or mulberry can tempt them to climb a tree. Raccoons may initially come to your home to eat the fruit that falls from the trees. Once they get a taste of your fruit, however, they may decide to move into your trees.
Raccoons are a nuisance for fruit-growers. If you have low-hanging branches, raccoons will easily reach them. You can prevent them from accessing low-hanging fruit by adding a metal collar to the base of your tree. Alternatively, you can keep a raccoon from climbing your trees by preventing them from reaching the fruits growing on your trees.
