Raccoons (Procyon lotor) is a mammal about 2-3 feet long and averages 10-30 pounds in weight and distinctively marked with a black “mask” over the eyes and a ringed tail. They are usually nocturnal (active at night). In Cincinnati, Ohio, they typically breed in February or March but mating can occur from December through June. Their gestation period is about 63 days and they have one litter per year of 3-5 young. The young open their eyes around 3 weeks of age and are weaned between 2-4 months of age. Raccoons do not truly hibernate but do “hole up” in dens becoming inactive during severe winter weather for weeks or even months. Raccoons are a rabies vector animal and are known carriers of canine distemper. Their feces (droppings) can carry a Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris Procyonis) which potentially could be fatal to humans.
Raccoons are considered a nuisance animal in Cincinnati, Ohio because they cause damage to and around homes and outbuildings when they attempt to make entry by tearing off shingles or fascia boards to gain access to attics. Both uncapped chimneys and attics are substitutes for the traditional hollow trees used as den sites in Cincinnati, Ohio. They also cause considerable damage when they roll up freshly laid sod looking for earthworms and grubs.