Beware the Male Raccoon
Normally, we keep it light with the blog posts, trying to capture that “how to” feel.
This week, however, we’re going to touch on a subject at the darker underbelly of raccoon removal this time of year: raccoon infanticide.
For those who didn’t know it, raccoons are one of the species that participate in the practice of infanticide: the killing of infants by adults of the same species.
Raccoon birthing season is in full swing. Many females raccoons (sows) have given birth to their young (kits) and others will be giving birth through May. Thus, a typical request this time of year is to locate the animals and get them out the attic or chimney.
Calls for Dead Baby Raccoons
But, occasionally, we receive those other calls–calls from disturbed homeowners who have found gruesome scenes involving baby raccoons in their attics, on their roofs, and in their backyards.
We are not going to give graphic details or post any pictures, but let’s just say it is not pretty.
The homeowners want to know what caused this mess and is there need for any further concern. We explain the practice of male raccoons (boars) killing kits as we are doing here. We also explain that this is another great reason to make the necessary repairs to keep sow raccoons out of your homes.
Calls for Super Noisy Raccoon Battles
Another type of call we receive this time of year describes a super loud, aggressive, all-out fight in the attic. Shrieks, growls, tumbling and thumping “like they were coming through the ceiling”, are descriptors clients have used in relating raccoon conflict in their attics at this time of year.
What is being heard is a battle royale between a sow and a marauding boar. It truly is a fight to the death and is related to this practice of boars killing kits.
Why Do Boar Raccoons Kill Kit Raccoons?
Animal behavior scientists believe infanticide is generally a genetic/sexual dominance related practice. It is about the instinct to pass on an individual’s own genes.
Just as males of some species (elk, deer, bighorn sheep) fight for the right of sexual dominance/reproduction, some animals assure it (by killing) after others have seemingly won. Besides raccoons, lions and grizzly bears are known to practice infanticide as well.
Often, a sow who has lost her kits will go back into heat. It is believed that this is a related reason that the boar raccoon will kill kits.
We hope this has been informative and explained a little bit of what is going on in the raccoon removal world.
If you live in the Akron / Canton / Kent, Ohio area and are having an issue with raccoons, give us a call.
Remember, the best way to avoid the raccoon issues described in this post is to call a professional wildlife removal specialist when you first notice the problem.
