Raccoons are nocturnal creatures that can be found in both rural and urban areas alike. They’re naturally treated as outsiders, with homeowners setting up fences to keep raccoons away from their property. If you have taller landscape pieces then you might be worried about raccoons climbing them. The question is, ‘do raccoons climb trees?’
Do Raccoons Climb Trees?
Most of the time, people tend to find raccoons atop trees or scampering from one branch to another. You’d wonder how they got there- does a raccoon climb a tree or does it live there?
Raccoons are very good climbers and can get up quickly and with little to no problem. These creatures aren’t very good at jumping (probably due to their short legs), but raccoons are smart and make good use of their claws to go up or down a tree.
Raccoons climb trees for a number of reasons, mainly the following:
- To find food
- To escape predators
- To rest or find a home
These small animals have a habit of staking their territory where they can get food, including parks, dumpsters, gardens, and storm drains. Racoons prefer a site that has plenty of tree cover and is near a water source.
Raccoons can live in trees if it’s hollowed out. They usually build a ‘den’ and establish several living spaces at any one time. When you see raccoons on a tree they’re usually resting, seeking food through a higher vantage point or to escape from danger.
Can Raccoons Live in Trees in Your Yard?
As cute as they may seem, raccoons do not make good house guests or visitors. They tend to make a mess of things, such as rummaging through your garbage or causing physical damage to your landscape.
A raccoon can make a tree into a home if it’s hollowed out inside. These creatures do not live on tree branches although they do spend a lot of time there. If you spot a raccoon climbing up or down a tree, then chances are that the animal is looking for a higher vantage point or has seen something that interests them.
The good news is that raccoons do not usually make their homes on trees. They prefer lived-in burrows made by other animals and sheltered places, such as underneath brush piles, rocks, and hollowed logs. Other uncommon places where a raccoon can make its home include woodpiles, under a house, an attic, chimney, or an abandoned vehicle.
How to Stop Raccoons From Climbing Trees
Raccoons become a concern if you spot them frequently around your yard. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to discourage these creatures from staying around for too long.
Trim the Tree Branches
One way to prevent raccoons from climbing trees in your yard is to remove low and overhanging branches. This stops them from gaining easy access to your roof or gutters.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to trim the branches at least 10 feet away from the house. Cutting back and pruning depends on the tree species, but you’d normally do this at the start of spring or before the first winter frost arrives.
Tidy Up Your Yard or Garden
Raccoons love an environment that’s filled with debris and clutter. They can make their homes in tires, trash cans, and human-made structures.
Regularly tidying up can make raccoons feel less welcome and more vulnerable. They will likely skip your yard in favor of other areas with more clutter. Make it a habit to clean up debris such as dead branches, stems, and leaves, as well as trash and similar items.
Keep Your Food Inside
You can discourage raccoons from climbing trees in your yard by eliminating food sources they might find inside your home. This applies to birdseed and pet food, as well as your garbage.
Cover and secure your garbage bins, and it might be a better idea to keep your dog food inside the house or the garage.
Spray or Sprinkle Repellents
Rodent repellents, particularly products that are made for raccoons can be bought in any general store. Follow the instructions as stated on the label for the best results. You can take a DIY approach and spray or sprinkle hot pepper sauce or cayenne weekly and after a strong rain.
Related Article: What Time Do Raccoons Come Out?