Raccoons, with their bandit-like masks and curious nature, often capture our imaginations. Their intelligence and dexterity can seem endearing from afar, especially when observing them in nature. At Critter Control of Tampa, serving Florida communities, we frequently encounter these fascinating creatures. While raccoons are a common sight in Florida, and you might be tempted by their seeming charm, understanding the reality of keeping one as a pet is crucial.
Understanding Raccoons: More Than Just Cute Faces
Raccoons are mammals, generally comparable in size to a domestic cat or small dog. An adult raccoon typically measures around two feet in length and weighs between 10 to 20 pounds. Often considered alongside rodents like rats and squirrels as common wildlife around homes, raccoons are distinct. They are not rodents or vermin but possess remarkable agility with their paws and have sharp teeth.
Raccoon Diet in Florida: Opportunistic Omnivores
As omnivores, raccoons have a diverse diet, consuming both meat and plants. In Florida, this adaptability means they’ll eat almost anything they can find, from insects and frogs to garden vegetables and fruits. They are opportunistic feeders, preferring readily available food sources and are not averse to scavenging.
For Florida residents, this translates to raccoons being attracted to unsecured trash, gardens, and any accessible food left outdoors. Adventurous raccoons might even attempt to enter homes or garages seeking food and shelter if doors are left open.
Daytime Raccoon Sightings in Florida
While primarily nocturnal, it’s not unusual to see raccoons in Florida during the day, especially in urban and suburban areas. This daytime activity isn’t due to a change in their nature, but rather adaptation to human environments. So, seeing a raccoon during daylight hours in your yard isn’t necessarily cause for alarm, but it’s a common occurrence.
The Legality and Reality of Raccoon Pets in Florida
A raccoon with distinctive black mask and ringed tail looks directly at the camera, perched on a wooden structure, exemplifying the raccoon's curious and adaptable nature in a Florida environment.
Yes, surprisingly, Florida is among the minority of states where owning a raccoon as a pet is legally permitted. However, just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s advisable. While their appearance and behaviors might evoke images of a playful dog, the reality of raccoon ownership is complex and often challenging. Raccoons are fundamentally wild animals; they are not domesticated like cats or dogs. Their incredible dexterity, thanks to their nimble paws, makes childproof locks and secure containers meaningless, presenting unique challenges for pet owners.
Finding veterinary care for a pet raccoon is another significant hurdle. Most standard veterinary clinics lack the expertise or facilities to treat raccoons, often refusing to provide care.
Florida Laws Regarding Pet Raccoons
In Florida, pet raccoons are classified as Class III wildlife under the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This classification means that owning a raccoon requires a permit specifically for “wildlife as a personal pet.” This permit necessitates an application process and must be renewed biennially (every two years). Furthermore, taking a pet raccoon into public spaces is prohibited without an additional “exhibition license” from the FWC. This regulation underscores the wild nature of raccoons and the restrictions placed on their ownership.
The Potential Dangers of Raccoons in Florida
Despite any perceived cuteness, raccoons are wild, undomesticated animals. Their unpredictable nature means they can become aggressive, especially if they feel threatened or cornered, and are not hesitant to bite or scratch humans. Raccoons pose several significant risks:
- Property Damage: Raccoons are adept at causing damage. Their strong claws and teeth can tear through siding, insulation, and roofing materials. They can also create blockages in chimneys and cause considerable damage to gardens and garbage cans.
- Bites and Scratches: Children are particularly vulnerable to raccoon attacks due to their less cautious nature and smaller stature. Raccoon scratches and bites carry a risk of infection and other health complications.
- Rabies Risk: Raccoons are the primary carriers of rabies among mammals in Florida. Rabid raccoons exhibit increased aggression, making encounters even more dangerous.
Raccoon Management and Removal in the Tampa Area
While occasional raccoon sightings in your neighborhood may not be alarming, signs of raccoon activity on your property warrant professional intervention. If you notice indications of a raccoon problem, such as torn siding, scratching sounds from your attic, or unpleasant odors, contacting wildlife professionals like Critter Control of Tampa is recommended.
Contact us at 813-948-0870 for expert raccoon control and removal services. We can help address raccoon infestations, prevent future issues, and ensure your property remains wildlife-free. Schedule a free raccoon inspection today to take the first step in resolving your raccoon concerns and regaining peace of mind. Our experienced wildlife specialists are ready to assess your situation and implement effective solutions.
