Discovering animal tracks around your property can be an intriguing experience, and among the most common yet often misunderstood are raccoon paw prints. These distinctive marks can tell you a lot about the wildlife sharing your space, and understanding them is the first step in addressing potential concerns. Raccoons, with their dexterous paws, leave behind tracks that resemble miniature human hands, making them quite unique in the animal kingdom. This guide will help you accurately identify raccoon paw prints, understand why their presence might be noteworthy, and what steps you can take if you find them around your home.
Identifying Raccoon Paw Prints: Front and Hind Paws
Raccoon tracks are characterized by five toes on both their front and hind paws, giving them a hand-like appearance. The front paw prints of a raccoon are often described as resembling small human handprints, displaying five slender “fingers” extending from a palm-like area. These prints are typically smaller and more delicate compared to the hind paws.
Hind paw prints, while also featuring five toes, are noticeably different. They exhibit an elongated heel that often sinks deeper into softer surfaces like mud or soil. This elongated heel is a key differentiator between the front and hind tracks. When observing raccoon tracks, you’ll often see a combination of both front and hind prints, providing a comprehensive picture of their movement.
Understanding Raccoon Gait and Track Patterns
Raccoons have a peculiar way of walking, known as a gait, which significantly influences the pattern of their tracks. They tend to carry a significant portion of their weight towards their rear. This weight distribution results in raccoon tracks often appearing in pairs, with the fore and hind paw prints positioned either side-by-side or only slightly offset. This paired arrangement is another helpful clue in identifying raccoon tracks.
You might commonly encounter raccoon prints in muddy areas. This is because raccoons frequently traverse through mud, which then gets transferred onto surfaces they climb or walk on, like decks, tabletops, or even vehicles. Finding muddy paw prints in unexpected places can be a strong indicator of raccoon activity.
Why Raccoon Paw Prints Can Be a Cause for Concern
While observing wildlife can be fascinating, discovering raccoon paw prints around your property may signal potential issues that warrant attention. Raccoon tracks can be an early warning sign of nearby raccoon latrines. Latrines are essentially communal toilet areas that raccoons establish, and they pose health risks.
Raccoon scat can harbor roundworm eggs, which can become airborne when dried droppings are disturbed. Inhaling these eggs can lead to roundworm infection in humans. Additionally, leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted from animals to humans, can also be present in raccoon waste. Latrines are commonly found in secluded, undisturbed areas such as garages, attics, and wall spaces. Therefore, identifying raccoon tracks can prompt you to check these areas for latrines and take necessary precautions.
Where Are You Likely to Find Raccoon Paw Prints?
Besides visually sighting raccoons, their tracks are a primary indicator of their presence. You might hear them moving around your house, particularly at night, and subsequently discover raccoon footprints in areas they frequent. Common locations to find raccoon tracks include:
Raccoon Tracks on Walls
Raccoons are adept climbers and can often be found traversing walls. Look for tracks on exterior walls, especially if you have trees or structures close to your house that provide access.
Identifying Raccoon Tracks in Attics
Attics provide shelter and are often chosen by raccoons for nesting and latrines. Dust and insulation in attics are excellent mediums for preserving tracks.
Recognizing Raccoon Tracks on House Exteriors
Decks, patios, and siding can also bear raccoon tracks, especially after rain or dew when surfaces are damp.
Identifying Raccoon Tracks Outdoors
Muddy patches in gardens, along pathways, and near water sources are prime locations to find raccoon paw prints. They might also be found on cars or outdoor furniture if raccoons have been exploring these areas.
Seeking Professional Help for Raccoon Issues
Dealing with raccoons on your property can be challenging and potentially risky. If you’ve confirmed the presence of raccoons through raccoon track identification or other signs, it’s advisable to seek professional wildlife removal services. Attempting to remove raccoons yourself can be dangerous for both you and the animals. Wildlife removal experts are trained to handle these situations humanely and effectively.
If you are concerned about raccoon activity around your home, contacting a wildlife removal service like Critter Control is a recommended step to ensure safe and humane removal and to prevent future issues.
Photos of Raccoon Tracks for Reference
For further assistance in identification, refer to these images of raccoon paw prints found in attic environments.
Get Professional Raccoon Removal Assistance
If you’re experiencing a wildlife issue, particularly with raccoons, remember that professional help is available. Contact a local wildlife control service to assess the situation and implement a safe and effective removal plan.
