Raccoons, with their masked faces and curious nature, are common wildlife visitors in many areas. One of the clearest signs they’ve been around is the distinctive marks they leave behind: their paw prints. Recognizing a Raccoon Paw Print can be the first step in understanding if these creatures are frequenting your property and what actions you might need to take. Raccoon tracks, often mistaken for small human handprints, offer valuable clues into the presence and activities of these nocturnal animals.
Identifying Raccoon Paw Prints: Front vs. Back
Raccoon paws are remarkably dexterous, resembling miniature human hands. Both their front and hind paws have five toes, but there are subtle differences to help distinguish them.
- Front Paw Prints: These tracks often look like small handprints, typically measuring 2 to 3 inches long and wide. The five toes are spread out around a palm pad, resembling fingers extending from a palm. The claws may or may not be visible in the print.
- Hind Paw Prints: Similar to the front paws with five toes, hind paw prints are usually longer, around 3 to 4 inches in length, due to an elongated heel. This heel may sink deeper into softer surfaces, making the hind print appear more extended than the front print.
Raccoon tracks on a wall, close-up view showing five toes
Understanding Raccoon Gait and Track Patterns
Raccoons have a peculiar way of walking, known as a pacing gait. This means they move both limbs on one side of their body together, rather than alternating sides like many other mammals. Consequently, raccoon tracks often appear in a side-by-side pattern, or slightly staggered, rather than in a straight line. They carry a significant amount of weight on their hindquarters, which can sometimes make the hind prints more pronounced. You might find raccoon paw prints in various substrates, from mud and soft soil to dust in attics. Their tendency to walk through muddy areas is why you might even find raccoon prints on unexpected surfaces like vehicles or outdoor furniture.
Clear raccoon paw prints in attic dust, showing five toes and pad marks
Why Raccoon Paw Prints Can Be a Cause for Concern
Discovering raccoon paw prints around your home isn’t just about identifying wildlife; it can also signal potential health and property concerns. Raccoons are known to establish latrines, which are communal defecation sites. These sites, often found in places like attics, garages, or near walls, can harbor roundworm eggs in raccoon feces. Disturbing dried droppings can release these eggs into the air, posing a risk of roundworm infection to humans through inhalation. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection, is another disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans through contact with animal waste. Therefore, identifying raccoon tracks can alert you to potential areas of contamination and the need for caution.
Raccoon tracks on house exterior, showing size and toe details
Where to Locate Raccoon Paw Prints Around Your Property
If you suspect raccoons are present, there are several common locations where you might find their tracks.
- Attics: Dusty surfaces in attics are ideal for capturing clear raccoon paw prints. Tracks on insulation or ductwork are common indicators.
- Walls: Raccoons can climb walls and may leave tracks on exterior walls or even interior walls if they gain access inside.
- House Exterior: Check around the foundation, windowsills, and areas where raccoons might climb onto roofs or enter crawl spaces.
- Outside Areas: Muddy patches in gardens, along pathways, and around water sources are prime locations for finding raccoon tracks. They may also leave prints on decks, patios, and even cars if they are exploring these areas.
Multiple raccoon tracks on a surface, showing gait pattern
Raccoon tracks in mud, clearly showing five toes and pad shape
What to Do If You Identify Raccoon Paw Prints
Identifying raccoon paw prints is a crucial first step in addressing potential wildlife issues on your property. While fascinating to observe, their presence can indicate risks. If you consistently find raccoon tracks, especially in areas like your attic or around your home’s perimeter, it’s wise to investigate further. It may be time to consider professional wildlife removal services to ensure safe and humane removal and to prevent potential health hazards associated with raccoon presence. Recognizing these tracks empowers you to take informed action to protect your home and health.
