Raccoons seek shelter during winter to spend the extreme cold safely. But do raccoons hibernate like other animals?
Well, the answer is complex. But if you are in a hurry and looking for a quick answer, the answer is “No.” Raccoons do not hibernate in the way most animal does.
There is another condition that makes them survive the extreme cold of winters. So, what that condition is and how does it differ from true hibernation? Let’s find out here.
What does a raccoon do when it is freezing?
Each animal has different survival techniques to tackle all weather conditions. The same goes for raccoons. They are nocturnal animals that roam at night. However, they seek shelter in winter for a few days.
But that is not hibernation. Instead, they enter torpor. Torpor can be named a semi-hibernation state in which the animal slows its metabolism to survive extreme cold and food scarcity.
This condition may mimic hibernation but does not possess all the characteristics. Raccoons and some other creatures use this technique to spend winters. However, they can go through this state more than once.
What is the difference between hibernation and torpor?
Hibernation is a state of low metabolism, less heartbeat, less activity, and a deep sleep. This technique is used by several species, such as bears, lemurs, groundhogs, and bats, to survive cold and food scarcity.
This is a voluntary action, and an animal needs to be prepared for it. The preparation includes:
- Finding a safe place to hibernate
- Eating as much food as possible to store fats
The saved fat will keep them alive. However, metabolism slows down due to no activity. After hibernation, the animal may have lost some of its body weight. Hibernation lasts some weeks to months. The longest ever hibernation ever recorded is of 9 months.
On the other hand, torpor is a state of semi-hibernation which usually lasts a few hours to days. Torpor is different from hibernation in several ways. First, it does not last longer. Second, it is an involuntary action. Third, the bodily processes do slow down as much as in hibernation.
Torpor can happen many times in winter. In summer, it is referred to as aestivation.
Where do raccoons spend their winter?
They mostly spend their winter in torpor. They enter into a torpor state when temperatures reach below 15 degrees Celsius. But before this, they must seek shelter to protect themselves from predators. Also, they eat a lot of food to store fats. If they do not, they will likely lose half of their body weight in torpor.
They often seek shelter in abandoned places, homes (attics, crawl spaces, chimneys, woodpiles, and under decks), and tree holes.
Their prime focus is to look for quiet, warm, and dark places due to their nocturnal nature.
Also, they change their dens frequently. So, if a raccoon has sought shelter in a home during torpor, it is less likely to spend the next torpor in the same place. However, they often return to the same place during the breeding season, which starts in spring.
Are raccoons dangerous?
Raccoons are less dangerous than wild animals, such as bears, foxes, and cougars. However, you can still contact a pest control agency for their removal. The reason is straightforward. Raccoons are among those creatures that carry rabies. Also, they can attack when they feel threatened. Especially the females who protect their young fiercely.
If they bite you, you will likely get affected by fatal diseases. They usually avoid confrontation. They are shy but do not take them lightly. Raccoons are among the most intelligent animals. They are very good at climbing and problem-solving.
If you try to scare them, they will become comfortable with it soon. Okay, what to do if a family of raccoons is living in your house? In that scenario, they are likely to chew insulation wires, create small holes, dig up your yard, and leave their excrement, which can spread diseases.
How to get rid of a raccoon?
What to do to get rid of them. Your best bet is to get expert help like Blythewood Wildlife Removal, they can help you with this.
This company is an expert in wildlife removal and can also help to get rid of raccoons. They will thoroughly inspect your property to identify the severity of the issue and then help you accordingly. Try not to handle a raccoon and call for professional help.
I hope this article helped you a lot.
