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Raccoons in New Jersey: Damage, Health Risks & Removal

Racoon

What Are Raccoons?

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are medium-sized mammals native to North America, recognized by their distinctive “mask” of black fur around their eyes and their ringed tails. Highly adaptable, raccoons thrive in both wild and urban environments. While they are intelligent and resourceful, raccoons often become serious nuisance pests when they invade attics, chimneys, garages, or trash areas in search of food and shelter.

Are Raccoons Harmful?

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  • Property Damage: Raccoons tear into attics, soffits, and roof vents, shredding insulation and chewing wiring.

  • Health Risks: Known carriers of rabies, roundworms, leptospirosis, and other diseases.

  • Contamination: Droppings and urine can contaminate insulation, flooring, and stored items.

  • Pet & Human Safety: Aggressive if cornered; may attack pets or defend nests.

  • Garbage Raids: Knock over trash cans, scatter food waste, and create sanitation issues.

racoon with hands together

Raccoon Control​

Racoon in woods

  • Because raccoons are protected wildlife, professional removal is the safest and most effective option.

  • Inspection: Locate entry points, nests, or signs of raccoon activity.

  • Exclusion: Seal vents, chimneys, soffits, and roof gaps after removal.

  • Habitat Modification: Secure garbage cans, remove outdoor food, and trim trees near roofs.

  • Humane Trapping & Relocation: Licensed wildlife professionals handle raccoons legally and safely.

  • Sanitation & Repair: Clean and disinfect droppings, and repair insulation or wiring damage.

Raccoons Appearance​

  • Size: 2–3 feet long, weighing 10–30 pounds.

  • Color: Grayish-brown fur with a black “mask” and ringed tail.

  • Body: Stocky build with dexterous front paws, able to open latches, lids, and containers.

  • Behavior: Nocturnal, highly intelligent, and excellent climbers.

Raccoons Habitat​​

  • Outdoors: Woodlands, wetlands, and urban environments.

  • Urban/Suburban: Attics, chimneys, sheds, garages, and under decks.

  • Behavior: Opportunistic feeders, active mainly at night.

Raccoons Diet​

Kind pest logo

  • Raccoons are omnivores with a highly varied diet:

  • Natural Foods: Fruits, nuts, berries, insects, frogs, fish, and small animals.

  • Human Foods: Garbage, compost, pet food, bird seed, and garden crops.

  • Adaptability: Thrive on whatever food sources are available.

Raccoons Life Cycle​

  • Breeding: Occurs in late winter (January–March).

  • Gestation: About 63 days.

  • Young: Litters of 2–5 kits are born in spring.

  • Development: Kits stay with their mother for several months, learning to forage.

  • Lifespan: Typically 2–3 years in the wild, though some live longer in urban areas.

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