The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is about the size of a small dog, and is most notable for its black mask and bushy ringed tail.  Raccoons are common throughout the state and occur everywhere there are trees, the cavities of which they often use.   Raccoons are omnivorous feeding on fruits, plant material, eggs, crustaceans, small animals, and garbage.  Raccoons usually become active in the late afternoon and throughout the night.

Problem raccoons are usually the result of chronic feeding by humans. Wild raccoons accustomed to being fed will generally loose their natural fear of humans and seek to move closer to their food source--your house.  Once raccoons take up residence in your attic or outbuildings they can become very destructive and difficult to remove.

Prevention is the key to dealing with raccoon problems.   Do not feed raccoons!  Do what you can to eliminate their artificial food sources.  Bring in pet food at night and secure trash cans by either fastening the lid tightly or enclosing them in lockable bins.  Make sure bird feeders are not accessible to raccoons (i.e., raccoon-proofed). Use larger predator guards designed to keep raccoons off.

Raccoons should not be handled by inexperienced individuals because of the risk of rabies infection.   It is lawful for landowners to humanely destroy or live-trap nuisance raccoons without a permit from the FWC.  It is unlawful to transport raccoons, other than for the purpose of euthanasia.  Relocating wildlife is seldom biologically sound, the animal often does not survive.

You can receive technical assistance for raccoon problems by contacting your nearest FWC regional office. 

More Information

Wildlife Resources Handbook Information

Sample raccoon tracks from University of North Dakota and  British Columbia

Raccoon web

Texas wildlife information