Increased urbanization and decreased government funding, plus increased numbers of certain wildlife species, have combined to provide a greater need for wildlife management of nuisance animals in the urban environment

Clark, Kevin D.

English

Increased urbanization and decreased government funding, plus increased numbers of certain wildlife species, have combined to provide a greater need for wildlife management of nuisance animals in the urban environment.  The author cites data from a 1989 National Pest Control Association survey of private wildlife pest control services, which notes that the most common species complaints deal with mice and rats, squirrels, birds, and bats, followed by raccoons, skunks, moles, and others.  The biology of, damage caused by, and effective damage control methods for tree squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and opossums are discussed

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Managing raccoons, skunks, and opossums in urban settings

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University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest 
Conference (1994) 
Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings 
collection 
February 1994 
MANAGING RACCOONS, SKUNKS, AND OPOSSUMS IN URBAN 
SETTINGS 
Kevin D. Clark 
Critter Control, Inc., 640 Starkweather, Plymouth, Michigan 48170 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc16 
 Part of the Environmental Health and Protection Commons 
Clark, Kevin D., "MANAGING RACCOONS, SKUNKS, AND OPOSSUMS IN URBAN SETTINGS" (1994). 
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994). 10. 
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc16/10 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection at 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Proceedings of the Sixteenth 
Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994) by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - 
Lincoln. 
MANAGING RACCOONS, SKUNKS, AND OPOSSUMS IN URBAN SETTINGS 
KEVIN D. CLARK, Critter Control, Inc., 640 Starkweather, Plymouth, Michigan 48170. 
ABSTRACT:   Increased urbanization and decreased government funding, plus increased numbers of certain wildlife 
species, have combined to provide a greater need for wildlife management of nuisance animals in the urban environment. 
Proc. 16th Vertebr. Pest Conf. (W.S. Halverson& A.C. Crabb, 
Eds.)  Published at Univ. of Calif., Davis.   1994. 
INTRODUCTION 
The pest control industry has been increasingly called 
upon to face this challenge, and the pest control operator 
(PCO), when properly trained, is well suited to provide 
wildlife removal services. They generally have the basic 
tools and equipment (ladders, flashlights, traps) to handle 
pest animal problems. PCOs must not only be aware of 
the biological aspects of wildlife pest control, but must be 
well versed in the sociological aspects as well. Integrated 
pest management, utilizing ecologically responsible 
control techniques, customer education and a realistic 
expectation of what results are to be achieved pave the 
way to successful urban wildlife management. 
Most nuisance wildlife problems occur in urban and 
suburban environments simply because you have large 
numbers of people who are often unfamiliar with wildlife, 
and large numbers of various wild birds and animals 
displaced by urban sprawl. While we hear a lot about 
endangered and declining species, many animals (deer, 
geese, raccoons) have adapted well and are more 
numerous today than 100 years ago. 
To some people the sight of a raccoon in the yard is 
a rewarding wildlife encounter—to another person it may 
be a frightening experience in which they perceive a 
threat to their own safety. 
The modern urban American faced with a wildlife 
problem today is torn by conflicting emotions of dealing 
with an animal that is both a pest and an aesthetic 
enhancement to the quality of life in the city. When there 
is a conflict, the home owner rarely has the tools or 
know-how to alleviate the problem. Unfortunately, some 
people don't care how the problem is solved, be it with 
guns, poisons or indiscriminate use of steel traps-which 
may lead to secondary poisoning, injured wildlife, and 
negative public relations. 
Table 1 takes a look at what the pest control industry 
is doing in the field of nuisance wildlife control: (Table 
#1 of 1989 NPCA Vertebrate Control Survey). 
Table 2 takes a look at the preferred control 
techniques of PCOs: (NPCA Vertebrate Control Survey 
Table #2). 
COMMON NUISANCE ANIMALS 
Tree Squirrels - (classified as game animals in most 
states) 
Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger), grey squirrels (Sciurus 
carolinensis, griseus) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus 
hudsonicus, douglasii) are diurnal, and usually feed on 
mast (fruit, nuts). Flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans, 
sabrinus) are nocturnal, and in addition to mast, they also 
eat bird eggs, nestlings, and insects. 
Squirrels usually breed at one year old, normally in 
January and June, and have a 42 to 45 day gestation. A 
litter usually contains two to three young that are weaned 
at 10 to 12 weeks. They live up to four years old in the 
wild. 
Squirrels nest in tree cavities, leaf nests, attics, and 
have a home range of 1 to 100 acres, but may migrate up 
to 50 miles. Damage concerns include their chewing 
bark, raiding crops and bird feeders and gnawing wires. 
They travel powerlines, short out transformers, enter 
dwellings for shelter and to raise young. 
Trapping techniques for squirrels include cage traps 
for live-trap and release (bait with nuts/peanut-butter), 
body-gripping and snap-traps for lethal control. Glue-
boards are not recommended.   Traps should be set in a 
Table 2.  NPCA Vertebrate Control Survey 1989 (N=440) 
 
317
Table 2.  NPCA Vertebrate Control Survey 1989 
 
 
line of travel outside the den. There is poor light in the 
attic—it is a shelter, not a feeding site. Common entries 
are roof vents, louvre vents, soffit vents, construction 
gaps, and rotten fascia boards. 
Other management tools for squirrels include 
trimming trees back 8 to 12 feet from structure. Use 
sheet metal, hardware-cloth, or other impervious materials 
to board up entry holes. Be sure all squirrels are 
removed prior to closing entries. Squirrel repellents 
include tactiles and taste repellents. Shooting may be 
performed outdoors in rural areas, but is not 
recommended in urban areas or enclosed spaces. 
Squirrels in the fireplace can be removed with a 
control stick. Squirrels in the basement almost always 
come in through the furnace chimney and can be removed 
with a trap or control stick. Cover chimneys with NFPA 
221 approved chimney caps. 
Toxicants (ZP) are not recommended as animals may 
die in wall voids and cause odor problems. There may 
also be a secondary hazard to pets (i.e., dogs), and kids 
trying to assist a sick animal may be bitten. 
RACCOONS (Procyon lotor) 
Raccoons are nocturnal, two to three feet long, and 
average 10 to 20 pounds. They are usually classified as 
a fur-bearer or game animal. Raccoons are omnivorous, 
eating both plant and animal foods. 
Raccoons usually breed in February and March, with 
a 60 day gestation, and have one litter per year. Young 
open their eyes at about three weeks of age. There are 
usually three to five young in April, May or June, and are 
weaned at 10 to 15 weeks. 
Nests may be in tree cavities, ground burrows, 
sewers, attics, garages, etc. Raccoons do not truly 
hibernate, but hole up for days, weeks, or even months 
depending on the weather. Their home range is 3 to 20 
square miles for males, one to six square miles for 
females. Home ranges may be less in urban areas where 
there is easier access to life requirements. 
Damage concerns for raccoons include preying on 
birds, nests and feeders, and garden crops (especially 
sweet corn). They are notorious garbage can raiders, and 
will roll sod for worms, grubs, and insects. They enter 
dwellings (attics, crawl spaces) for shelter in the winter, 
and to raise young in the springtime, often causing 
damage to vents and shingles. Raccoons enter chimneys 
(both fireplace and furnace) and rest behind the damper 
in a fireplace. 
Trapping techniques include cage traps for live-trap 
and release (cat-food, fish, chicken for bait). You can 
use marshmallows to reduce non-target catches. Body-
gripping traps are used for lethal control as a last resort. 
Set live-traps in line of travel outside den. Blind set or 
den set body-grip traps over entry hole for lethal capture. 
Common entries are roof vents, louvre vents, soffit 
vents, construction gaps, rotten fascia boards, chimneys, 
and they may even rip through the roof if wood is soft. 
Leg-hold traps are not recommended for PCO work in 
urban areas. 
Other management tools for raccoons include 
trimming trees back four to eight feet from structures, use 
sheet metal or hardware-cloth to board up entry holes. 
Be sure all raccoons are removed prior to closing entries. 
Repellents are generally ineffective on raccoons, 
although you may use ammonia in garbage cans (do not 
use moth-balls) to discourage garbage can raids. 
Shooting outdoors may be allowed in rural areas, but is 
not recommended in urban areas or enclosed spaces. 
Raccoons in the fireplace can be removed with chimney 
rods, brush, and a control stick. Raccoons in basement 
almost always come in through the furnace chimney. 
Remove them with a trap or control stick, and cover 
chimneys only with approved chimneys caps. No 
toxicants are registered for raccoons. 
SKUNKS 
Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are usually not 
protected, while the spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius), 
hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus leuconotus) and hooded 
skunk {Mephitis macroura) may be protected in some 
states. 
318 
Skunks are nocturnal, two feet long, and weigh six to 
eight pounds. They are slow and deliberate—confident 
they can defend themselves. They discharge musk from 
the anal gland, and are capable of several shots, 10 to IS 
feet with accuracy. Skunks are omnivorous (eat both 
plant and animal foods) and prefer insects in summer, 
mice in winter. 
They usually breed in February or March, have a 
seven to ten week gestation period, with usually one litter 
per year. There are usually four to six young that stay 
with the female until fall. 
Skunks usually nest in ground burrows or crawl 
spaces, although spotted skunks climb and may go in 
attics or trees. They may be dormant for approximately 
four to six weeks in the coldest part of winter. Their 
home range is one to two square miles, while males may 
travel four to five miles during breeding season. 
Damage concerns include garbage can raids, bee hive 
damage, loss of bird eggs, etc. They dig holes in sod for 
worms, grubs and insects, and may live under dwellings 
(porches, crawl spaces, sheds) causing objectionable 
odors. 
Trapping techniques include covered cage traps (cover 
with canvas or blanket) for live-trapping, using cat-food, 
fish or chicken for bait. Body-gripping traps may be used 
for lethal control but will usually result in release of 
scent. Skunks are generally mild-tempered and give 
warnings (stomp feet when nervous). If you avoid loud 
noises, quick and aggressive actions, and handle the cage 
gently there are usually no problems. Set traps near 
entrance to den with blind set or den set over entry hole. 
Common entries are under porches, sheds and crawl 
spaces. 
Other management tools include using hardware-cloth 
for installing rat-walls. When sealing entry holes, be sure 
all skunks are removed prior to closing entries. 
Repellents are generally ineffective. Shooting outdoors 
may be allowed in rural areas, but is not recommended in 
urban areas or enclosed spaces. Skunks will usually spray 
if shot. Electric fence may be used for site specific 
exclusion. No toxicants are registered for skunk control. 
Habitat modification (cleaning up wood piles/brush) and 
reducing access will help. 
OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana) 
Opossum are nocturnal, approximately three feet long 
with tail, have a long pointed face, and weigh five to ten 
pounds. They eat animal matter (insects, carrion) and 
have a home range of 10 to 50 acres. 
Opossum usually breed from January to July, have 
two litters per year, average seven young that stay in a 
pouch for seven to eight weeks (marsupial), then stay 
with the mother another six to seven weeks before 
weaning. 
Damage concerns include raids on garbage cans, bird 
feeders, pet food and bird nests. 
Trapping techniques include cage traps for live-trap 
and release (cat-food, fish, chicken), and body-gripping 
traps for lethal control (usually not needed; only as a last 
resort). 
Set traps in line of travel outside den (not inside), or 
blind set or den set over entry hole. 
WHAT TO DO WITH THE ANIMALS 
Relocation is controversial. Stress from relocation 
and territorial disputes may cause high injury and 
mortality rates among relocated animals. Displaced 
animals are unfamiliar with food sources and shelter sites. 
Relocation is popular with most customers who feel 
that relocating an animal to suitable habitat gives animals 
another chance. There are not many practical ways to 
humanely euthanize animals for the average PCO, making 
relocation an easy option. 
There are needs for further research on relocation. 
Little research on urban wildlife relocation and mortality 
rates has been done. To obtain meaningful data, studies 
need to be done on a species by species, and season by 
season basis, with comparisons to mortality rates under 
normal conditions. 
Release on site is becoming increasingly popular, and 
a requirement in some states. Animals that are released 
after exclusion and/or habitat modification do not suffer 
relocation stress, although on site release may not be 
practical for some species (example-squirrels may cause 
additional damage trying to chew back in to food supply 
or young). 
SUMMARY 
There is a societal need for land development. As we 
continue to develop wildlife habitat there will continue to 
be conflicts between man and nature. Growing 
communications between government agencies and the 
private sector involved in urban wildlife management are 
called for, as are integrated control techniques, and 
customer and PCO education. 
319 


MANAGING RACCOONS, SKUNKS, AND OPOSSUMS IN URBAN SETTINGS

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994) Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection February 1994 MANAGING RACCOONS, SKUNKS, AND OPOSSUMS IN URBAN SETTINGS Kevin D. Clark Critter Control, Inc., 640 Starkweather, Plymouth, Michigan 48170 Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc16  Part of the Environmental Health and Protection Commons Clark, Kevin D., "MANAGING RACCOONS, SKUNKS, AND OPOSSUMS IN URBAN SETTINGS" (1994). Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994). 10. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc16/10 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994) by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. MANAGING RACCOONS, SKUNKS, AND OPOSSUMS IN URBAN SETTINGS KEVIN D. CLARK, Critter Control, Inc., 640 Starkweather, Plymouth, Michigan 48170. ABSTRACT:   Increased urbanization and decreased government funding, plus increased numbers of certain wildlife species, have combined to provide a greater need for wildlife management of nuisance animals in the urban environment. Proc. 16th Vertebr. Pest Conf. (W.S. Halverson& A.C. Crabb, Eds.)  Published at Univ. of Calif., Davis.   1994. INTRODUCTION The pest control industry has been increasingly called upon to face this challenge, and the pest control operator (PCO), when properly trained, is well suited to provide wildlife removal services. They generally have the basic tools and equipment (ladders, flashlights, traps) to handle pest animal problems. PCOs must not only be aware of the biological aspects of wildlife pest control, but must be well versed in the sociological aspects as well. Integrated pest management, utilizing ecologically responsible control techniques, customer education and a realistic expectation of what results are to be achieved pave the way to successful urban wildlife management. Most nuisance wildlife problems occur in urban and suburban environments simply because you have large numbers of people who are often unfamiliar with wildlife, and large numbers of various wild birds and animals displaced by urban sprawl. While we hear a lot about endangered and declining species, many animals (deer, geese, raccoons) have adapted well and are more numerous today than 100 years ago. To some people the sight of a raccoon in the yard is a rewarding wildlife encounter—to another person it may be a frightening experience in which they perceive a threat to their own safety. The modern urban American faced with a wildlife problem today is torn by conflicting emotions of dealing with an animal that is both a pest and an aesthetic enhancement to the quality of life in the city. When there is a conflict, the home owner rarely has the tools or know-how to alleviate the problem. Unfortunately, some people don't care how the problem is solved, be it with guns, poisons or indiscriminate use of steel traps-which may lead to secondary poisoning, injured wildlife, and negative public relations. Table 1 takes a look at what the pest control industry is doing in the field of nuisance wildlife control: (Table #1 of 1989 NPCA Vertebrate Control Survey). Table 2 takes a look at the preferred control techniques of PCOs: (NPCA Vertebrate Control Survey Table #2). COMMON NUISANCE ANIMALS Tree Squirrels - (classified as game animals in most states) Fox squirrels (Sciurus niger), grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis, griseus) and red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, douglasii) are diurnal, and usually feed on mast (fruit, nuts). Flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans, sabrinus) are nocturnal, and in addition to mast, they also eat bird eggs, nestlings, and insects. Squirrels usually breed at one year old, normally in January and June, and have a 42 to 45 day gestation. A litter usually contains two to three young that are weaned at 10 to 12 weeks. They live up to four years old in the wild. Squirrels nest in tree cavities, leaf nests, attics, and have a home range of 1 to 100 acres, but may migrate up to 50 miles. Damage concerns include their chewing bark, raiding crops and bird feeders and gnawing wires. They travel powerlines, short out transformers, enter dwellings for shelter and to raise young. Trapping techniques for squirrels include cage traps for live-trap and release (bait with nuts/peanut-butter), body-gripping and snap-traps for lethal control. Glue-boards are not recommended.   Traps should be set in a Table 2.  NPCA Vertebrate Control Survey 1989 (N=440)  317Table 2.  NPCA Vertebrate Control Survey 1989   line of travel outside the den. There is poor light in the attic—it is a shelter, not a feeding site. Common entries are roof vents, louvre vents, soffit vents, construction gaps, and rotten fascia boards. Other management tools for squirrels include trimming trees back 8 to 12 feet from structure. Use sheet metal, hardware-cloth, or other impervious materials to board up entry holes. Be sure all squirrels are removed prior to closing entries. Squirrel repellents include tactiles and taste repellents. Shooting may be performed outdoors in rural areas, but is not recommended in urban areas or enclosed spaces. Squirrels in the fireplace can be removed with a control stick. Squirrels in the basement almost always come in through the furnace chimney and can be removed with a trap or control stick. Cover chimneys with NFPA 221 approved chimney caps. Toxicants (ZP) are not recommended as animals may die in wall voids and cause odor problems. There may also be a secondary hazard to pets (i.e., dogs), and kids trying to assist a sick animal may be bitten. RACCOONS (Procyon lotor) Raccoons are nocturnal, two to three feet long, and average 10 to 20 pounds. They are usually classified as a fur-bearer or game animal. Raccoons are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal foods. Raccoons usually breed in February and March, with a 60 day gestation, and have one litter per year. Young open their eyes at about three weeks of age. There are usually three to five young in April, May or June, and are weaned at 10 to 15 weeks. Nests may be in tree cavities, ground burrows, sewers, attics, garages, etc. Raccoons do not truly hibernate, but hole up for days, weeks, or even months depending on the weather. Their home range is 3 to 20 square miles for males, one to six square miles for females. Home ranges may be less in urban areas where there is easier access to life requirements. Damage concerns for raccoons include preying on birds, nests and feeders, and garden crops (especially sweet corn). They are notorious garbage can raiders, and will roll sod for worms, grubs, and insects. They enter dwellings (attics, crawl spaces) for shelter in the winter, and to raise young in the springtime, often causing damage to vents and shingles. Raccoons enter chimneys (both fireplace and furnace) and rest behind the damper in a fireplace. Trapping techniques include cage traps for live-trap and release (cat-food, fish, chicken for bait). You can use marshmallows to reduce non-target catches. Body-gripping traps are used for lethal control as a last resort. Set live-traps in line of travel outside den. Blind set or den set body-grip traps over entry hole for lethal capture. Common entries are roof vents, louvre vents, soffit vents, construction gaps, rotten fascia boards, chimneys, and they may even rip through the roof if wood is soft. Leg-hold traps are not recommended for PCO work in urban areas. Other management tools for raccoons include trimming trees back four to eight feet from structures, use sheet metal or hardware-cloth to board up entry holes. Be sure all raccoons are removed prior to closing entries. Repellents are generally ineffective on raccoons, although you may use ammonia in garbage cans (do not use moth-balls) to discourage garbage can raids. Shooting outdoors may be allowed in rural areas, but is not recommended in urban areas or enclosed spaces. Raccoons in the fireplace can be removed with chimney rods, brush, and a control stick. Raccoons in basement almost always come in through the furnace chimney. Remove them with a trap or control stick, and cover chimneys only with approved chimneys caps. No toxicants are registered for raccoons. SKUNKS Striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) are usually not protected, while the spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius), hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus leuconotus) and hooded skunk {Mephitis macroura) may be protected in some states. 318 Skunks are nocturnal, two feet long, and weigh six to eight pounds. They are slow and deliberate—confident they can defend themselves. They discharge musk from the anal gland, and are capable of several shots, 10 to IS feet with accuracy. Skunks are omnivorous (eat both plant and animal foods) and prefer insects in summer, mice in winter. They usually breed in February or March, have a seven to ten week gestation period, with usually one litter per year. There are usually four to six young that stay with the female until fall. Skunks usually nest in ground burrows or crawl spaces, although spotted skunks climb and may go in attics or trees. They may be dormant for approximately four to six weeks in the coldest part of winter. Their home range is one to two square miles, while males may travel four to five miles during breeding season. Damage concerns include garbage can raids, bee hive damage, loss of bird eggs, etc. They dig holes in sod for worms, grubs and insects, and may live under dwellings (porches, crawl spaces, sheds) causing objectionable odors. Trapping techniques include covered cage traps (cover with canvas or blanket) for live-trapping, using cat-food, fish or chicken for bait. Body-gripping traps may be used for lethal control but will usually result in release of scent. Skunks are generally mild-tempered and give warnings (stomp feet when nervous). If you avoid loud noises, quick and aggressive actions, and handle the cage gently there are usually no problems. Set traps near entrance to den with blind set or den set over entry hole. Common entries are under porches, sheds and crawl spaces. Other management tools include using hardware-cloth for installing rat-walls. When sealing entry holes, be sure all skunks are removed prior to closing entries. Repellents are generally ineffective. Shooting outdoors may be allowed in rural areas, but is not recommended in urban areas or enclosed spaces. Skunks will usually spray if shot. Electric fence may be used for site specific exclusion. No toxicants are registered for skunk control. Habitat modification (cleaning up wood piles/brush) and reducing access will help. OPOSSUM (Didelphis virginiana) Opossum are nocturnal, approximately three feet long with tail, have a long pointed face, and weigh five to ten pounds. They eat animal matter (insects, carrion) and have a home range of 10 to 50 acres. Opossum usually breed from January to July, have two litters per year, average seven young that stay in a pouch for seven to eight weeks (marsupial), then stay with the mother another six to seven weeks before weaning. Damage concerns include raids on garbage cans, bird feeders, pet food and bird nests. Trapping techniques include cage traps for live-trap and release (cat-food, fish, chicken), and body-gripping traps for lethal control (usually not needed; only as a last resort). Set traps in line of travel outside den (not inside), or blind set or den set over entry hole. WHAT TO DO WITH THE ANIMALS Relocation is controversial. Stress from relocation and territorial disputes may cause high injury and mortality rates among relocated animals. Displaced animals are unfamiliar with food sources and shelter sites. Relocation is popular with most customers who feel that relocating an animal to suitable habitat gives animals another chance. There are not many practical ways to humanely euthanize animals for the average PCO, making relocation an easy option. There are needs for further research on relocation. Little research on urban wildlife relocation and mortality rates has been done. To obtain meaningful data, studies need to be done on a species by species, and season by season basis, with comparisons to mortality rates under normal conditions. Release on site is becoming increasingly popular, and a requirement in some states. Animals that are released after exclusion and/or habitat modification do not suffer relocation stress, although on site release may not be practical for some species (example-squirrels may cause additional damage trying to chew back in to food supply or young). SUMMARY There is a societal need for land development. As we continue to develop wildlife habitat there will continue to be conflicts between man and nature. Growing communications between government agencies and the private sector involved in urban wildlife management are called for, as are integrated control techniques, and customer and PCO education. 319 

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MANAGING RACCOONS, SKUNKS, AND OPOSSUMS IN URBAN SETTINGS

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