Raccoons in daylight? In the winter? What’s going on?

Happy New Year! As we ponder many questions during the start of a new year the question we keep hearing over and over is…

Do raccoons and skunks hibernate?

1. Let us clear this up for you! Raccoons and skunks do not truly hibernate in winter, but “hole up” for days, weeks, or even months, depending on the weather. Family groups of raccoons usually remain together for the first year and the young will often den for the winter with the adult female. Although raccoons are primarily nocturnal, they do often get some stuff done during the day.

2. Skunks do not hibernate either but generally remain inactive during winter, surviving on their fat stores. However, they may leave the winter den for short periods during warm weather. Skunks are also nocturnal, usually active from early evening through the night.

Moral of this new year story… don’t be surprised if you see a raccoon or a skunk during the day and yes even during the winter! They may be coming out to find food or look for a new home. They can chew through roofs to nest in warm attics or look for a warm place underneath sheds like this guy – who got stuck trying to dig his way back out! He has obviously found plenty to eat so far this winter.

Call Gunning Wildlife Removal & Pest Control for affordable pest control and humane removal of wildlife from your home, business or property. Call 519-421-2677 or text 289-987-0390 serving Woodstock, London, Brantford, Kitchener, Waterloo, Stratford and surrounding areas. Learn more