Sean Halvorsen was surprised to find a raccoon on his roof at his McKenzie Lake residence, a situation he never expected. The sighting occurred when his son noticed the black-and-white critter perched atop their house. This event led Halvorsen to realize that he may have a raccoon issue.
Raccoons are not commonly seen in most parts of Alberta due to the region’s harsh winters and the presence of numerous predators. Unlike cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where raccoons are known as mischievous “trash pandas,” Calgary’s raccoons tend to stay hidden in the city’s forested areas and green spaces.
After a neighbor informed Halvorsen that a raccoon had entered his garage a couple of weeks later, he took action. Hearing noises in the roof confirmed his suspicion of a raccoon problem. Despite finding raccoons cute, Halvorsen decided they were unwelcome guests in his home and sought professional help from Calgary-based Peregrine General Pest Control. The company successfully removed the raccoon without causing harm.
Peregrine General Pest Control’s service manager, Stephen Hoare, noted an increase in calls regarding raccoon issues, with this year experiencing one of the highest volumes of raccoon-related calls. The company has seen a significant rise in raccoon calls over the years due to milder winters leading to more raccoon sightings.
Methods used by the pest control company include utilizing raccoon eviction lures to encourage female raccoons with young to relocate voluntarily. Hoare emphasized the importance of humane methods, avoiding lethal control whenever possible.
Raccoon populations in Calgary are concentrated in natural areas such as Fish Creek Provincial Park, Weaselhead Flats, and Carburn Park. Sara Jordan-McLachlan, a wildlife biologist, highlighted the adaptability of raccoons to milder winters, allowing them to thrive and expand their range in urban settings.
Despite facing challenges from coyotes and bobcats in Calgary, raccoons are adapting to urban life. Human behavior plays a crucial role in determining if raccoons can successfully establish themselves in urban areas. Leaving out food sources and not securing garbage can habituate raccoons to human presence, potentially leading to conflicts.
In conclusion, Calgary residents and pest control services are encountering an increasing number of raccoon incidents, signaling a need for coexistence strategies to mitigate potential conflicts between humans and wildlife.