Raccoons, any solutions?

[allegraf]

So we got hit by some determined animal. We suspect it was a raccoon, luckily all the torts were inside due to the cold. Looks like they got 3-4 clutches. At least I learned some new areas the torts are laying. Any suggestions to protect my torts?

 

[dmmj]

a gun or a rifle permanent solution

 

[Anyfoot]

So we got hit by some determined animal. We suspect it was a raccoon, luckily all the torts were inside due to the cold. Looks like they got 3-4 clutches. At least I learned some new areas the torts are laying. Any suggestions to protect my torts?View attachment 165158View attachment 165159View attachment 165160View attachment 165161

We don't get raccoons or predators of that sort. Could you set a trap and drop it off miles away.

 

[cdmay]

Looks like a possum or raccoon.
Both bad.
In your case the only practical solution is to monitor the females.
You can trap and release elsewhere the 'coons and possum. But others will simply fill the void. So the only option is to quit your job and stand by with a shotgun.
Sorry darling.

 

[allegraf]

Looks like a possum or raccoon.
Both bad.
In your case the only practical solution is to monitor the females.
You can trap and release elsewhere the 'coons and possum. But others will simply fill the void. So the only option is to quit your job and stand by with a shotgun.
Sorry darling.

I'm hoping my neighbor will take care of it. He has chickens. Last sign of coons or possum were four years ago according to the neighbor. He wouldn't tell me what happened to the raccoon except it involved his pit bulls, a tree and a shovel. Since we have been here (3 years) we haven't had any issues. Then we got raided last night. We are going to keep all the torts inside until Thursday, the next warming up period. it is likely some of the girls may have another clutch planned. Thinking of calling a trapper just to get rid of the immediate problem. Hopefully keeping everyone inside for the next few days, robbing the critter of its food source will encourage it to move on.

 

[Tony the tank]

Electric fence....my Sulcatas and Russians stay out year round..at the beginning I would see bear tracks next to the enclosure..it's been over 3 yrs and no more bears... no raccoons , no possums.

 

[cdmay]

I'm hoping my neighbor will take care of it. He has chickens. Last sign of coons or possum were four years ago according to the neighbor. He wouldn't tell me what happened to the raccoon except it involved his pit bulls, a tree and a shovel. Since we have been here (3 years) we haven't had any issues. Then we got raided last night. We are going to keep all the torts inside until Thursday, the next warming up period. it is likely some of the girls may have another clutch planned. Thinking of calling a trapper just to get rid of the immediate problem. Hopefully keeping everyone inside for the next few days, robbing the critter of its food source will encourage it to move on.

They won't move on. Trust me.
I have traps, come get them...use sardines for bait,
Not that I've ever trapped them, you know.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

 

[dmmj]

I've never had raccoon and I wonder how it tastes

 

[Tom]

We don't get raccoons or predators of that sort. Could you set a trap and drop it off miles away.

This would be torture.

 

[Tom]

I've never had raccoon and I wonder how it tastes

Kind of gamey. Grisely too.

 

[dmmj]

okay I think I'll pass then

 

[Tom]

I'm hoping my neighbor will take care of it. He has chickens. Last sign of coons or possum were four years ago according to the neighbor. He wouldn't tell me what happened to the raccoon except it involved his pit bulls, a tree and a shovel. Since we have been here (3 years) we haven't had any issues. Then we got raided last night. We are going to keep all the torts inside until Thursday, the next warming up period. it is likely some of the girls may have another clutch planned. Thinking of calling a trapper just to get rid of the immediate problem. Hopefully keeping everyone inside for the next few days, robbing the critter of its food source will encourage it to move on.

Some people have reported success with motion activated sprinklers.

I like the electric fence idea too.

Continual trapping will work too, but releasing them in foreign territory almost guarantees a torturous death. I would recommend humane euthanasia for trapped raccoons.

 

[dmmj]

as much as I despise Coons I don't want a torturous death
for them

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

I'm awake much to late. 3:15am my time. I use hotlines around my outside pen. It's about 4" above the top edge. I'll explain more when I'm properly awake come Sunday LATE morning.
That said, I use hotline tape, not "wire" with mine. It's easier to see, so easier to remember. And I learned this with livestock and it seems to work with the wild life as well. If the critter gets "zapped" below the eyes, they jump backwards, if "zapped" above the eyes, they tend to lunge forward. This is not good for tortoise or turtle. Just climb proof the habit so your shelled one can't reach the hotline. Luck to you.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Raccoons can't resist apples in a trap.
You also won't accidentally catch anything else with an apple.
Catch them and humanely shoot them.
There is no other option. They can UNdo anything that you do and they will not be deterred.

 

[cdmay]

Some people have reported success with motion activated sprinklers.


Continual trapping will work too, but releasing them in foreign territory almost guarantees a torturous death. I would recommend humane euthanasia for trapped raccoons.

Tom, I wasn't aware of this. Is releasing in others areas always a death sentence for raccoons? Palm Beach is literally crawling with raccoons (and not just the Donald Trump types either) and I've released a lot of them where I work, which has a large wooded area adjacent to the property I manage. But I've never encountered a dead one---except on the roads of course.
Good info, thanks.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

I've never had raccoon and I wonder how it tastes

Tastes like chicken …

 

[allegraf]

Tom, I wasn't aware of this. Is releasing in others areas always a death sentence for raccoons? Palm Beach is literally crawling with raccoons (and not just the Donald Trump types either) and I've released a lot of them where I work, which has a large wooded area adjacent to the property I manage. But I've never encountered a dead one---except on the roads of course.
Good info, thanks.

I was curious about that too, I'm in a more rural are with a giant preserve close by. I was thinking of trapping and relocating. Anyone have thoughts of using cayenne and black pepper to affect their sensitive noses and deter them that way?

 

[Loohan]

Yeah, Havahart trap with 1/2 sardine in it.
And have a barrel of water nearby to drop entire trap in (after securing trap so it doesn't open with the struggle).
Come back a few minutes later. Possums take longer to drown than coons.
Not totally humane, but the best i've come up with.