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Raccoons are about the size of a small dog and are most noted for their black mask and bushy ringed tail.  Most raccoons weigh 8-15 pounds. 

Raccoons are common throughout the state and occur everywhere there are trees offering the cavities they often use.  They also tend to stay near a reliable source of water and are commonly found in urban areas. 

Raccoons are amongst the most intelligent of Florida’s wildlife.  They feed on fruits, plant material, eggs, crustaceans, small animals, and even garbage.  They usually become active in the late afternoon and throughout the night, but may change this pattern according to food availability. 

1. Never feed raccoons! Placing food outside attracts wild animals and intentional feeding of raccoons is illegal as per Florida Statute 68A-4.001.
2. Talk to your neighbors and children about not leaving out food or trash. The best way to prevent problems is to secure attractants.
3. Remove fallen fruit, nuts and bird seed. If you have outdoor pets, place food dishes outside only for limited times.
4. Secure garbage can lids with a ratchet strap. Store garbage in a garage, shed or caddy until pick-up.
5. Supervise and leash dogs to reduce the risk of encounters. Healthy raccoons are unlikely to attack dogs unless threatened or cornered. Keep cats indoors to protect them from raccoons and other predators.
6. Deter raccoons with water sprayed from a hose or motion activated sprinkler. Enclose pools or try a visual deterrent such as a coyote or alligator decoy. Place a net over small ornamental fish ponds.
7. Raccoons may enter structures via pet doors. Lock your pet door at night or install one that opens with an electronic pet collar.
8. If a raccoon gets inside, stay calm and contain pets elsewhere. Close all doors to create a clear exit path. Gently nudge the raccoon using a broom or bang the broom on the ground to drive the raccoon towards the door. Never try to handle or corner a raccoon. Panicked animals may bite.
9. Prevent denning under homes by securing entry points. To determine if an opening is an entry point, block the opening loosely with leaves or wadded newspaper. Items pushed out of place after several days indicate use.
10. Raccoons may choose attics or chimneys as dens. Install chimney caps but first ensure no animals are present.
11. To eliminate access, close off all but one entry. Evict raccoons using a combination of harassment techniques such as bright lights, loud noises and strong unpleasant smells. Toss ammonia-soaked rags into the space and continuously light the area with a flashlight Play a radio loudly near the opening. After animals vacate, seal the access point using sheet metal, sturdy wire mesh or wood.
12. Trap and remove.

Information and photos are provided by: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  

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