Sean Halvorsen was surprised to find a raccoon on top of his McKenzie Lake residence, a sight his son first noticed a month ago. The unexpected encounter raised concerns about a possible raccoon issue at home. Unlike in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where raccoons are infamous for their mischievous behavior, Calgary’s raccoons tend to remain inconspicuous in the city’s forested areas and green spaces.
Following a neighbor’s report of a raccoon entering his garage, Halvorsen took action to address the situation. Opting for professional assistance from Calgary-based Peregrine General Pest Control, the raccoon was safely evicted without harm. Besides removing the raccoon, the pest control company conducted a thorough inspection of Halvorsen’s property to seal off potential entry points, preventing future wildlife incidents.
According to Stephen Hoare, service manager at Peregrine General Pest Control, raccoon-related calls have been increasing, with this year’s volume reaching record highs for the company. The escalation in calls is attributed to warmer winters, prompting raccoons to venture into urban areas more frequently. Hoare highlighted the company’s careful approach to raccoon removal, emphasizing strategies like using raccoon eviction lures and one-way doors to encourage the animals to relocate voluntarily.
Calgary’s raccoon population has seen a rise, with reports dating back three decades. With milder winters enabling raccoons to adapt and expand their range, they have been observed in various natural habitats within the city. While the growth in raccoon numbers presents challenges due to competition from other wildlife species like coyotes and bobcats, successful urban establishment depends on human behavior in managing attractants like pet food and unsecured garbage.
Despite the increasing encounters with raccoons in Calgary, wildlife biologist Sara Jordan-McLachlan highlighted the obstacles raccoons face in establishing themselves in urban areas. She emphasized the importance of responsible behavior to prevent habituating raccoons to human-provided resources, potentially leading to conflicts. The coexistence of raccoons and urban residents hinges on proactive measures to mitigate attractants and ensure wildlife safety in the city.
