Q4. What does the name "Raccoon" mean in Algonquin? (P40)
Toronto's Real Masked Bandits
Love them or love them not so much, we have one of the
highest densities of raccoons in the world
By Beth Parker
Every night there is a sighting. A rustle in a tree, a high pitch
screech from a back shed, then a dark shadow lumbering
across the sidewalk in front of you or knocking over a
garbage can. One particularly sunny June morning, a group of
us were gathered to watch the finals of a baseball game when we
were "showered" by a raccoon going about his morning toilet.
But love them or love them not so much, raccoons are here to
stay. In fact, as their natural habitat in rural areas shrink, raccoon
populations are now actually the densest in suburban and urban
areas. The truth is, they like it here!
In the Beaches, raccoons have adapted extremely well to city life.
Just imagine their daily routine. Night or day, they roam freely
in our abundance of parks and ravines, just like their cousins up
north! But when they need a warm, safe place to stay at night,
they crawl into an attic or shed; wash and play in a nearby
heated pool or hot tub; and snack whenever they are hungry
simply by opening up the nearest garbage can or stealing organic
vegetables from a community garden!
Why Toronto
It is no wonder that we witness raccoon mischief every night.
It is estimated that there are more than 16 raccoons per square
kilometre in Toronto. That means over 10,000 raccoons in
our city. Extremely adaptable and with few predators except
automobiles, our city raccoons actually grow bigger and stronger
living among us. One of the reasons that city raccoons are so
large (some would say "fat") is that they don’t have to travel far
to find food and their diets are fattening (because they are eating
what we are eating!)
Some people are alarmed when they see raccoons awake during
the day, but this is unnecessary unless the animal appears sick.
Although mostly nocturnal, a determined female will look
for food in daylight hours especially if she is feeding a family.
Although in the wild, raccoons make their homes in tree
hollows, logs, or rocky caverns, in urban areas, they nest in
drainpipes, basements, crawl spaces, house attics and even the
smoke shelf in your uncapped chimneys.
"He who scratches with his hands"
Raccoons are known by their amazing ability to use their paws
as hands. They "wash" their hands in water prior to eating and
are extremely good at manipulating latches and doorways, even
turning doorknobs and handles. Native Algonquin tribes were
the ones who gave the Raccoon its name – "raccoon" comes
from the Algonquin word arakun, which means "he who
scratches with his hands".
Contrary to previous speculation, however, raccoons are not
actually concerned with washing their food. They "dip" what
they find to eat in water because they are mimicking fishing for
their meal, a normal behaviour for them in the wild.
Raccoons evolved from a species that existed before the dog
family. They are very intelligent and their curiosity makes them
fairly social. Raccoons may appear bold but usually are not
aggressive except during mating season or when defending their
young. When necessary, however, their strength, teeth, and claws
equip them to defend themselves effectively. Raccoons have keen
senses of smell and hearing, and are very agile. They can quickly
climb trees, fences, and even the occasional high rise apartment
building.

Raccoons and Rabies
Because they are warm blooded mammals, raccoons certainly can carry the rabies virus.
This is why all dogs and cats in the city are required by law to be vaccinated and humans
are advised never to deliberately approach or try and touch a raccoon. Although "cute"
and social, raccoons are wild animals and should be reported to authorities if they appear
tame, injured or sick.
Help me with my raccoon problem!
For ideas on how to deter raccoons, visit: toronto.ca/animal_services/raccoon.htm
To remove or control raccoons, contact:
All About Animals Professional Wildlife Control at 416-264-6257
or AAA Animal & Bird Control Inc at 416-487-9453.
Raccoons that show abnormal or sick
behaviour should be reported to Toronto
Animal Services at 416-338-7297.
Some raccoon myths & facts
Raccoons are definitely a
nuisance when it comes to
feeding on our garbage but they
should never be harmed. They
do not mean to cause trouble
and there are many steps you
can take to discourage them
from causing trouble on your
property (see www.toronto.ca/
animal_services/raccoon.htm).
Here are some other things to know:
- Raccoons do not seek out cats
to eat but they do occasionally
mistake a kitten as prey (so be
careful).
- Raccoons rarely fight with
each other (but they do make
loud grunting noises that are
definitely "unfriendly raccoon
words"!)
- Although not aggressive, a
protective raccoon mom can
get nasty if she thinks her
babies are threatened.
- A bright light or a radio
playing is a safe way to
discourage a raccoon from
hanging around.
- Baby raccoons cry like puppies
while waiting for dinner
- Raccoons will dig up your
garden if it is infested with
grubs. Sometimes cayenne
pepper helps deter them.
- Raccoons at the Toronto Zoo
are fed fruits, vegetables and
dog chow. So lock up your pet
food storage containers. They
love the stuff!
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