There is no mistaking the distinctive burglar's mask and tails rings of the raccoon. These fascinating creatures are a common sight in urban areas. On warm summer evenings, families with broods of four or five young can be seen shuffling across streets, wandering through backyards and alleys in search of food and shelter. Their tiny paws are very dexterous allowing them to perform such tasks as peeling cobs of corn and even opening doors. The raccoon population has grown as natural predators including coyotes have lost their natural habitats. Unfortunately, as raccoons and humans cross paths with increasing frequency the outcome is not always positive.

Raccoons have been a part of the urban landscape for many years and have become accustomed to people. They are not shy about moving into our garages, chimneys, attics, under decks, or anywhere they can find a warm dry spot. Homeowners may notice scratching sounds coming from the walls or the attic. Strange hisses, snarls or purrs may be heard around their property.

It can be more than merely unnerving to have raccoons in and around our homes, they often cause damage. They can occupy crawl spaces and woodpiles, find shelter under porches and stairs, and build nests in chimneys. They may chew wood and electrical wiring and leave unpleasant smelling droppings. Occasionally, they are not able to find their way out of crawl spaces and attics and die within the walls. If homeowners cannot remove the body they are forced to endure the odour for weeks until it dissipates.

Raccoons have been known to attack pets, in particular, engaging in violent scuffles with cats. Because rabies is a serious threat from wild animals, it is important to keep your pets up to date on vaccinations.

Prevention is far easier and less costly than dealing with an infestation problem. The first step is to animal-proof your home. These measures will not only protect against raccoons they will also deter bats, squirrels and skunks.

Garbage cans and compost piles are a veritable smorgasbord to raccoons. Their nimble front paws allow them to lift standard lids with ease. Place something heavy on the lids or consider purchasing special animal-proof containers with latches too complex for even the cleverest masked bandit. Sprinkling ammonia around the garbage and compost areas can also be effective.

Pet food is another unnatural though welcome food source for raccoons. Do not leave dog or cat food outdoors especially at night. Whenever possible, feed pets indoors.

Grease drippings on a barbeque can smell delicious to omnivorous raccoons. Clean up your barbecue after each use and if possible store inside a garage or shed. Although raccoons may not be able to open heavy barbeque lids, the strong smell will draw them to your home.

Discourage children from feeding wildlife. Animals can become dependent on human food forgoing their natural diet and leading to potentially dangerous encounters with pets and homeowners.

Openings in chimneys can be an invitation to raccoons, squirrels and birds. Ensure your chimney cap and flashing are in good repair. Wire mesh wrapped around the chimney vents provides added protection. Check your shingles to ensure that animals have not chewed holes or pried up loose shingles. Clean out leaves and debris from eaves troughs at least once a year - such debris can host countless insects, which are a food source for raccoons. Check under decks for signs of habitation. Ensure there are no openings into the garage or shed. Before sealing up any holes it's important to ensure you are not inadvertently trapping any animals inside the opening.

If you suspect raccoons have crawled into spaces in and around your home, there are a few easy ways to be sure. Sprinkle flour around the entrance. If any animals do enter or exit you will see their footprints. Another method is to crumble newspaper and gently plug the hole. If you return to find the paper has been moved, you'll know you have a visitor.

If you find that animals have entered your property, consider allowing several days to pass before taking action. Curious raccoons may simply be visiting rather than moving in. If you find that the raccoons are wearing out their welcome call local wildlife services (look under wildlife in the municipal government section of the yellow pages) or contact the ministry of environment in your area. Animal control companies are another option. Such companies may use variety of removal methods including poisonous bait and live traps. It is illegal in many parts of Canada to use leg hold traps. Remember, animal-proofing your home and eliminating whatever attracts raccoons to your property is the only permanent solution to raccoon infestation.

Raccoons are entertaining to observe in nature but may be less so when they become uninvited houseguests. By reducing attractants around the home and taking animal-proofing measures, you can keep wildlife where it belongs and is safest for both human and raccoon.