Sean Halvorsen was surprised to find a raccoon on his roof at his McKenzie Lake residence, a rare sight in most of Alberta due to harsh winters and other predators. Unlike cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where raccoons are notorious for their mischievous behavior as “trash pandas,” Calgary’s raccoons typically stay hidden in the city’s forested and green areas.
After discovering a raccoon in his garage, Halvorsen sought professional help from Calgary-based Peregrine General Pest Control to safely remove the intruder. The company successfully evicted the raccoon without causing harm and conducted a thorough inspection of Halvorsen’s house to seal off potential entry points for future wildlife issues.
Peregrine General Pest Control has noted a significant increase in raccoon-related calls this year compared to previous years. The company’s service manager, Stephen Hoare, mentioned that warmer winters have likely contributed to the rise in raccoon encounters, with calls escalating by at least 10% annually.
To handle raccoon evictions effectively, the company uses tactics like raccoon eviction lures and one-way doors to encourage the animals to leave on their own. Hoare emphasized the importance of avoiding lethal control methods and prioritizing the safe removal of raccoons from homes.
Raccoon populations in Calgary, particularly in areas like Fish Creek Provincial Park, have been expanding due to milder winters and changing weather patterns. Wildlife biologist Sara Jordan-McLachlan highlighted the challenges raccoons face in the city, including competition from coyotes and bobcats, as well as the impact of human behavior on their adaptation to urban environments.
While raccoons are adapting to Calgary’s landscape, their ability to thrive in urban areas depends on factors like competition with other wildlife and human interactions. Jordan-McLachlan emphasized the importance of responsible behavior to prevent raccoons from becoming habituated to human resources and causing potential issues in the future.