Raccoons, those charismatic creatures known for their distinctive black masks and bushy-ringed tails, belong to the Procyonidae family. Theyre highly adaptable mammals and animals that have made their mark across North America. Despite their mischievous antics, theres more to raccoons than meets the eye. Ever wondered what tickles their taste buds?.
We’ve met these masked friends a lot of times at Critter Stop, so we know a little (a lot) about what he likes to eat. Accompany us to discover and understand everything about the raccoon menu!.
As a pond owner, you know that fish make a beautiful, relaxing addition to your backyard oasis. But you may have noticed some fish disappearing lately and suspect a predator is to blame. Raccoons are a common pond pest notorious for raiding stocked ponds and gobbling up fish and other aquatic creatures. In this article, we’ll share insights into raccoons’ dietary habits, the signs of raccoon predation and most importantly effective ways to deter pesky raccoons and protect your prized fish.
An Overview of Raccoons’ Diets
Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they will eat both plant and animal matter. Their exceptionally adaptable palates allow them to thrive in a wide range of habitats Raccoons readily gobble up anything from nuts and fruit to frogs and crayfish
Some of their favorite foods include:
- Insects
- Rodents
- Bird eggs
- Pet food
- Trash
- Carrion
- Fruits
- Acorns
- Corn
Raccoons living near water sources also feast on aquatic creatures like fish, turtles, mollusks, and crustaceans. Their nimble paws and lightning-quick reflexes allow them to snatch up pond prey with ease.
While raccoons prefer live foods they can hunt and forage, they become even more problematic around human homes where rubbish bins and pet bowls offer easy pickings. About 65% of a raccoon’s diet comes directly from humans when living in suburban or urban areas.
Do Raccoons Eat Fish?
Raccoons are certainly capable of hunting, killing, and consuming fish from backyard ponds and lakes. Fish provide them with an excellent source of protein. Various types of fish commonly preyed upon by raccoons include:
- Koi
- Goldfish
- Bass
- Bluegill
- Catfish
- Trout
- Minnows
Raccoons employ a couple different techniques to score fish dinners:
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Spearfishing – Raccoons will wade into shallow water and use their dexterous front paws to pin down and impale passing fish.
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Netting – On the banks of ponds, raccoons soak their paws in the water to lure inquisitive fish over. When the fish swims near, the raccoon swiftly scoops it out of the water with its paws.
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Digging – Using their sharp claws, raccoons will dig near the edges of ponds to locate buried fish eggs to feast on.
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Night dipping – Raccoons’ excellent night vision gives them an advantage to spot and snag slumbering fish after dark.
Raccoons prefer to eat their catch on the spot rather than dragging it away. So seeing fish carcasses with just the fillets eaten around your pond is a clue raccoons are fishing there.
Signs of Raccoon Predation Around Ponds
Detecting early warning signs of raccoon activity around your pond allows you to take preventive action before extensive loss or harm occurs. Be on the lookout for these common indicators:
- Partially eaten fish with just the meaty fillets missing
- Fish suddenly missing without a carcass left behind
- Evidence of digging around pond edges
- Paw prints in mud near the water
- Overturned potted plants or lawn decor near the pond
- Raided trash cans with litter strewn about
- Chewed-through pond netting
You may also spot the bandit-masked critters themselves snooping around your pond at night if you peek outside with a flashlight. Raccoons aren’t always subtle in their pursuits.
Deterring Raccoons From Your Pond
Once you confirm raccoons are pillaging your pond, it’s time to give them their eviction notice. Here are some of the top methods to safely and humanely deter raccoons and prevent repeat visits:
Remove Food Sources
Eliminate anything that could attract raccoons to dine in your yard. This includes properly containing or removing:
- Pet food bowls
- Bird feeders
- Trash cans
- Fallen fruit from trees
- Compost bins
- Chicken coops
Install Physical Barriers
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Pond netting – Covering your entire pond with a net deters raccoons from accessing fish. Look for heavy-duty netting designed specifically to safeguard pond fish.
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Fencing – Fences around the pond establish a physical perimeter raccoons can’t easily breach. Bury fencing 6 inches into the ground to prevent digging underneath.
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Motion-activated sprinklers – When raccoons trip the sensors, these sprinklers deliver a harmless spray of water to startle intruders. Raccoons quickly learn to avoid areas guarded by sprinklers.
Apply Repellents
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Ammonia or vinegar – Soaking cotton balls in household ammonia or vinegar and placing them around the pond perimeter creates a strong, offensive odor that repels raccoons. Reapply weekly.
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Predator urine – The scent of coyote, fox, or bobcat urine mimics natural predators and frightens away raccoons. Apply around pond edges monthly.
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Hot pepper spray – Derived from super-hot peppers, liquid repellent sprays cause irritation and discomfort when raccoons touch or ingest treated areas. Reapply after heavy rains.
Provide Shelter For Fish
Give fish places to hide from aerial and land predators. Add:
- Logs
- Rock overhangs
- Cave-like structures
- Plants with dense leaves
Use Scare Devices
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Motion-activated lights and sounds – Sudden lights, noises, or water spray when raccoons are detected will startle them off.
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Predator decoys – Lifelike coyote, fox, or owl replicas placed around the pond look like natural enemies ready to pounce.
With persistence and a multi-pronged approach, you can successfully evict pesky raccoons from pillaging your pond. Eliminate food sources, set up barriers, apply repellents, and scare them away with lights and sounds as needed. Over time, the bandits will move on in search of easier meals elsewhere. You’ll be able to peacefully enjoy your lush pond and thriving fish again.
What to Do if Your Fish Get Eaten
Even with diligent prevention methods, a sneaky raccoon may still manage to breach your defenses and make off with your prized fish. Don’t fret – you can rebuild your pond’s fish population. Here are some tips:
Remove Any Dead Fish
As unpleasant as it is, promptly remove any fish carcasses or body parts left behind. Otherwise, they can quickly contaminate the water and spread disease to surviving fish.
Check Your Water Quality
Raccoons tend to stir up sediment and muck when disturbing a pond. Test ammonia, pH, oxygen, and clarity levels to ensure the water quality didn’t become compromised. Perform partial water changes if needed.
Inspect Your Pond Netting or Fencing
Look for any breaches, holes, or weak spots that allowed raccoons to enter. Make repairs to fortify the pond perimeter again.
Restock Fish Gradually
Don’t hastily replace all your missing fish at once. That sudden surplus of fish could overload the pond ecosystem. Let the pond recover and stabilize first. Then add new fish in smaller batches over several weeks.
Consider Using a Pond Aerator
Aerators add much-needed oxygen to the water after a predator attack. The extra oxygen can help reduce fish loss following a raccoon raid. Install an aerator to support recovering fish.
Scare Away Raccoons
Use lights, sounds, and repellents to deter any lingering raccoons and prevent repeat attacks on your restocked fish. Persist until they move on for good.
While losing fish you’ve lovingly raised and cared for is always hard, try not to become discouraged. With preparation and vigilance, your pond can once again flourish with happy fish.
A Last Look at Raccoons’ Fish-Eating Habits
Raccoons are mischievous and prolific pond pests. Equipped with quick paws and healthy appetites, they can wreak havoc on backyard ponds and greedily devour resident fish. Koi, goldfish, bass, catfish, and minnows are all fair game to these bandit-masked marauders.
Watch for signs like digging around pond edges, paw prints, damaged netting, and partially eaten fish carcasses to confirm raccoons are preying on your aquatic pets. Once identified, promptly take action. Remove food sources, install pond barriers, apply repellents, and use scare devices to boot the raccoons away for good.
While eliminating such a clever predator takes patience and persistence, you can safeguard your pond ecosystem and fish with diligence. Don’t become discouraged if you suffer temporary fish losses. Eventually, you’ll be able to enjoy your serene backyard pond and thriving
Urban and Suburban Diet Adaptations
Urban raccoons are the true champions of scavenging, turning the cityscape into their culinary playground. Their sharp claws, exceptional intelligence and dexterous paws make exploring garbage cans and dumpsters a true art form.
These smart animals have learned that human settlements are like an all-you-can-eat buffet of trashed food. They can find everything from leftovers from last night’s dinner to forgotten snacks. Raccoons in cities are very flexible and quick to take advantage of opportunities, as shown by the fact that they scavenge for food and other things.
Raccoons and Garbage Bins
You wake up to a disarray of trash cans, with their contents scattered around like confetti. Chances are, raccoons have paid a visit. Their innate curiosity drives them to investigate the contents of trash bins, hoping for a rewarding snack. This behavior isnt just about getting a quick meal; its a testament to their adaptability and problem-solving skills. The tussle with garbage bins also underlines the need for proper waste management.
Putting lids on trash cans not only keeps them clean, but it also keeps raccoons from becoming too dependent on human waste as their main source of food. This, in turn, promotes healthier raccoon behavior and a cleaner environment for everyone.
A Raccoon was eating my Koi Fish! Man vs Raccoon Episode 1 – Backyard Pond Renovation
Do raccoons eat fish?
Their signature masked face and bushy banded tail make them hard to mistake for another animal. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter, including fish. Raccoons won’t dive for fish, and will primarily hunt in shallow water. Thus, raccoons prefer to eat crustaceans, koi, goldfish, and other shallow-water fish.
Do raccoons eat fish ponds?
But smaller items such as plants and insects aren’t bad, either. If you have a fish pond or an outdoor aquarium, and the raccoons think there is a good source of food present, they will likely try to get at it. The main reason you don’t want them in your pond is that they have the potential to threaten your fish.
What do raccoons eat?
Ponds, reservoirs, streams, lakes, and shorelines all provide raccoons with some of their primary carnivore-side foods: fish, snails, slugs, frogs, clams, and crayfish. Raccoons prefer invertebrate animals to feed on, as opposed to animals with backbones. This means crustaceans, insects, and spiders. However, raccoons are opportunistic.
Do raccoons eat koi fish?
Raccoons will eat anything they can, including koi fish, snails, frogs, crabs, and whatever else you can put within your backyard pond. Do Raccoons Eat Water, Lillies? In addition to pond fish, raccoons consume water lilies, water hyacinth, and other aquatic pond plants.