Raccoons

Raccoons are nocturnal mammals common throughout North America, especially in the wooded eastern regions of the United States.  Besides the native northern raccoon, there are six other existing species, most of which live on tropical islands.  These clever creatures have nimble hands and are intelligent problem solvers capable of opening latches, turning doorknobs, climbing, swimming, and running at speeds of over 10 miles per hour.

Raccoons are infamous throughout the United States as nocturnal troublemakers that invade garbage cans looking for easy meals.  When they den in residential areas, raccoons create separate latrine sites, and encountering one of these indicates a nearby infestation.  They consistently return to these locations, which are commonly found on roofs, in attics, wood piles, haylofts, and on or under decks.