Raccoons, with their distinctive facial masks and ringed tails, are a common sight in many North American backyards. While some may perceive them as pests, these resourceful mammals play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Understanding the benefits of having raccoons as backyard visitors can lead to a greater appreciation for their presence and the intricate balance they contribute to.

Initially we counted 3 kits, with only two at a time being visible. That called into question our count of “three.”  Then we saw three at once and were sure. Until we saw four simultaneously.  THEN we saw five at once plus “Mom.” THEN we saw SIX plus Mom at the same time. In amazement we consulted with AI and learned that a typical litter included five to seven kits!The whole kit and caboodle. We were shockingly average! Catching all six at once, close enough together to get the picture required luck and patience. And luck.

Raccoons Aid in Pest Control

Are raccoons the pests or are they pest control? Raccoons are natural foragers with a diverse diet that includes insects, rodents, and other small pests. By welcoming raccoons into your backyard, you are essentially enlisting their help in keeping pest populations in check. Their appetite for creatures such as grubs, snails, and slugs can significantly reduce the need for chemical pesticides, contributing to a more natural and sustainable pest control method.

Furthermore, raccoons are known to consume animal matter, including carrion, which helps prevent the spread of diseases by reducing the presence of decaying animals in the environment. This scavenging behavior can contribute to overall sanitation in the backyard ecosystem.

They are also really cute! Raccoons Promote Biodiversity

As omnivores, raccoons play a role in dispersing seeds and promoting plant growth. Their foraging habits often lead them to consume fruits and nuts, and as they travel throughout different areas, they inadvertently aid in seed distribution. This contributes to the regeneration of plant species and the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem.

Additionally, raccoons are part of the food chain, serving as prey for larger predators such as coyotes and birds of prey. Their presence helps support the balance of predator-prey dynamics, which is essential for maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem.

Raccoons Contribute to Nutrient Cycling

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, often consuming a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and small animals. As a result, their excretion of waste products, including seeds and undigested organic matter, contributes to the nutrient cycling process. This process enriches the soil and supports the growth of vegetation, ultimately benefiting the entire ecosystem.

Furthermore, the digging behavior of raccoons, as they search for food in the soil, can aerate the ground and help in the decomposition of organic matter. This activity aids in maintaining soil health and fertility, which is vital for sustaining a thriving ecosystem.

Raccoons are valuable backyard visitors that offer numerous benefits to the ecosystem. By recognizing their role in pest control, biodiversity promotion, and nutrient cycling, homeowners can gain a deeper understanding of the positive impact raccoons have on the environment. Embracing the presence of raccoons in backyard habitats not only contributes to a healthier and more balanced ecosystem but also fosters a greater connection to the natural world. And just because they are really cute and useful, don’t mistake “cute” for “let’s play!” Their claws are impressive. And do NOT get too close or between mother and kit. Ours are not just nocturnal. We are seeing them well after dawn.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and syndicated blogger and author.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com