Unit 1 [PDF] - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Raccoon. FWS Photo
Front
Rear
Raccoon tracks.
Front
1.5” length by 2” width
Rear
1.5” width by 3” length
Foray - to search for food or spoils
eventually returning to a core area.
Sets for raccoon:
• Pocket
• Spring Run
• Cubby
• Dirt Hole
• Slanted Pole
• Cage Trap
Recommended traps or trapping
systems for raccoon:
• #160 body-grip
• #220 body-grip
• # 1 1/2 coilspring
• #11 longspring
• #2 longspring
• Enclosed trigger traps
• Cage traps at least 10” x 12”
x 32”
Chapter 4 - Wisconsin’s Furbearer Resource
and young of ground nesting birds.
In early winter skunks den up and become inactive, but they do not actually
hibernate. Mid-winter warm spells bring them out for hunting forays. Several
skunks (sometimes 8-10) often occupy the same den in winter, especially the
females. Males den up later in the winter than the females, and normally den
by themselves.
Habitat:
Although striped skunks can be found statewide, they are most abundant in
semi-open country with a mixture of small woodlots, brush patches, pastures,
cropland, fence rows, brush piles, old buildings, and farm yards. Owls, coyote,
bobcat, fox, badger, lynx, fisher, and mountain lion will prey on skunks.
Trapping Techniques:
In Wisconsin skunks are unprotected and may be trapped year-round by persons
possessing a trapping license. Striped skunks are usually not a target animal
to be trapped. Most skunks are a nuisance in urban and suburban areas and
are live-trapped using cage traps then humanely dispatched. On the trapline
most skunks are caught just by wandering upon your set looking for something
to eat. Skunks are known to carry rabies, a deadly disease to all mammals,
including humans.
Raccoon
Procyon lotor; Order: Carnivora; Family: Procyonidae
Description:
Raccoon are medium-sized adaptable furbearers with a masked face and
ringed tail. Average weights are 9-20 pounds, but they are larger in the north
where weights up to 45 pounds have been reported. Fur color varies from dirty
blonde with darker guard hairs to reddish and darker colors. The hind legs are
longer than the front legs, creating a hunched appearance when running.
Biology:
Female raccoon breed their first year, males at two years of age. Breeding occurs
from February to April with a gestation period of about nine weeks. An
average of two-six young are born in a hollow tree, log or other protected den.
The young remain with the female until fall and may den with her through the
winter.
Home ranges vary by habitat from 15 acres in urban environments to 12,000
acres in prairies. Raccoon go into a partial hibernation in winter, either alone
or in groups, but they are active during warm spells and thaws. Raccoon den
Wisconsin Trapper Education Manual 34