Sean Halvorsen was surprised to find a raccoon on his roof at his home in McKenzie Lake. The sighting, reported by his son, prompted Halvorsen to realize he had a raccoon issue. In Alberta, raccoons are not commonly seen due to harsh winters and predators, unlike in Toronto and Vancouver where they are known as “trash pandas.” Calgary’s raccoons typically stay hidden in forested areas.
After a neighbor mentioned seeing a raccoon enter his garage, Halvorsen took action. He decided to hire Peregrine General Pest Control to remove the raccoon safely. The company successfully evicted the raccoon and conducted a thorough inspection of Halvorsen’s house to prevent future wildlife problems.
According to Stephen Hoare, service manager at Peregrine General Pest Control, raccoon-related calls have been increasing annually. The company has refined strategies over the years to handle raccoon removal effectively. One method involves using a raccoon eviction lure to encourage female raccoons with young to relocate on their own.
Calgary’s raccoon population has been expanding, with sightings in areas like Fish Creek Provincial Park. Wildlife biologist Sara Jordan-McLachlan noted that raccoons have adapted to milder winters, allowing them to thrive in urban environments. Despite facing challenges from predators like coyotes and bobcats, raccoons in Calgary may continue to establish themselves if provided with easy access to food sources by humans.