Do Raccoons Eat Birds?

Raccoons are omnivorous animals, meaning they eat both plants and animals. This includes a variety of small animals, such as birds, as well as fruits, vegetables, and insects. While raccoons may occasionally hunt and eat birds, they are more likely to scavenge for food or eat bird eggs. Understanding the diet of raccoons can help you protect your bird population from these opportunistic predators.

What Do Raccoons Eat?

Raccoons are opportunistic eaters, meaning they will eat whatever is available. This includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, insects, small animals, and bird eggs. They are also known to scavenge for food, such as pet food or garbage. Raccoons are also capable of hunting and catching small animals, such as birds, mice, and voles.

Do Raccoons Eat Birds?

Raccoons may occasionally hunt and eat birds, but this is not their primary source of food. Raccoons are more likely to scavenge for food or eat bird eggs. Raccoons are also known to eat small mammals, such as mice and voles.

How to Protect Your Bird Population from Raccoons

If you have a bird population in your area, there are several steps you can take to protect them from raccoons.

• Keep bird feeders out of reach of raccoons. Place them in areas that are difficult for raccoons to access, such as on high branches or in enclosed areas.
• Keep garbage cans and pet food containers securely closed. Raccoons are known to scavenge for food, so make sure all food sources are securely closed.
• Remove bird nests from low-hanging branches. Raccoons are capable of climbing trees, so make sure bird nests are placed in areas that are difficult for raccoons to access.
• Remove fallen fruit from the ground. Raccoons are attracted to fruit, so make sure to remove any fallen fruit from the ground.
• Install motion-activated lights and sprinklers. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, so motion-activated lights and sprinklers can help deter them from your property.

Pro Tip

If you find a raccoon on your property, do not attempt to handle it yourself. Raccoons can be dangerous and may carry diseases, so it is best to contact a wildlife removal specialist to safely remove the animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Raccoons Eat Fish?

Yes, raccoons are known to eat fish. They are also known to eat frogs, turtles, and other aquatic animals.

Do Raccoons Eat Insects?

Yes, raccoons are known to eat insects, such as beetles, caterpillars, and crickets. They are also known to eat spiders, snails, and other small invertebrates.