Raccoon’s sound can be the first sign of a rodent near your property. Raccoons communicate through different sounds with other raccoons. These animals can be a major struggle if they infest your house. Raccoon identification and removal are very important. To identify raccoons, you need to find visual cues and recognize their distinct sounds.
In this article, you will find out what noises raccoons can have and what each sound tells us about raccoons.
What sounds do raccoons make?
Raccoons (Procyon Lotor) are medium-sized, nocturnal mammals that make different sounds and are very active during the night.
Raccoons are very vocal animals; they can express various emotions and reactions through vocal sounds. But, amazingly, the raccoon makes very different sounds according to the situation.
Here are some of the most common sounds raccoons make:
Purring sound
This is a sound that mostly baby raccoons or mother raccoons make. They usually purr when they are in each other’s company. For example, a mother raccoon makes purring sounds when taking care of her baby. Baby raccoons sound differently in various situations, but the most common purring sound.
Generally, when raccoons make purring sounds, it is a sign of affection.
Chittering sounds
A Chittering sound is made when raccoons are trying to communicate about general things. For example, adult raccoons chitter when they want to inform something about one another. Chittering sounds mean that these animals exchange information regarding food, nesting, etc. Baby raccoon also makes chittering sounds when calling for its mother.
Violent Sounds
Raccoons can be quite violent, and they make sounds accordingly.
If raccoons feel trapped and scared, they make hissing and growling sounds. These raccoon sounds are meant to be defensive. Female raccoons often growl if a baby raccoon is in danger.
Raccoon sounds also include snarl, which is saved for fighting. Male raccoons often get into a fight with peers. This is when raccoons make snarling noises.
Barking is one of the raccoon sounds made when animals feel threatened. Barks are usually brief but loud noises. Raccoons’ bark is different from dogs’ bark; however, you can identify the barking sounds. Often, when raccoons bark, they show their teeth and sharp claws, which is a sign of a defensive position.
During the breeding season, female raccoons make sounds more than male raccoons. For example, a female raccoon may snort and bark to defend herself against an approaching male raccoon.
Generally, according to the study “Vocal Communications in Raccoons,” both female and male raccoons snort, bark, or growl when being attacked.
You might even come across squealing raccoons. This happens if these wild animals are in distress. In rare cases, raccoons scream.
Whistling Sound
Raccoons make whistling sounds when they are communicating with one another.
Movement sounds
Another way to find out if there are raccoons in your house is to identify their movement sounds. Since raccoons are nocturnal animals, pay extra attention during the night. Mostly, a rodent makes a home in the attic of your house. In the case of rodent infestation, you will hear loud noises from the attic. These noises include dragging sounds, scratching, and rustling.
Other signs of a raccoon infestation
In addition to raccoon noises, pay attention to the following signs:
- Toppled garbage cans
- Raccoon droppings
- Scratch marks on walls and doors
- Trash around your yard
- Eaten fruits and vegetables
To prevent raccoons from entering your house, you should empty trash cans regularly. Moreover, close every gap and hole so they cannot gain entry to your home.
What do raccoon screams sound like?
Raccoons scream in the face of danger. When you hear a screaming raccoon, you may mistake it for other animals. Sometimes raccoons sound like fighting cats or screeching owls. Like owls, raccoons are nocturnal; hence, you may easily confuse these two at night.
Screaming is common among female raccoons when trying to defend baby raccoons. A female raccoon often screams in the face of an approaching male raccoon that may be a threat to the cub.
Can you tell from the sound if the raccoon is in distress or happy?
Research shows that raccoons make more than 200 distinct sounds. Naturally, they differ according to animals’ moods.
When raccoons are happy, they usually make purring and whimpering sounds.
And if a raccoon is unhappy, it makes a distressing sound that includes crying, screaming, or growling.
Adult raccoons have lower and deeper voices. So, usually, it isn’t good if an adult raccoon has a high-pitched sound.
What does a raccoon sound like when it is infected?
Raccoons are primary carriers of rabies. This viral disease affects raccoons a lot, especially their sounds. Rabid raccoons’ sound includes chattering and hissing; however, it is not common. Instead, a rabid raccoon has a more high-pitched voice.
Pay attention to additional signs if you doubt that there is a rabid raccoon in your house. Generally, healthy raccoons do everything with purpose. Healthy raccoons are not aggressive when unprovoked. However, the infected raccoon makes hissing sounds for no reason. Additionally, rabid raccoons tend to move in circles.
Basically, an infected animal is inadequate. You may be able to handle a healthy raccoon but if you doubt there is an infected animal, call local animal control.
Frequently asked questions
What is raccoon chirping?
Raccoon chirping is mostly a baby raccoon sound intended for a mother raccoon. Baby raccoon sounds like chirping when it feels threatened or craves food.
Do raccoons purr?
Yes, young raccoons sound like purring or churring when around mother raccoons. In addition, raccoons purr during affectionate moments, such as mother raccoons holding and nibbling their babies.
Do raccoons hiss?
Yes, raccoons usually hiss when they sense danger. Rabid raccoons’ sound also includes hissing.