Is the Raccoon a predator?

[DougK]

Do yo classify the raccoon as a predator or varmint? I originally thought they where varmints, but now I am looking at them as predators.
Doug

 

[IBgunner]

In Kansas a raccoon is classified as a fur bearer. I believe this is still the running season but they are off limits for sport shooting or fur havesting unless taken at night with dogs.

 

[Bob Mc]

If you keep chickens, you wouldn't have to ask that question.

 

[me]

In Missouri, they are also considered a fur bearer.
So are opposums.
Season is closed until November 15th.

 

[Pruson]

Alot of predators are cast into the category of furbearers here in VA. Foxes, Bobcats, coyotes, coons among several others are governed by furbearers laws and regulations. If it comes to my predator calling , it must be a predator.

Raccoon predation on birds(quail-turkey-pheasants) is one of the leading problems with bird shooting preserves. Raccoons love to find a nest full of eggs as well. One of the best sounds for calling coons is a sqeauling bird sound of some sort, Johnny Stewart PC-3, Sceery AP-6 etc, I prefer the lipsqueak though. "No electronic predators callers" are allowed for use on raccoons in the state of VA, mouth blown only. Some areas of the state have a low coon population and the VDGIF didn't think they could tolerate the pressure of killing them with electronics

 

[rowney]

i dunno, but they sure as hell prey on our protein feeders!

 

[Tactical .20]

In IA they are a furbearer, in WY they are predacious animals.T.20

 

[TNyoteboy]

I called one dinner one time! BBQed, wasn't too bad if you forgot what you were eating.

 

[yote hunter]

He is a predator and a very
good one at that!


Dan Thompson Game Calls
Pro Staff

 

[Moe]

I've had chickens for years. Also have had coons looking for an easy meal, but then they would meet Mr. .22

I definitely vote on them being a predator.

 

[Greg_Scheig]

I have them come to the call pretty regular - I'd vote predator

 

[GEORGE ACKLEY]

Very aggressive critter

I am glad I am 10 feet off the ground on a high rack when them little bulldogs come to the call at night /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif they will Walk right up to a 7,000lb truck like they have no fear. And if I am driving and someone ells is doing the shooting and calling off the rack and I am just sitting in the truck why they call my window is up /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I say predator.

 

[IBgunner]

Yeah, I doubt that Wildlife and Parks in Kansas would get too upset about wasting chicken theives on farms. As many deer as get poached around here and the problems officers have keeping those guys at bay, shooting a raider coon is probably not even a blip on their radar screen.

 

[DougK]

I remember reading an article where coyotes and racoons where being tracked with radio collars. I believe the net of the article was:

When a coyote is in an area and raccons move in the coyotes typically move on.

When raccoons are in an area and coyotes move in the raccoons stay.

Doug

 

[truckeedan]

They are predators here most of the year getting into garbage and pet food left outside. But when winter comes they are the prey. Coyotes eat them for lunch all winter long. The yotes will pack up and hunt down both sides of an open creek until they flush a coon out of the brush then they circle him and go to work.

I have some photos of a coyote pack kill from this last winter. Pretty grusome for posting though.

The coyotes regularly patrol the foundations of homes up here in the winter looking for coons or the occasional rabbit hole up under a deck or in an open crawl space.

Truckeedan