AboutStephen Vantassel Expertise I can assist the public in responding to all kinds of wildlife related problems in the United States and Canada, including birds, mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, beavers, opossums, voles, moles, chipmunks, woodchucks, pocket gophers, and more. My passion is wildlife damage identification, for if you don't know what animal is causing the problem, you can't begin to resolve it responsibly.
Experience I was a full time animal damage controller for over 5 years and a part-time animal damage controller for over 10. I have been a volunteer for AllExperts.com for over 5 years under the Pest Control Category, when they graciously created a new category that better suited my experience (I don't answer bug questions). I was a licensed animal controller in both Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nebraska. I presently run the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, http://icwdm.org.
Organizations National Wildlife Control Operators Association, Community Integrated Pest Management group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Publications I have published two books (both revised), The Wildlife Removal Handbook rev. ed. and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook rev. ed. Additionally, I have written articles which have appeared in Wildlife Control Technology Magazine, Fur-Fish & Game, The Trapper, The Fur Taker, The Probe, and others. I have co-authored wildlife related publications for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension program and was responsible for revising the handbook designed for the Pest Controllers looking to obtain their category 14 license.
Education/Credentials I was a trapper education instructor for the state of Massachusetts, and have attended a variety of conferences and trainings.
Awards and Honors Certified Wildlife Control Operator
Expert: Stephen Vantassel Date: 3/7/2008 Subject: RACOON NESTING/BERTHING PLACE
Question WHAT IS THE NORMAL LOCATION FOR A MOTHER RACOON TO ESTABLISH AS HER BERTHING PLACE? TREE? GROUND? BUSH??
I HAD TWO FAT RACOONS ON MY ROOF VERY EARLY THIS AM UP AROUND MY TWO STORY CHIMNEY. THEY WERE MAKING A LOT OF NOISE, LIKE TRYING TO GET IN, ETC. I HAVE SINCE EXAMINED THE AREA FOR DAMAGE AND INSTALLED SCREENS OVER BOTH FIRE PLACE CHIMNEYS.
THEY WERE LATER FOUND IN A FRONT BUSHY TREE WHICH THEY USE TO GET ONTO THE HOUSE. I CHASED THEM OUT AND AWAY WITH A WATER HOSE.
I WOULD STILL LIKE TO KNOW WHY THEY WERE UP THERE WHERE THERE IS NOT FOOD, ETC.
Answer Sounds like they were checking out potential den site. Raccoons love chimneys. I hope you did you furnace flue too. By the way, the proper method to protect flues is by a stainless steel professionally manufactured cap. visit http://icwdm.org to learn more.
The problem with just laying screen over the flue is the risk of backing up gases back into the house. Less of a problem for fireplaces ( you would smell the smoke) but with furnace flues, you could be breathing Carbon monoxide and not know it.
As for normal places for raccoons to live. In urban areas, chimneys, attics, under sheds, porches, and in trees and sewers are all normal.
