DEDHAM, Mass. — Wildlife officials in Massachusetts are using a super-cute rescue to highlight steps homeowners can take to minimize unwanted houseguests.
The Dedham Animal Control Department on Monday extracted a pair of weeks-old raccoons from a resident’s chimney, and video of the discovery circulated widely on social media, WFXT-TV reported.
According to a Facebook post by the Dedham Police Department, fireplace chimneys provide a sense of security for mama raccoons because the out-of-use smokestacks provide a deep shelter in which to give birth.
In fact, most chimneys have smoke shelves which animal control officials said serve as a solid nesting spot for new litters, WFXT reported.
“If you find you have raccoons in your chimney, there are some ways you can try to eradicate them. These include making loud noises, shining bright lights, and/or placing rags soaked with substances with strong odors such as vinegar, up into the chamber below the shelf,” the police department wrote.
Despite their cute appearance, animal control officials strongly advise against any unnecessary exposures or physical contact with wild raccoons because they can carry rabies, WFXT reported.
“Once the raccoons have been safely extracted from the chimney, the next recommendation is to place a cap on the chimney to prevent further, similar incidents. And if you haven’t yet had any animals in your chimney, then placing a cap is a good preventive measure too,” the police department advised.