Raccoon Removal in New York City
Raccoons have adapted remarkably well to life in New York City. They den in attics, chimneys, garages, and under decks, raid trash cans, and can do real damage to roofs, soffits, and insulation. Beyond property damage, raccoons are a primary rabies carrier in New York State, so they should never be handled or approached. NYC Pest Control Pros is a free referral service that connects residents with independent, licensed wildlife control professionals who safely and humanely remove raccoons and prevent them from returning.
Raccoon removal is regulated wildlife work, not a standard extermination job. In New York, people who handle nuisance wildlife for hire must hold a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator license from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and state rules govern how raccoons may be trapped and what happens to them afterward. A qualified pro will locate the den, check for young, use humane methods such as one-way exclusion when appropriate, and seal the entry point so the animal cannot return. Call us to connect with a licensed provider near you.
Why Raccoons Are a Problem in NYC
Raccoons live in every borough, with especially healthy populations in and around large parks such as Central Park, Prospect Park, Pelham Bay Park, Van Cortlandt Park, Forest Park, and the Staten Island Greenbelt. From these green spaces they forage into surrounding neighborhoods, feeding on trash, pet food, birdseed, and compost. Brownstone rooftops, old chimneys, and gaps in soffits and roof vents give them warm, protected denning sites, and mothers often move into attics in late winter and spring to raise their kits.
Rabies is a real concern with NYC raccoons. The city has recorded rabid raccoons in several boroughs over the years, including notable outbreaks in Manhattan and Staten Island, and the Health Department has carried out raccoon rabies vaccination efforts in affected areas. Residents are advised not to feed wildlife, to keep pets vaccinated, and to report raccoons that appear sick or aggressive. State wildlife rules also restrict relocating rabies-vector species like raccoons, which is why hiring a licensed operator who understands the regulations matters.
Common Raccoons Found in New York
Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
A stocky, gray-furred mammal with a black mask and ringed tail, typically weighing ten to twenty pounds or more. Raccoons are mostly nocturnal, highly intelligent, and have dexterous front paws that let them open lids, pry up shingles, and tear through vent covers.
Virginia Opossum (Often Confused)
A gray, cat-sized marsupial with a white pointed face and a hairless tail. Opossums also raid trash and den under decks and sheds but are generally less destructive than raccoons. Because they are handled differently, identifying the animal correctly before removal matters.
Striped Skunk (Often Confused)
A black mammal with white stripes that often dens under porches, sheds, and decks, especially on Staten Island and in the outer boroughs. Like raccoons, skunks are a rabies-vector species in New York, and removal requires care to avoid being sprayed.
Signs You Need Raccoon Removal
- Loud thumping, walking, or chattering noises in the attic, walls, or chimney, especially at dusk, overnight, or early morning.
- Torn or displaced roof shingles, soffits, or fascia boards, or damaged roof vents and chimney caps.
- Tipped or ransacked trash cans and scattered garbage, often with lids pried open, near the side or back of the house.
- Large droppings similar to a small dog's, often concentrated in one spot, called a latrine, on roofs, in attics, or on decks.
- Muddy five-toed paw prints resembling small human hands on siding, gutters, decks, or near entry points.
- Crushed or soiled insulation, torn ductwork, or strong urine odors in attic spaces.
- Mewing or chirping sounds in spring, which can indicate a mother raccoon has kits in the attic or chimney.
Health & Property Risks
Raccoons are one of the main carriers of rabies in New York, and any bite or scratch requires immediate medical attention. Their feces can contain raccoon roundworm eggs, which can cause serious illness in people if accidentally ingested, making latrine cleanup a job for trained professionals. Raccoons can also carry leptospirosis and parasites such as fleas and ticks. On the property side, they tear open roofs, soffits, and vents, destroy attic insulation and ductwork, chew wiring, and dig up lawns and gardens while foraging for grubs.