Diet

• Raccoons typically feast on a varied diet that includes vegetables, berries, fruit, mice and fish.
  
  

Effects

• Fish is good for raccoons, but raccoons are not good for your fish. Not only do the creatures deplete your fish pond, they can also wreak havoc on your landscaping around the pond.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Experts recommend not even bothering with store-bought pest repellents and other deterrents such as lights and smells. Deeper water in the pond, however, may keep a raccoon from attempting to wade in to catch fish. Fences and spongy plants, such as Sedum, are some alternatives to digging a deeper pond. Attempts at trapping the raccoons should only be used as a last resort.
  
  

Dangers

• Raccoons carry rabies and distemper which can cause problems for your pets and children. Wild animals should never be handled by nonprofessionals.
  
  

Fun Fact

• Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, performing all their gathering at night and resting during the day.