Raccoons are strong, clever, and nocturnal, which makes them one of the most frustrating bird feeder raiders. They can pry lids off, bend thin metal poles, and climb almost anything that is not slippery or unstable underfoot. A few changes to how and where you feed will keep them out without hurting the birds you are trying to attract.

Bring Feeders In at Night

Raccoons feed mostly after dark, so the simplest fix is removing feeders from their reach, or taking them inside entirely, once the sun goes down and putting them back out at dawn.

Use a Pole-Mounted Baffle

Mount feeders on a smooth metal pole with a dome or stovepipe baffle at least 4 to 5 feet off the ground. The baffle needs to be wide enough, at least 17 inches in diameter, that a raccoon cannot reach around it, and the pole itself should be too slick and narrow to climb.

Keep Feeders Away From Launch Points

Raccoons will jump from trees, fences, decks, or roofs onto a feeder that looks out of reach from the ground. Keep feeders at least 6 to 8 feet from any structure or branch a raccoon could jump from.

Skip Hanging Feeders on Weak Supports

A feeder hung from a thin shepherd’s hook or a tree branch is an easy target. Raccoons can climb most trees and bend flimsy hooks right down to the ground, so a rigid, baffled pole system holds up far better.

Clean Up Spilled Seed

Seed on the ground is often what draws raccoons into the yard in the first place. Use a tray under feeders to catch drops, and sweep or vacuum up the rest regularly so there is nothing left to scavenge overnight.

Secure Suet and Heavy-Duty Feeders

Suet cages are a favorite raccoon target because they are packed with fat. Choose a suet feeder with a spring-loaded weight guard, or bring it in nightly along with everything else, since raccoons can strip a suet cake in one sitting.

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