Question
I read your response to remove a raccoon from your yard.  My problem is our raccoon is in our chimney.  We have spotted it on the roof and often hear it in our chimney.   My husband is thinking about starting a fire in the fireplace.  I saw where someone mentioned there could be babies located nearby.  Is it possible my chimney is their nesting area?  Should we not start a fire in the fireplace?  Do you have any ideas on how we can can get this raccoon to relocate?  We are obviously not providing a food source in that area so I am wondering why it is in there and what we can do to get it to leave.  Also, what are the chances it could get into the house through the fireplace, and is it a dangerous animal if I am approached by it in my home?  I have a 3 year old son and I am wondering if I should be concerned that this could happen.

Answer
DON't let your husband start a fire. Don't use ammonia either!!

Raccoons in Chimney

Step 1. Make sure your damper is secured so it can抰 be opened.  Wear personal protection equipment; such as HEPA filter mask (if safe for you) and gloves.
Step 2. If you know that the other flues are not inhabited by raccoons or other animals, then secure them with a stainless steel cap.
Step 3. Decide what you want to do.
Plan A. Wait until they leave on their own. Typically they leave in July once the young (typically young are involved) are big enough to climb out themselves.
Plan B. Eviction. You can haze the mother with loud music during the day so she desires to move on. Be patient as she may need a few days to find another place and then she has to individually move the young one at a time. With all eviction methods, the mother may abandon one or more young. There are no guarantees. If you use this technique without securing other flues or attic vents, she may just move in there. Again no guarantees.

You can also try eviction products called 揜accoon eviction fluid?and 揤anish?They have pretty good reputations for convincing female raccoons with young to leave a building. It isn't a 100% but it has been known to work. Search the web for those terms  to learn how to buy it. You can try harassment. Visit http://www.icwdm.org/ControlMethods/hazing.asp Understand that harassment isn't instant coffee. Consider how hard it would be for your neighbor to convince you to leave your home. Well the raccoon is in a similar situation. She doesn't want to move the young as that would involve a lot of work. Harassment involves, time, intensity and annoyance. All three factors have to combine to convince the animal to move on.
Plan C. Hire a professional to control the problem. To evaluate your professionals, I would suggest visiting http://icwdm.org/VendorsService/default.asp   Click the state you are in and there will be a link on that page giving you tips on how to hire a professional.

You should also be aware of the potential for disease. visit http://icwdm.org/diseases/raccoonroundworm.asp  to learn about this lesser known infection. (Everyone knows about the threat of rabies).

You can trap on your own. The problem is how do you know you have caught the right raccoon? And if you have and she is a female are you capable of safely and responsibly removing any young from the chimney? Visit http://icwdm.org/handbook/carnivor/Raccoons.asp    Always check with your state laws before doing any trapping.  http://www.icwdm.org/VendorsService/default1.asp   The previous link also provides listings for professionals if you choose to hire one. Be sure to read our advice on what to look for before you hire anyone. There are lots of people who think they are professional animal damage controllers but actually aren抰.
If you decide to trap, don抰 assume that translocation is humane or necessarily legal in your state. http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/relocation.asp to learn why. If legal in your state, the raccoon should be released on site (often not practical) or euthanized. See http://www.icwdm.org/wildlife/euthanasia/default.asp  to learn how.

Step 4. Sterilize chimney. If the chimney is safe, have a fire in the fire place. NEVER leave the house with the fire going. Let it burn for 4 hours. Then clean up ash. Raccoon roundworm is a potential killer.

Step 5. Cap your chimney with a stainless steel chimney cap.

We are always looking for images (if you can safely take them) of wildlife damage to help us in our educational mission. We prefer high resolution, (3 mg or higher). Send to [email protected]  or if your e-mail can抰 handle large files upload to http://members.icwdm.org   
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Please include permission to use the images and where and when the photos were taken. Month/year is fine as is county or city  and state.

Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.