What to Do with a Raccoon Stuck in Your Rented Dumpster

What to Do with a Raccoon Stuck in Your Rented DumpsterAt Box Brothers Roll Off Services, we like to be prepared. Just in case the unexpected happens, here’s what to do with a raccoon stuck in your rented dumpster. When renting a dumpster, this is probably not something that crosses your mind. You will be thinking about the size of the dumpster to get, when exactly to schedule the pick-up, whether you will be able to haul all of your debris alone or if you will need help…and how good your home will look after you finish your project.

Unfortunately, nature does not always respect our plans. If your dumpster is not securely tarped over or covered, you do run the risk of visitors. Curious creatures can find ways to clamber into your dumpster in search of food or shelter and accidentally end up trapping themselves. Most often this will happen to raccoons, but it is possible to find a fox, snake or possum getting comfortable in your roll-off dumpster rental without permission. The first thing to remember when faced with a trapped wild animal is not to panic. They are most definitely more afraid of you than you are of them.

A raccoon stuck in your rented dumpster will probably be highly stressed, trying to hide behind objects in the dumpster or acting defensively. Put yourself in their (furry) shoes for a second, They most likely stumbled into the dumpster because it was a new and interesting thing that appeared within their usual territory. After sniffing around for a few minutes, they decided that there was nothing of interest there and to keep moving. On attempting to leave, they realized that the steep, smooth sides of the dumpster make it impossible for them to escape and are stuck, possibly for hours before being discovered.

Some things that you should not do in this situation include getting into the roll-off dumpster with the animal to try and grab it, using a net or bag to try and catch it, getting a dog to try and scare it out. All of these will most likely result in exhaustion, frustration and possibly you and the animal getting hurt. Usually, the raccoon will do everything it can to escape this stressful situation, and you just need to see how you can give him a nudge in the right direction.

Grab a sturdy box or crate to put into the dumpster to act as a ladder. If you are stuck, a tree branch or some full garbage bags could work. Place your makeshift ladder inside the dumpster on the opposite side to where the raccoon is and as close to the edge as possible. Walk away from the dumpster so that the animal has some time and space to exit without feeling threatened. If they still can’t figure out how to escape, it may be best to call your local animal control service for professional help.

The team at Box Brothers Roll Off Services has seen it all. For over a decade we have been helping customers dispose of their household and demolition debris quickly and safely, as well as explaining what to do with a raccoon stuck in your rented dumpster. For more information on renting a dumpster in the metro Denver area, do not hesitate to contact us on 303-465-2100.

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