Unfortunately raccoon behavior is outside of the realm of our expertise in the home gardening unit, but you can inquire with wildlife biologists at the MD Department of Natural Resources. An email can be sent to <personal data hidden> (especially if you want to share photos) or, if you would like to speak to someone, they have a Wildlife and Heritage Service phone number at<personal data hidden>. The phone line is staffed during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, except state holidays and weekends.

You can also explore the Extension resources for Small Flock Poultry, including the publication "Identifying and Preventing Poultry Predators in the Mid-Atlantic Region," which includes a brief mention of raccoons. The specialists listed as authors at the bottom of the page (Moyle and Perdue in particular) can be contacted directly as well if you have questions about your raccoon exclusion options.

Miri