Kane & McHenry County
Raccoon in the chimney? Close the damper and don't light a fire.
Noise in a chimney is usually a raccoon, squirrels or birds. In spring, a raccoon in the chimney is often a mother raising her young there, so the first job is keeping everyone safe, not smoking it out.
What's in my chimney?
| Sign | Likely |
|---|---|
| Heavy movement, chattering or growling; nest material stuffing the flue | Raccoon, often a mother with young in spring |
| Scratching and scurrying | Tree squirrels |
| Chirping | European starlings or chimney swifts |
What should I do right now?
- Close the damper or flue and keep it closed.
- Don't light a fire or use the fireplace.
- Don't try to pull anything out by hand. Raccoons are strong, and their droppings can carry a roundworm that's dangerous to people.
- Keep pets out of the room with the fireplace.
Why is spring different?
Raccoon young are usually born in April or May, and a female will sometimes have them in a chimney when she can't find a natural den. The young stay put for up to two months. Wildlife Illinois recommends hiring an operator for chimneys because they're hard to clear safely.
What about birds in the chimney or vents?
Starlings and house sparrows nest in vents and chimneys, and dried droppings and nest material can carry disease. Chimney swifts are protected native birds, so their nests can't just be pulled out. A licensed operator can tell you which it is.
What happens to the raccoon?
Illinois rules don't let a licensed operator move a raccoon to a park or another town. It's released within 100 yards on your property, taken to a licensed veterinarian-rehabilitator, or euthanized. That's why the long-term fix is keeping the chimney closed to animals once it's empty.
Questions people ask
Should I light a fire to smoke the raccoon out?
No. Wildlife Illinois advises closing the flue and not using the fireplace. A mother raccoon may have young in the chimney that can't climb out.
What else lives in chimneys?
Wildlife Illinois lists raccoons, tree squirrels, European starlings and chimney swifts as the usual suspects. Chimney swifts are native migratory birds and protected, so their nests can't simply be removed.
When do raccoons have babies in Illinois?
Raccoons breed from January to March, and the young are usually born in April or May. Young stay in the den until they're weaned at about two to three months.
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