Squirrels might get the headlines, but raccoons pose no less a challenge to substations
When a wild animal causes a power outage in the U.S., it is often a squirrel that gets the attention. But year after year, raccoons are also responsible for major substation outages from Maryland to California.
There are now an estimated 15-20 times more raccoons in the U.S. than in the 1930s, and more than twice as many humans. Those numbers alone reflect part of the issue – but there are other factors that make raccoons a unique challenge for substations:
- Intelligence: Raccoons are capable of remembering solutions to problems for years. They can bypass or outsmart many of the less-effective substation protections, like plastic fence panels.
- A wide territory: During mating season, males seeking females roam their entire habitat area, which can be as large as 20 square miles. The increase in activity creates a greater likelihood a raccoon will come across a substation and attempt to use it for warmth, security or sleep.
- Instinctive behavior: Raccoons rely on trees or other vertical structures to climb when they feel threatened. Substation equipment, poles and chain-link fencing appeal to raccoons, which instinctively seek height for protection.
TransGard, which has pioneered a full-spectrum deterrent system for climbing animals, manufactures a patented fencing system that delivers a humane —but effective —electric shock to climbing animals. TransGard’s fence uses the instincts of climbing animals against them. For example, just as a raccoon will use its intelligence to figure out an obstacle, it will also quickly realize that an uncomfortable jolt —and the fence that delivers it —is something it wants to avoid.
While not all substations require a proven raccoon deterrent, substations near habitats that appeal to climbing animals, including squirrels and snakes, should consider TransGard fencing as an option. Keeping animals completely out of a substation could save a utility hundreds of thousands in repair costs, lost revenue, and reputation rebuilding.
For more on how TransGard prevents costly outages, contact one of our experts today.