The practice of pursuing and killing raccoons is driven by a variety of motivations. This activity, often classified as both hunting and trapping depending on the methods employed, can have different objectives for different participants. These include managing wildlife populations, obtaining fur for commercial purposes, preventing property damage, and securing a source of food.
The reasons for this practice are historically rooted in both economic and ecological factors. Raccoons, while native to North America, can become overpopulated in certain areas, leading to conflicts with humans. These conflicts can manifest as damage to agricultural crops, predation on domestic animals, and the spread of diseases, such as rabies, to humans and pets. Furthermore, the fur trade has, historically and currently, provided economic incentives for harvesting these animals. This activity, when properly regulated, contributes to local economies and helps control population sizes.