Raccoons, with their distinctive masked faces and bushy tails, are a common sight in many neighborhoods, adapted to living close to human environments. Their presence often raises questions about potential dangers. This article clarifies the health concerns and behavioral aspects of raccoons, helping you understand the risks and maintain safety where humans and wildlife coexist.
Primary Health Concerns from Raccoons
Raccoons can transmit several diseases and parasites to humans and pets. Rabies is a serious viral disease raccoons can carry, and they are a primary carrier in many U.S. regions. The virus affects the nervous system, with symptoms in infected animals including staggering, disorientation, erratic wandering, or unusual vocalizations. Transmitted through saliva, typically via bites or scratches, rabies is nearly always fatal if untreated once symptoms appear in humans. Ensuring pets are vaccinated against rabies is a primary preventive measure, and immediate medical attention is necessary following any potential exposure.
Another significant concern is raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, a parasite found in raccoon feces. Humans can become infected by accidentally ingesting microscopic eggs from contaminated soil, water, or surfaces, often from communal raccoon latrines. This parasite can invade organs like the brain, eyes, and heart, potentially causing severe neurological damage, blindness, or even death. Proper precautions, such as wearing gloves and masks when cleaning up raccoon droppings, prevent transmission.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease also carried by raccoons, transmitted through contact with their urine, or water and soil contaminated by it. This can occur through broken skin, mucous membranes, or by drinking contaminated water. Symptoms in humans can resemble the flu, including fever, headaches, and muscle aches, but severe cases may lead to kidney damage, liver failure, or meningitis. Other diseases like giardiasis and salmonellosis can also be spread through contact with raccoon waste.
Raccoon Interactions and Aggression
Raccoons are generally not aggressive towards humans and typically retreat when they sense people nearby. However, they can become defensive or aggressive under certain circumstances. Attacks may occur if a raccoon feels threatened, cornered, or is protecting its young. Mother raccoons are particularly protective and may attack if their kits are approached. Bites and scratches are possible in these defensive scenarios.
Raccoons may also exhibit unusual behavior if sick, especially with rabies or distemper. Signs of illness include stumbling, disorientation, lethargy, uncharacteristic aggression, or an unusual lack of fear towards humans. A raccoon active during the day is not necessarily sick, as they may forage in daylight, particularly nursing mothers. However, if a daytime-active raccoon appears disoriented or unusually tame, it could indicate illness.
Unprovoked attacks on humans are rare but can happen with rabid animals. Before an attack, a raccoon might try to intimidate by rounding its back, puffing out fur, bearing teeth, or vocalizing aggressively with growls or shrieks.
Minimizing Encounters and Staying Safe
Preventing raccoon encounters involves removing attractants from your property. Secure trash cans with tight-fitting or locking lids, as garbage is a primary food source, and store them in a garage or shed for further deterrence. Avoid leaving pet food or water bowls outdoors, especially overnight, and promptly clean up fallen fruit from trees. Seal potential entry points into homes and outbuildings, such as attics, chimneys, and crawl spaces, to prevent raccoons from denning indoors. Trimming tree branches that provide easy access to roofs also helps.
If you encounter a raccoon, maintain a safe distance. Do not approach or attempt to corner the animal, as this can provoke a defensive reaction. Making noise or waving your arms can sometimes scare them away. If a raccoon appears aggressive or sick, retreat slowly and avoid direct eye contact.
In the event of a raccoon bite or scratch, immediate action is necessary. Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and warm water for at least five minutes, then apply an antiseptic. Seek medical attention promptly, as a healthcare provider may recommend a rabies vaccine and other treatments to prevent infection. For sick, injured, or unusually aggressive raccoons, or if raccoons are inside your home, contact local animal control or a professional wildlife removal service. Do not attempt to handle such animals yourself.