Raccoons, with their distinctive masked faces, often appear curious or even docile to humans. However, these animals are wild and their behavior is driven by instinct, not affection. Interacting with raccoons can be dangerous. They are not “nice” in the human sense of the word.
Raccoon Behavior Towards Humans
Raccoons are highly adaptable omnivores thriving in urban and suburban settings. Their natural instincts guide their actions, especially when encountering humans. They are opportunistic foragers, constantly seeking food and shelter. Their intelligence and dexterity allow them to exploit human-generated resources, such as garbage and pet food.
They are primarily nocturnal. While they may occasionally be seen during the day, this does not necessarily indicate illness. Their actions, like approaching human dwellings or scavenging trash, are driven by survival needs, particularly the constant search for food. These interactions are not expressions of friendliness or a desire for companionship.
Health Risks and Dangers of Interaction
Direct interaction with raccoons poses several health and safety risks. One significant concern is rabies, a viral disease affecting the central nervous system that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Raccoons are known carriers, transmitting the virus to humans typically through bites or scratches. Symptoms in humans include fever, headache, malaise, and progressing neurological issues like confusion and paralysis. Immediate medical attention is necessary if bitten or scratched, as treatment before symptoms begin is critical.
Beyond rabies, raccoons transmit other diseases. Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) is a parasite found in their feces. Humans can be infected by ingesting microscopic eggs from contaminated soil, water, or surfaces. Symptoms range from nausea and tiredness to severe neurological issues, including blindness, loss of muscle control, and in rare cases, coma or death.
Leptospirosis is another bacterial infection raccoons carry, spread through their urine and secretions. Exposure to contaminated water, soil, or open wounds can lead to infection, causing flu-like symptoms and potentially kidney or liver damage. Even without disease transmission, bites and scratches can result in painful, infection-prone wounds due to their sharp teeth and claws.
Why Raccoons Approach Humans
Raccoons often overcome their natural wariness of humans due to easily accessible food sources. Their apparent “niceness” is typically a learned behavior linked to human provisions. They quickly learn to associate human presence with potential meals.
Intentional or unintentional feeding (e.g., unsecured trash, outdoor pet food) teaches raccoons that humans are a source of sustenance. This habituation leads them to become bolder, reducing their natural fear and encouraging them to approach people directly. They are skilled at exploiting opportunities, such as raiding garbage bins, compost piles, and gardens. This behavior is a survival strategy for these opportunistic omnivores, not a sign of affection or a desire for interaction.
Responsible Coexistence with Raccoons
Minimizing human-raccoon conflict involves reducing their attraction to residential areas. Secure trash cans with tight-fitting, locking lids, as raccoons are dexterous and can easily open unsecured containers. Double-bag pungent waste and store trash in a garage or shed to deter them. Remove outdoor pet food and water bowls, especially overnight, to eliminate a significant food source.
Seal entry points into homes (e.g., loose siding, open vents, gaps in roofing) to prevent raccoons from seeking shelter inside. Install chimney caps. If a raccoon is encountered, maintain a safe distance and never attempt to handle it. If a raccoon appears sick, injured, or displays unusual behavior (e.g., disorientation, unusual friendliness), contact local animal control or wildlife authorities. These professionals are equipped to handle potentially dangerous or sick animals.