Raccoons, with their distinctive masked faces and dexterous paws, are common sights in many neighborhoods. While a direct fatality from a raccoon attack is exceedingly rare, these wild animals can pose risks, primarily through disease transmission. Understanding these risks and how to prevent encounters can help ensure safety.
Understanding the Direct Threat
Raccoons are not aggressive towards humans and prefer to avoid confrontation, often fleeing if they sense human presence. However, they can become defensive if threatened, cornered, or protecting their young. In such instances, a raccoon might bite or scratch, inflicting deep wounds.
While direct physical attacks rarely lead to human death, any bite or scratch carries the risk of severe injury and secondary bacterial infections if untreated. The primary concern from a raccoon encounter is disease transmission. Any physical contact should be treated with caution due to these health risks.
Primary Disease Risks
Rabies is a fatal viral infection raccoons can transmit if symptoms develop without treatment. The virus spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, via bites, scratches, or contact with open wounds or mucous membranes. Rabid raccoons may exhibit unusual behaviors like unprovoked aggression, unusual tameness, disorientation, staggering, or difficulty walking. Foaming at the mouth and excessive drooling are also common signs.
Human deaths from the raccoon strain of rabies are rare in the United States, with only one documented case. This is largely due to the effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of vaccinations administered after potential exposure. Prompt medical attention and PEP are highly effective in preventing the disease if administered before symptoms appear.
Raccoons can also carry other diseases, including Baylisascaris (raccoon roundworm) and Leptospirosis. Baylisascaris is a parasitic infection from ingesting microscopic eggs found in raccoon feces, which can contaminate soil, water, or surfaces. Although human infections are rare, larvae can migrate within the body, potentially causing severe neurological damage, blindness, or coma, particularly in children. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through contact with the urine of infected animals, often contaminating water or soil. Symptoms can resemble the flu, but severe cases may lead to kidney or liver damage.
Preventing Encounters
Minimizing interactions with raccoons begins with eliminating attractants around your home. Secure trash cans with locking lids or bungee cords, and consider storing them in a garage or shed until collection day. Double-bagging food waste can further reduce odors that draw raccoons. Never leave pet food or water bowls outside, especially overnight, as these provide an easy food source.
Raccoons often seek shelter in human dwellings, so it is important to seal potential entry points into attics, chimneys, and spaces under decks or sheds. Trimming tree branches that overhang your roof can also prevent raccoons from gaining access. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle raccoons and deter them from lingering in your yard.
Steps After an Encounter
If a raccoon bites or scratches you, immediate action is important. Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and warm water for at least five minutes to help cleanse the area and reduce the risk of infection. After cleaning, apply an antiseptic and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Even for seemingly minor injuries, seeking prompt medical attention is necessary.
A healthcare professional will assess the wound and determine if rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or a tetanus shot is needed. It is also important to report the incident to local animal control or health authorities. Do not attempt to capture the animal yourself, as this can lead to further injury.