Raccoons, like all mammals, produce saliva. This fluid is present in their mouths and plays a role in various bodily functions. Saliva is an extracellular fluid, meaning it exists outside the cells, and is produced by specialized salivary glands located in and around the mouth.
The Functions of Raccoon Saliva
Raccoon saliva serves several biological purposes, primarily aiding in the initial stages of digestion. It moistens food, helping to form a soft mass, known as a bolus, which can be easily swallowed. Saliva contains enzymes, such as amylase, that begin the chemical breakdown of starches into simpler sugars, and lipase, which starts the digestion of fats.
Beyond digestion, saliva contributes to oral hygiene by helping to clean teeth and reducing food particle accumulation. It helps prevent tooth decay by limiting bacterial growth and neutralizing acids, maintaining a balanced pH. While raccoons are known for their distinctive “washing” behavior with food, this action is not due to insufficient saliva for digestion. Instead, wetting their paws enhances tactile sensitivity, allowing them to better examine food texture and characteristics.
Raccoon Saliva and Health Risks
Contact with raccoon saliva poses potential health risks, with rabies being the most significant concern. Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system and is typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly via a bite. Raccoons are among the most frequently reported wild animals to carry rabies in the United States, particularly in eastern and southeastern regions.
Recognizing a rabid raccoon involves observing unusual behaviors such as disorientation, difficulty walking, or partial paralysis, especially in their hind legs. An infected raccoon might also exhibit unusual aggression, an abnormal lack of fear towards humans, make strange noises, or show signs of excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth.
If bitten or scratched by a raccoon, immediate action is necessary. The wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, and medical attention sought promptly. Healthcare providers will assess the risk and may recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which involves administering rabies immune globulin and a series of vaccine doses to prevent the disease. Less common risks from raccoon bites include bacterial infections, which medical professionals can also address during wound care.