Raccoons are a common sight in many urban and suburban environments, known for their distinctive masked faces and dexterous paws. These adaptable creatures often exhibit a curious behavior: standing upright on their hind legs. This posture, which might seem unusual, serves several practical purposes in their daily lives.
Understanding Why Raccoons Stand Tall
Raccoons stand on their hind legs for a variety of reasons. One common reason is to gain a better vantage point, allowing them to survey their environment more effectively. By elevating themselves, they can see over obstacles like tall grass, bushes, or fences, which helps them spot potential food sources or threats.
Another reason raccoons stand is for balance. Their front paws are highly sensitive and function almost like hands, enabling them to manipulate objects with precision. Standing upright provides the stability needed to extend their reach, whether to grasp fruit from a branch or access food from a bird feeder or trash can.
Raccoons may also stand as an alert or defensive posture. If they sense something unfamiliar or a potential threat, standing tall can help them investigate further. They might puff themselves up, accompanied by growls or hisses, to appear larger and more intimidating. This is usually a bluff to deter predators, as their first instinct is to escape rather than fight.
Encountering a Standing Raccoon
When encountering a raccoon standing upright, it is best to observe calmly and maintain a respectful distance. Most instances of a raccoon standing are non-threatening behaviors related to their natural curiosity or environmental assessment. Raccoons are naturally cautious of people and prefer to avoid confrontation.
It is important to avoid approaching or attempting to feed a raccoon. Feeding them can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, which can lead to more frequent and potentially problematic encounters. If a raccoon approaches you, you can try to make yourself appear larger by raising your arms and making some noise to encourage it to move away.
If a raccoon appears sick, injured, or displays behaviors like staggering, foaming at the mouth, or disorientation, contact local animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator. These signs could indicate illness, such as rabies, which requires professional handling. Otherwise, allowing the raccoon space to move on its own is the safest approach for both you and the animal.