It is a common belief that a raccoon seen during daylight hours must be sick, particularly with rabies. However, this is a misconception. While raccoons are primarily active at night, seeing one during the day is not unusual and does not automatically indicate illness. Many factors can influence their activity patterns, leading to normal daytime sightings.
Raccoon Activity Patterns
Raccoons are generally described as nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Their excellent night vision, keen hearing, and sensitive sense of touch allow them to navigate and forage effectively in low-light conditions. Being active at night also helps them avoid many natural predators, such as hawks and coyotes, which are more active during the day. This nocturnal behavior also reduces competition for food sources with diurnal animals.
Some sources describe raccoons as crepuscular, with peak activity during twilight hours at dawn and dusk. This allows them to take advantage of muted light while avoiding the heat of the day. Despite their typical nocturnal habits, raccoons are highly adaptable and opportunistic animals. Their routines can shift based on environmental factors, food availability, and even their life stage.
Normal Reasons for Daytime Sightings
There are several non-alarming reasons why a healthy raccoon might be seen during the day. One common reason is a nursing mother searching for extra food to support her young. Female raccoons with kits require increased calories and will forage for longer hours, sometimes venturing out in daylight.
Young raccoons also tend to be more active during the day as they explore their surroundings and learn from their mothers. Food scarcity can also prompt raccoons to forage during the day if nocturnal foraging was insufficient. This is especially true in urban areas where food sources like garbage cans are more accessible during daylight hours. Additionally, a raccoon’s den might have been disturbed by humans, pets, or other animals, forcing them to relocate during the day. They may also be moving to a new den site or patrolling their territory.
Identifying Problematic Behavior
While a daytime sighting alone is usually not a cause for concern, certain behaviors can indicate that a raccoon is ill, injured, or in distress. A raccoon that is staggering, disoriented, or having difficulty walking might be sick. They may also appear to walk in circles or have partially paralyzed hind legs.
Other signs of illness include unusual vocalizations, such as strange noises or whimpering. An ill raccoon might also exhibit matted fur, discharge from the eyes or nose, or appear unusually thin. A lack of fear towards humans, unprovoked aggression, or self-mutilation are also warning signs. These symptoms can be associated with diseases like rabies or canine distemper, which affect the central nervous system.
What to Do When You See a Raccoon
If you encounter a raccoon during the day, observe its behavior from a safe distance without approaching it. If the raccoon appears alert, responsive, and is moving with purpose, it is likely healthy and should be left alone. You can take steps to secure potential food sources like trash cans to discourage future visits.
If the raccoon exhibits any problematic behaviors, such as staggering, disorientation, aggression, or foaming at the mouth, do not approach it. Keep children and pets away from the animal to ensure their safety. Contact your local animal control, police department, or a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. These professionals are equipped to assess the situation and handle potentially sick or injured wildlife safely.