Are Raccoons Dangerous? - 3 Tips To Deal With Raccoons - The Pest Informer (2023)

Raccoons are often seen as cute and cuddly creatures, but in all reality, they are wild animals. They can be dangerous and carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. In this blog post, I will go over some important things you need to know about raccoons before deciding if they’re safe to have around your property or not.

Are Raccoons Dangerous?

Yes, raccoons can be dangerous. They carry rabies and they have sharp claws and teeth. Generally they are afraid of humans but they have been known to attack and protect food sources or their homes.

It’s not uncommon to see a raccoon in the middle of the city or around trash cans. Raccoons are nocturnal animals and as such, they often come out at night due to their increased activity levels then. They have a reputation for being sneaky but is that deserved? Well, like other cute and cuddly creatures in the animal kingdom (think pandas) it’s not uncommon for raccoons to be seen as harmless but these are wild animals that can carry diseases.

When you consider whether or not a raccoon is dangerous there are some important things to keep in mind: they have sharp teeth and claws; their bites can transmit rabies so if you encounter one-act cautiously; don’t feed them because this will only make them come closer which may lead to an attack; never leave your property unsecured because this creates easy access for them-they’re excellent climbers after all! Repellents exist too that might just work on these pesky critters who constantly try to invade our homes by scaring them away.

So, are raccoons dangerous? Yes, these animals can be dangerous depending on their behavior and how you come into contact with them. If they are ill or hungry they will attack without warning. It’s important to remember that raccoons do carry rabies so it’s best not to get too close to avoid being bitten by one of the creatures. While the chances of an encounter might seem slim, there is always a chance you’ll find yourself up against this animal who doesn’t want to leave your property alone.

Do Raccoons Attack Humans?

Are you worried about being attacked by a raccoon? In reality, raccoons are more likely to run away from humans than attack them.

In fact, at the end of last year, there was a viral video where a raccoon had climbed up to a window and reached in for one little girl’s hand. The child quickly pulled her arm back and the animal retreated with no intention of attacking her or anyone inside that house. Raccoons are naturally curious creatures who just want to know more about what’s happening around them.

If you find yourself close enough to see these animals face-to-face then they’re likely going to be more scared than you so in general, you don’t have to worry about being attacked.

The truth is, raccoons are mostly innocent creatures who only want to get close enough for humans to provide them with food. The raccoon population has been growing very quickly in the past decade because of their intelligence and ability to adapt so living near one shouldn’t be too big of an issue as long as you don’t give it your leftovers or feed it any other foods that could make it sick.

Raccoons can also carry rabies so if you find yourself face-to-face with one on the street then you might also consider calling animal control so these animals won’t attack anyone else.

Raccoons and Pets

Raccoons are known to get in fights with dogs and cats, so you need to be aware if there are raccoons on your property. Raccoons are dangerous to your pets because not only can they scratch and bite your pets, but they can also pass along rabies and other diseases such as raccoon roundworm.

If your pet has been bitten or scratched by a raccoon, you should take them to a vet as soon as possible. Raccoon attacks are uncommon, but at the end of the day, these animals are wild animals and they might decide to protect their food source from small dogs and cats!

What To Do If A Raccoon Approaches You?

As discussed, raccoons are a common sight in urban areas, but their behavior can be unpredictable. There is no guarantee that an animal will behave the same way twice, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution if you’re concerned about your safety.

If you encounter a raccoon in the wild, there’s no need to panic. Raccoons will generally avoid contact with humans unless they are cornered or threatened-and any of these scenarios would likely be preceded by an aggressive act on behalf of the animal. While it is not advisable to approach a raccoon if you see one from afar, if you find yourself within arm’s length, then do your best to scare off the creature. Aim loud noises and harsh lights at them while slowly backing away without turning around-if this doesn’t work, then make sure that there is something between you and the raccoon before trying again (like reaching for a stick).

What typical behaviors should I watch out for?

Raccoons are wild animals and as such, it is important to be mindful of their behaviors. The most common behavior that might cause concern would be if the animal was cornered or threatened, so make sure you give raccoons space when spotting them from afar.

Often raccoons are looking for food sources such as trash cans or bird feeders, so to prevent raccoon attacks you should ensure they can’t easily access these to help keep raccoons away!

What should I do if a raccoon is in my home or yard?

The best thing to do if a raccoon has entered your home or yard is to give them space and then call the authorities as soon as possible. You don’t want them to feel threatened and feel like they have to attack. This will help avoid any unnecessary confrontations that may lead to injury on either side of the fence.

Along with this, if you have easy to access trash cans, this will make your property more inviting to raccoons.

Ultimately, it’s up to each individual whether they want to catch and release these animals into another area or have trained people handle it for you. We just hope everyone can enjoy nature while being mindful of their behaviors in order not to provoke an aggressive response from one of these creatures.

Are Raccoons Aggressive?

In some cases though, when threats have been made against these creatures or their pups – they may feel more inclined to lash out if confronted by a human being. In this case, it is always better for an expert of any kind (be it animal control officers or veterinarians) to intervene on behalf of both parties involved!

Final Thoughts On Raccoons On Your Property

In conclusion, when it comes to raccoons and whether they are dangerous, they’re capable of it – under the right conditions. However, in general, they are not known to be dangerous to people, but it can happen, especially if they feel threatened.

Either way, it is best to walk away slowly and not engage with them if they seem irritated. If the raccoon attacks, then experts should be contacted for assistance as soon as possible before an injury occurs.

Overall I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on are raccoons dangerous and I hope this was helpful to prevent raccoons! View our other wildlife guides!

Resources:

https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/raccoons-damage-management