Are raccoons dangerous? Yes, they can attack if they feel threatened!
Raccoons look cute, like really cute. Their chubby bodies, fuzzy fur, and tiny paws make you want to scoop them up in your hands. They hide out in the suburbs, shy away from interaction and give off a look that’s more silly than scary. But don’t let the looks fool you. They’re not silly, and they’re definitely not harmless. They only look cute from a distance.
Raccoons are night owls. It’s uncommon to spot them during the day, but you might catch one wandering in rare cases, maybe they’re out searching for food, looking for shelter, or a mother is tending to her babies. But raccoons are more than just cute beings on a midnight snack run. In fact, once a raccoon was so resilient that it climbed a 25-story skyscraper and became the famous #MPRRaccoon Internet sensation. Just how clever and determined these little critters can be. Let’s unpack their world together:
What Do Raccoons Look Like?
We might sound repetitive here but raccoons are adorably cute. They have fluffy bellies and small, wonderlike eyes. Their hands look almost human with five fingers and long toes. When they pick something they curl their fingers just right, keeping the object steady in their grip. It’s oddly satisfying. Raccoons have soft, grayish fur and a mask-like pattern around their eyes which actually helps them stay hidden in the dark and avoid getting caught. A fully grown raccoon is usually about 3 feet long from head to tail and can weigh over 20 lbs.
Are Raccoons Dangerous?
Are raccoons dangerous? Yes, they can attack if they feel threatened!
Raccoons look cute, like, really cute. Their chubby bodies, fuzzy fur, and tiny paws make you want to scoop them up in your hands. They hide out in the suburbs, shy away from interaction and give off a look that’s more silly than scary. But don’t let the looks fool you. They’re not silly, and they’re definitely not harmless. They only look cute from a distance.
Raccoons are night owls. It’s uncommon to spot them during the day, but you might catch one wandering in rare cases, maybe they’re out searching for food, looking for shelter, or a mother is tending to her babies. But raccoons are more than just cute beings on a midnight snack run. In fact, once a raccoon was so resilient that it climbed a 25-story skyscraper and became the famous #MPRRaccoon Internet sensation. Just how clever and determined these little critters can be.
Let’s unpack their world together:
Why Are Raccoons Dangerous?
Definitely, since raccoons are omnivores & wild animals, you can expect an attack from them at any time. In general, they don’t tend to attack suddenly, as they’re shy around humans, but yes, if it’s a fight-or-flight situation or they need to protect their babies, they’ll definitely try to bite or scratch you. Before attacking, raccoons try to intimidate you by clenching their teeth and claws, fluffing up their tail, jumping at you, or aggressively screaming, growling, or crying. If you see them doing any of this, they’re about to attack. Raccoons can be especially dangerous during birthing season, as the females become hyper-vigilant and super protective of their babies.
Dangers of Raccoons in a Home
If a raccoon has made a home in your home, damage is inevitable. Even if they don’t attack you or cause any physical harm, raccoons can still be a big problem for multiple other reasons. Having a raccoon indoors can be a direct source of several health issues. Here we have listed down the big dangers that a raccoon might cause in a home:
Disease Carriers
Raccoons are carriers of dirt and disease because they live in underground spaces and hang around suburban areas. They can also carry rabies which is fatal to humans. Even a single visit from a raccoon can leave behind multiple droppings, and that’s dangerous. Salmonella, leptospirosis, and raccoon roundworm are all commonly spread through their urine and feces. Kids and pets who play outside are especially at risk.
If you’re thinking about cleaning up their mess, always wear gloves, disposable clothing, and a respirator, since some of these illnesses are airborne. Honestly, it’s best to call a professional wildlife control technician to handle and dispose of the mess safely.
Property Damage
Raccoons can seriously damage your home. If they’ve been living long enough in your attic or basement, check your pipes and cables. They might’ve chewed through them, gnawed on wood planks, and damaged your home’s installations. If they are in your lawn, your plants and veggies are definitely in a vulnerable condition.
Danger for your pets
If you have pets, that’s a problem too. Since raccoons are wild animals, they can possibly fight with your cat or dog and even transmit rabies to them. Raccoon aggression is at its peak with cats because of food left outside. Dog fights aren’t as common but can happen, usually when a dog chases a raccoon and gets trapped. Never ever leave your dog’s food outside after sunset, as it can attract raccoons. Small dogs are the most likely to get injured, so never leave them alone outside in the evenings.
Are Raccoons Dangerous or Just Funny? Weird Facts!
- Raccoons are brilliant. They can watch you do something once and remember it for the next three years. Their memory is strangely sharp.
- Raccoons often eat their food after a wash. They give their food a quick rinse with water. Scientists say this enhances their sense of touch.
- They’re quick adapters. Even if they spend their whole life in a forest, it only takes them a few days to adopt an urban lifestyle and find hidden spots to live in the city.
- Raccoons are omnivores with zero chill. They’ll eat anything from frogs to pizza to eggs; they finish it all. The meal just has to smell good, and the rest raccoons will handle.
- Raccoons love the night. They come out after dark.
- Their typical diet is about 40% invertebrates, 33% plants, and 27% vertebrates.
Raccoon in the House? Are They Dangerous?
If raccoons are living in your home, they can be dangerous and – they’ll leave signs. You might see handshaped tracks in your backyard or attic (since they have five-fingered feet), droppings, or claw marks. Also, if your pet has been on high alert lately, looking around with ears perked up, that usually means there’s some kind of pest nearby, and it could very well be a raccoon.
How to Avoid Dangers of Raccoons?
Below are some quick reflex actions you can do on the spot to make a raccoon fly off.
- Shout a phrase like “go off”.
- Throw some water, stones, or whatever you can grab (definitely avoid knives or anything that could cause serious harm)
- Make yourself look big to scare the raccoon away.
- Wave your hands, or stomp loudly on the pavement.
- Also, be sure to repair entry points and seal small openings around your home.
Secondly, if a raccoon has been living in your house long-term, it’s best to call a pest control company. Let the professionals handle it. They’ll not only remove the raccoon but also clean up any mess the mess removal process has left behind.
Raccoon Exterminators
At Dave’s Pest Control, we have a raccoon removal team that uses safe and proven methods to handle raccoon infestations. We’re effective and quick. If you’re dealing with a raccoon nuisance, just drop us a call, and we’ll be reaching out to you soon!
