If you encounter a raccoon in your backyard that appears healthy and undisturbed, the best course of action is generally to leave it alone, as it will likely move on naturally. Raccoons are nocturnal animals, and while seeing one during the day isn't always a sign of illness, they typically prefer to forage under the cover of darkness.
Assessing the Situation
Your response to a raccoon in your yard should depend on its behavior and the circumstances.
For Healthy, Undisturbed Raccoons
- Observe from a Distance: If the raccoon does not appear to be sick or injured, simply let him be. He will most likely leave on his own when he feels comfortable and has finished exploring or foraging.
- Baby Raccoons: Should you discover baby raccoons, especially if you're having work done on your trees, it is crucial to let them be. Their mother is likely nearby and will return for them. Disturbing them can cause the mother to abandon them.
- Daytime Sightings: While raccoons are primarily nocturnal, seeing one during the day doesn't automatically mean it's sick or aggressive. It might be a mother looking for food for her young, or simply moving between den sites.
When to Seek Professional Help
In certain situations, it's wise to contact your Local Animal Control or Wildlife Services or a Wildlife Rehabilitator. This includes instances where:
- Appears Sick or Injured: The raccoon is stumbling, disoriented, drooling excessively, acting unusually tame, or displaying aggressive behavior without provocation. These can be signs of illness like rabies or distemper.
- Trapped or Injured: The animal is visibly injured or stuck in an unusual place (e.g., a dumpster, fence, or storm drain).
- Aggressive Behavior: The raccoon is acting aggressively towards people or pets.
- Inside Your Home: A raccoon has entered your house, attic, or crawl space. Do not attempt to trap or remove it yourself.
- Orphaned Babies: If you are certain baby raccoons are orphaned (e.g., the mother has not returned for many hours, or the babies are crying incessantly and appear weak), contact a professional.
Preventing Future Visits
Raccoons are opportunistic and are often attracted to yards that offer easy access to food, water, and shelter. Taking preventative measures can discourage them from making your backyard a regular stop.
| Attractant | Prevention Measure |
|---|---|
| Food | Secure trash cans with tight-fitting, animal-proof lids or tie them down. |
| Do not leave pet food or water bowls outside, especially overnight. | |
| Clean up fallen fruit from trees promptly. | |
| Secure compost bins. | |
| Water | Empty bird baths or pet water dishes at night. |
| Fix leaky outdoor spigots. | |
| Shelter | Seal off openings to attics, crawl spaces, sheds, and under decks. |
| Cap chimneys with animal-proof screens. | |
| Trim overgrown bushes and trees that offer hiding spots or easy access to your roof. |
Safety Precautions
When a raccoon is in your yard, it's important to prioritize safety for both your family and your pets.
- Maintain Distance: Never approach or attempt to feed a raccoon. While they generally avoid humans, they can bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
- Supervise Pets: Keep pets indoors or closely supervised when a raccoon is present. Raccoons can carry diseases, and confrontations between pets and wildlife can lead to injury or transmission of illness.
- Educate Children: Teach children not to approach or touch any wild animals.
By understanding raccoon behavior and taking appropriate steps, you can peacefully coexist with these fascinating creatures while ensuring the safety of your home and family.
