There is a raccoon outside in the daytime currently and I am not sure to call animal control or not because I am afraid they will kill it even if there is nothing wrong with it. Please Help!!!
2007-09-05 03:51:45 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Please do not call animal control. They will most likely destroy the animal, as raccoons are a vector for rabies, and (especially on the east coast from Maryland to New England, where rabies in raccoons has been prevalent), animal control agencies tend to err on the side of caution. Most do not have the facilities to hold a raccoon for the period of time necessary to see if rabies is present, and will opt to destroy the animal and have its brain examined for signs of the disease.
If the raccoon is showing no sign of aggressive behavior, and if it is not acting unusually lethargic or showing any other obvious signs of illness (staggering, walking into things, profuse sweating, shaking like it has chills), it is probably just fine. I often have raccoons in my yard during the day.
Since it is a wild animal, do not approach it. Raccoons can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Also, other humans may be feeding and "taming" this raccoon, which would make it less wary and more aggressive. It would view you as a food source and can become very aggressive seeking the food it expects you to be giving it.
2007-09-05 05:52:12 · answer #1 · answered by margecutter 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Raccoons are NOT totally nocturnal. At this time of year food supplies dwindle and they have to spend more hours out searching for something to eat. Also, baby raccoons, born in the spring, are now adolescents and prone to wander around learning about the world. No reason to call anyone, leave it be but take some precaution like keeping your pets inside.
Also, many other non zoonotic(passed to humans) diseases mimic the symptoms of rabies, such as distemper.
By the way, relocating a wild animal does not solve the problem as another omnivore will move into his spot. Sometimes it is an animal that is worse, such as a skunk.
2007-09-05 05:04:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It does not mean it is rabid just because it is out in the day. It probably has to forage at all hours to find enough food to survive. Animal control may just euthanize, but sometimes they my opt to relocate it. You can call and see what their policy is... your other choice is just to let the raccoon be and make sure you do not have anything around your house/yard that is attracting it there. Pick up cat food, trash, etc, and secure trash cans so that the raccoon cannot get into them. If you have pets, keep them indoors.
2007-09-05 06:58:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A raccoon out in the daytime is very likely ill with something; probably distemper, maybe rabies. Get Animal control on it.
2007-09-05 05:12:22 · answer #4 · answered by John R 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The only way to be sure is to chop it's head off and cut into it's brain. If the coon is acting aggressively or trying to get closer to you, get away and call for help. Having a dead coon is better than getting a rabies shot.
2007-09-05 04:03:33 · answer #5 · answered by SC 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You can call animal control for advice. Some area will relocate the animal.
2007-09-05 04:00:24 · answer #6 · answered by mediahoney 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Call animal control and they will catch it in a live trap. They won't kill it unless they have to. They will relocate it to ease your mind to an area where he can be left alone. If they do kill it you will never know about it. They know what to do and you do not so let them handle it.
2007-09-05 04:09:49 · answer #7 · answered by Robert P 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋