Racoons in backyard ?

Question

i seem to have 3 racoons that come to a vist ... even go up the deck at night ?
is this an animal that needs to be worried about ? is this dangerous ? do you report to animal control ?
anyone with info. regarding racoon ?

Answer 1

Raccoons are more dangerous than many people believe. They not only can carry rabies (in the Eastern US, they pose one of the largest rabies threats), they also can carry canine distemper, and parasites in their feces are very dangerous to human health.

In addition, they can do a great deal of damage. They have adapted very well to living with humans. They have learned that garbage cans and dumpsters are excellent sources of food. They often break into screened-in porches to get to pet food. They are also adept at finding ways of getting into attics.

You need to make sure your yard and deck are not inviting. Keep all garbage cans covered and stored in a garage or a shed. Do not leave pet food outside, especially not on your deck.

Raccoons are not usually agressive toward humans, unless it is a mom with kits. If you see raccoons in your yard or on your deck, make noise, clap your hands, yell at the raccoons and wave your hands over your head to make yourself look large and fierce. If they run, fine...but be prepared for them to return and try again. You may need to spray them with a hose or a super-soaker water gun. Do not place moth balls outside - all you are doing is poisoning your environment with the chemicals. And do not attempt to shoot the raccoons, as it would be illegal.

If you try to chase them, and they do not seem to scare easily, do not press the issue. Get a professional to come out and trap them and relocate them

In almost every state, you need a license to trap raccoons, and you need permission to relocate them, especially in areas where there has been a recent outbreak of rabies associated with raccoons. In these areas, the raccoons may have to be destroyed, as relocation is banned. Nuisance Wildlife Control Professionals are licensed and know the laws of the area in which they work, so it is always better to hire a professional to deal with the problem.

If you find that you can not deal with the problem yourself, and can not afford to hire a professional, contact your local animal control, your state DNR or the local office of the US Fish and Wildlife Service for assistance.

Answer 2

well we had the same problem when I lived in an apartment in Louisiana. We had a 2 story and the racoon would climb on the roof and then get on our windows. We never reported them because they didn't tear up anything and they only came out at night anyways

Answer 3

Racoons are fine. You can call them vermin for digging in the garbage, but hey, who took away the jungle they used to live in? Unless the racoon likes insects especially they will try to eat your garbage. A relative of mine who lives in Canada fed the racoons, but i don't know about calling the animal control.

Answer 4

I have a pellet gun I bought at Gander Mountain because my .45 is a handgun and not very accurate compared to a rifle. And the smaller caliber rifle I have is a .223 which is still loud. I just stick by the pellet gun. I buy these pointed pellets for it and they seem to penetrate much better than the regular pellets. I think a lot of it is the types of pellets you use too. Some are junk where some work well.

Answer 5

There are raccoons in many urban areas. They are not particularly dangerous. They will eat food from the garbage if you leave it unsecured; if you leave food out for the dog or cat, they will eat that. If cornered, of course, they can bite. But they will generally run from you instead. If your dog tries to interfere with one, it will come back with bite wounds. Especially if it interferes with a mother with babies. They can carry rabies, though this isn't common anymore.
I've known a woman who fed raccoons on her porch, and they actually went on the porch in her presence. I'm not saying this is a good idea, but she enjoyed it. Once a baby fell asleep on the porch, and she touched it. It woke in a fright and ran off calling for its mama.
Basically, if you have raccoons in your neighborhood, secure your garbage and foodstuffs, don't let your dog chase them, and you should be okay.

Answer 6

Racoons, although very cute-looking are wild animals and are vicious fighters. If you have a pet, it's best that you keep them away from racoons, not only because your cat or dog could be seriously injured, but racoons are known to carry the rabies virus.
They generally are more afraid of humans than we are of them, but will attack if they feel cornered. Instinctively they will go for the eyes.
The good news is that they are relatively easy to get rid of... they hate the smell of mothballs. If you put down some mothballs they will take up residence elsewhere.

Answer 7

You can call animal control they may send someone to trap. You can trap them yourself and release them somewhere else, but check first it may be illegal, it is where I live. They are usually not dangerous, just a pain if they dig around and make a mess.

Answer 8

They're not any more dangerous than any other wild animal. They are only a threat to smaller animals if they piss them off (like a small dog). It is possible for them to carry rabies, but so can humans. I wouldn't worry. They're very very clever, though, so anything you don't want them to touch you should secure! They open my trash bags and cans all the time. = )

Answer 9

quit leaving your dogfood outside. Yeah, they can carry rabies. They may seem all cute and fuzzy, but I'll tell ya what, they can tear up a dog or a cat, or a KID. As much as you may not want to, scare em away or call animal control.

Answer 10

No, racoons won't harm you. They just get into your trash and dirty up your yard. And no you don't need to contact animal control. This is a problem that you can solve by yourself, if you own a gun!