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Home » Blog » What to do if a raccoon approaches you? Tips for staying safe

What to do if a raccoon approaches you? Tips for staying safe

What to do if a raccoon approaches you? Tips for staying safe

Raccoons are common in many areas, and encounters with these furry creatures are not uncommon. Normally they’re not threatening to humans, since they are gentle animals, however they can be aggressive and carry diseases that can be harmful to humans. So it's important for you to understand what to do if a raccoon approaches you.

The first thing to keep in mind is to remain calm and avoid panicking. Commonly raccoons are not aggressive, unless they feel threatened or cornered. So you wonder, will a raccoon attack you? If a raccoon approaches you, try to make yourself look bigger, stand on your tiptoes, raise your arms above your head. This may be enough to scare the raccoon away.

If the raccoon continues to approach you, slowly back away while keeping your eyes on the animal. Do not turn your back on the raccoon or try to run away, since this can activate the predatory instincts instead, continue to back away until the raccoon loses interest and moves away. If the raccoon charges at you, use a loud noise or a spray of water to scare it away.

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Raccoon Behavior

Typical Raccoon Habits

Raccoons are nocturnal animals that are commonly found in wooded areas, urban environments, and suburban neighborhoods. They’re largely known due to their mask-like eyes, and ringed tail, they can grow to be quite large. Being omnivores themselves, they can eat just about anything, since their diet includes insects, fruits, vegetables, and small animals like rodents. They are also known to scavenge through garbage cans and dumpsters.

Common Reasons for Raccoon Approaches

Are Raccoons aggressive? Raccoons are generally not aggressive towards humans, but they may approach people if they are looking for food or water. They may also approach humans if they are sick or injured, or if they are protecting their young. Note that raccoons are wild animals, so treat them with caution, they may look cute, but if threatened can hurt you. 

If a raccoon approaches you, it is important to stay calm and avoid making sudden movements. Do not try to touch or feed the animal, as this can be dangerous. If the raccoon appears sick or aggressive, it is best to keep your distance and contact animal control for assistance.

Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies, so it is important to protect yourself and your pets. Keep your garbage cans securely closed and do not leave pet food outside. If you encounter a raccoon in your yard, scare it away by making loud noises or spraying them with water.

Overall, it is important to remember that raccoons are wild animals and should be respected from a safe distance. If you encounter a raccoon that is sick or injured, or if you are concerned about its behavior, contact animal control for assistance.

Prevention

Raccoons are known to be attracted to human settlements because of the availability of food and water sources. Remember to take preventive measures to discourage raccoons from approaching you or your property.

Ways to Discourage Raccoons

One effective way to discourage raccoons from approaching your property is to eliminate potential food sources. This can be done by keeping all food, including pet food, inside your house and not leaving any food outside. Additionally, it is important to secure all garbage and trash cans to prevent raccoons from accessing them. Consider fencing your garden, since this can be a way to keep raccoons out.

Another way to discourage raccoons is to eliminate potential water sources. Fix any leaking pipes or  faucets and ensure that any standing water is removed from your property.

Tips for Keeping Raccoons Away

To prevent raccoons from entering your house, it is important to ensure that all doors and windows are secure. If you have a pet door, consider closing it at night to prevent raccoons from entering your house.

If a raccoon does appear, it is important to stay calm and avoid approaching it. Instead, give the raccoon space and allow it to leave on its own. If the raccoon appears sick or aggressive, it is important to contact a professional wildlife control service.

By following these preventative measures, you can avoid potential damage to your property and prevent encounters with raccoons.

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What to Do If a Raccoon Approaches

Encountering a raccoon can be a common occurrence, especially when you live or are in nearby areas where they can be seen frequently. However, it is important to understand how to react if a raccoon approaches you.

Remain Calm

The first thing to do is to remain calm. Raccoons are generally not aggressive and will not attack unless they feel threatened. Always stay calm and don’t make any sudden movements that may startle the raccoon.

Avoid Direct Contact

It is important to avoid direct contact with the raccoon. Do not touch them or feed them, as this can be dangerous and may cause the raccoon to become aggressive, and then you might encounter a situation in which you wonder if a raccoon will attack you/

Determine the Appropriate Response

The appropriate response to a raccoon depends on the situation. If the raccoon is in your house or property, it is important to secure any food or garbage that may attract the raccoon. If the raccoon is outside and appears to be causing damage, it is important to stay away and call animal control for assistance.

If a raccoon attacks you, it is important to leave the situation and seek medical attention immediately. It is also important to report the incident to animal control so that they can take appropriate measures to prevent further incidents.

In order to prevent raccoons from approaching your property, it is important to keep all food and garbage secure. Make sure all trash cans have tight-fitting lids and do not leave any food outside. It is also important to seal any entry points to your house or property to prevent raccoons from entering.

In summary, if a raccoon approaches you, remain calm, avoid direct contact, and determine the appropriate response based on the situation. By taking these steps, you can prevent potential damage and ensure your safety.

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Possible Responses

If the Raccoon Is Aggressive

If a raccoon approaches you in an aggressive manner or if a raccoon attacks you, it is important to stay calm and collected. Firstly, stay calm and don’t run away, since this can provoke the raccoon and cause it to attack. Instead, follow these steps:

  1. Keep your distance: Give the raccoon plenty of space and try to stay at least 15-20 feet away from it.
  2. Control yourself: Do not make any sudden movements or loud noises that may startle the raccoon.
  3. Leave the area: Slowly back away from the raccoon and leave the area. If the raccoon continues to follow you, move to a safe location such as a car or building.
  4. Call for help: If the raccoon is being aggressive and you feel threatened, call animal control or your local police department for assistance.

If the Raccoon Is Not Aggressive

If a raccoon approaches you but is not showing any signs of aggression, there are several things you can do to avoid a potentially dangerous situation:

  1. Stay calm: Do not panic or make sudden movements that may startle the raccoon.
  2. Avoid eye contact: Raccoons may see direct eye contact as a threat, so it's best to avoid looking directly at them.
  3. Make noise: Clap your hands or make noise to scare the raccoon away.
  4. Secure your property: Make sure your trash cans are secure and your property is free of food and water sources that may attract raccoons.
  5. Prevent damage: If you have a raccoon problem, contact a professional wildlife control company to help you safely and humanely remove the animals from your property.

Remember, raccoons are wild animals, treat them with respect and caution, always follow safety tips so you can prevent any conflict and keep yourself safe in a situation.

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Conclusion

Encountering a raccoon can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it doesn't have to be dangerous. Be smart and follow guidelines, so you can prevent escalating the situation and keep yourself and the raccoon safe.

Summary of Topic

Raccoons are opportunistic animals that are attracted to areas where food, water, and shelter are available. They are also known to be carriers of diseases, like rabies, that can be transmitted to pets and humans. When encountering a raccoon, it's important to keep your distance, avoid feeding or approaching them, and secure your property to prevent them from accessing food sources.

Final Reminders for Raccoon Encounters

  • Keep your distance: If you see a raccoon, keep a safe distance from the animal, don't approach it or try to get close to it.
  • Don't feed them: Feeding raccoons can cause them to become habituated to humans and increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior.
  • Secure your trash: Keep your garbage cans secure and don't leave food or pet food outside.
  • Control your pets: Keep your pets on a leash and supervise them when they're outside to avoid confrontations with raccoons.
  • Stay calm: If a raccoon approaches you, stay calm and don't panic.Back away slowly and leave the area, remember to not make sudden movements or turn around on them.
  • Prevent damage: If you have a raccoon problem on your property, consider contacting a professional wildlife control service to safely and humanely remove them.

Remember, raccoons are wild animals and should be treated with caution and respect. By following these guidelines, you can avoid conflicts with raccoons and keep yourself and the raccoon safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I react if a raccoon approaches me?

Remember to keep calm and avoid making sudden movements, when a raccoon is approaching you. Back away slowly and give the raccoon plenty of space to retreat. Don’t touch or feed the animal, as this can provoke an attack.

What are the risks of a raccoon attack during the day or night?

Raccoons are generally more active at night, but they can also be active during the day. While raccoons are not typically aggressive towards humans, if they feel a threat, they can become defensive and aggressive, since they can feel cornered. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, so it is important to avoid contact with them.

How can I safely deter a raccoon that comes too close?

To safely deter a raccoon that comes too close, make loud noises or use a bright flashlight to scare it away. You can also use commercial raccoon repellents or natural deterrents such as ammonia or vinegar. If you have a garbage bin or cans, keep them closed and remove any potential food sources from your yard.

What to do if raccoon attacks you?

If a raccoon attacks you, try to protect yourself by backing away slowly and creating distance between you and the animal. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could further agitate it. Once you are safely away, seek medical attention immediately, as raccoons can carry diseases like rabies. Additionally, report the incident to local animal control authorities.

How do raccoons attack?

Raccoons typically avoid confrontation but may attack if they feel threatened or cornered. They might bite, scratch, or lunge at a perceived threat. Attacks can occur if a raccoon feels its territory or young are threatened, or if it's startled or provoked.

What immediate steps should I take if a raccoon bites me?

If a raccoon bites you, wash the wound thoroughly with water and soap, don't use any other type of cleaners, and call emergency services for immediate medical attention. Remember that raccoons are transmitters of diseases like rabies and prompt medical treatment is essential.

Is there a threat to humans from raccoons under normal circumstances?

Under normal circumstances, raccoons do not pose a significant threat to humans. However, it is important to avoid contact with raccoons and to take steps to deter them from your property to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

What should be done if a raccoon behaves aggressively towards you?

If a raccoon behaves aggressively towards you, back away slowly and seek shelter indoors or in a secure location. Do not attempt to approach or touch the raccoon, and contact animal control or a wildlife removal service for assistance.

Afraid of raccoons? Don't worry at Critter Stop we can help you keep your house safe from these cute but invasive animals, you can Contact us or call us at (214) 234-2616, and one of our specialized technicians will gladly assist you in the process. 

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Lee Gorman
13:50 21 Nov 22
I’d give a 10 star review if I could! We had a great experience with Critter Stop. Everyone I dealt was friendly, professional, and reassuring. Phillip was very helpful and knowledgeable about the work he was doing. He walked me around the entire house to make sure I saw and understood the services he provided. He was also really nice and answered all my questions — he is exactly the type of person that should be interacting with customers.I love the fact that they will come back for up to 1 year after installation if any problems occur — this shows me they stand behind their work.The owner was great too, he personally came to my house and walked me through their offering. I recommend critter stop to anyone and everyone!
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Critter Stop is a fantastic business! Everyone involved is extremely professional and very easy to communicate with. Chisam, the owner, did a great job of explaining the process to get the squirrels out of my attic during the initial free estimate. The exclusion crew who did all of the initial work was fabulous. The crew consisted of Phillip, Nick and Corey who arrived promptly when they said they would. They are happy, positive employees. Everyone is very polite and patient in explaining their work and answering questions. They came back several times to check the traps and finish it off with the fogging. Lester was very good about following up to schedule each trap check with me, and the office staff who took care of the billing was very efficient. Critter Stop is a well run company with honest, trustworthy employees! Thank you to all of you who worked hard to make my attic critter free and for the peace of mind that you guarantee your work. Great to know I can call them if for some reason a squirrel figures out a way to get back in!
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