Raccoons are a common sight, especially in neighborhoods where food scraps and shelter are easy to find. While they look harmless with their fuzzy tails and dexterous paws, the topic of raccoons and rabies often sparks concern. Should you be afraid? The short answer is yes, but only to an extent. Understanding raccoons and rabies facts can help balance fear with informed caution.

Rabies is a serious virus that affects the nervous system, and while the rabies risk from raccoons is real, these creatures are not mindlessly running around spreading the disease. The good news is that not every raccoon carries rabies. However, it’s important to know the signs of infection and take steps toward wildlife disease prevention to protect your family and pets. 

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Baltimore, we make it our mission to handle potentially risky animal encounters with care and expertise, so you don’t have to.

This post covers the connection between raccoons and rabies, signs of a sick raccoon, and why professional help is the smartest solution when dealing with these situations.

What Is Rabies, and How Do Raccoons Spread It?

Rabies is a virus that can infect mammals, including raccoons, foxes, bats, and even domestic animals like cats and dogs. The virus spreads through saliva, usually by a bite or scratch from an infected animal. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal if untreated, making early intervention critical.

When it comes to rabies risk from raccoons, these animals rank high compared to others. They are one of the top carriers of rabies in the United States. However, this does not mean every raccoon carries the virus. The majority of raccoons are healthy, but caution is always best when dealing with wildlife.

Signs a Raccoon May Be Rabid:

• Odd Behavior: Rabid raccoons may act unusually, appearing confused, disoriented, or overly aggressive. If you see a raccoon acting this way, it’s best to stay far away.
• Daytime Activity: Raccoons are nocturnal, so seeing one active during the day could be a warning sign, though it’s not always an indicator of rabies. A raccoon out during the day might also be searching for food or shelter.
• Drooling or Foam Around the Mouth: Excessive saliva can signal the later stages of rabies. This is a clear sign to avoid the animal and call for help.
• Stumbling or Weakness: Rabies affects the nervous system, leading to difficulty walking or balance issues. A raccoon that looks wobbly or weak could be very sick.

If you notice any of these behaviors in a raccoon near your home, it’s time to act. Wildlife disease prevention starts with staying away and letting professionals like us at Skedaddle take over.

Why Rabies Prevention Matters

Rabies is a serious threat, not only to animals but to people too. Even though rabies cases in humans in the U.S. are rare thanks to widespread vaccination programs, the consequences of even one bite are dangerous. Treating potential rabies exposure involves a round of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) shots, which can be stressful and expensive.

Preventing rabies isn’t just about reacting when you encounter a suspicious raccoon. It also means minimizing the factors that attract wildlife to your property.

Here are a few practical wildlife disease prevention tips:

• Seal Entry Points: Check your attic, chimney, and crawl spaces for any holes or openings where wildlife might enter.
• Secure Trash Cans: Use locked lids or keep garbage stored indoors until pickup day.
• Remove Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food or bird seed outside overnight.

Even with these measures, raccoons can be clever and persistent. Rely on our professionals to address the root of the issue and ensure raccoons don’t come back.

What You Should Do If You Encounter a Raccoon

Spotting a raccoon on your property doesn’t always mean immediate danger. But if the animal is acting aggressively or showing signs of illness, it’s crucial to avoid direct contact. Never try to handle or trap a raccoon yourself, as this increases the risk of bites or scratches.

Our team at Skedaddle knows how to safely and humanely remove raccoons using proven methods like one-way doors. These devices allow wildlife to exit your home but prevent them from coming back. This approach ensures the raccoons are no longer a threat to your property while minimizing harm to the animals.

If you suspect a raccoon may be rabid, it’s best to stay indoors, keep pets away, and contact us immediately. We’ll assess the situation and take the appropriate steps to keep you and your family safe.

Addressing Common Myths About Raccoons and Rabies

Raccoons and rabies facts are often misunderstood, leading to unnecessary fear or careless behavior. Clearing up these misconceptions can help you take the right actions.

Myth 1: All Raccoons Carry Rabies

Not true! Although raccoons are a common rabies carrier, most do not have the disease. However, you should still use caution around any wild animal.

Myth 2: Rabid Raccoons Always Foam at the Mouth

While foaming is a symptom, it’s not always present in rabid raccoons. Other behaviors like aggression or disorientation, are also signs to look for.

Myth 3: You Can Trap a Raccoon and Solve the Problem

Using DIY traps may catch the raccoon, but it doesn’t address why it entered your home in the first place. Without proper prevention methods, you might find yourself dealing with raccoons again.

This is where our expertise at Skedaddle comes in. We don’t just remove wildlife; we also make sure they can’t return by sealing entry points and addressing attractants.

How to Protect Your Family and Pets

The best way to keep your family and pets safe is by staying proactive. Small steps can go a long way in preventing rabies risk from raccoons and other wildlife.

• Vaccinate Pets: Ensure dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies shots.
• Supervise Outdoor Time: Don’t leave pets unattended, especially at night.
• Educate Your Family: Teach kids not to approach or try to feed wild animals, even if they look “cute.”

When you notice signs of raccoon activity near your home, act quickly. Ignoring the problem can lead to property damage, health risks, and ongoing nuisance.

The Skedaddle Difference

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Baltimore, we take pride in offering safe, humane, and permanent solutions to wildlife problems. Our trained team uses proven methods, like one-way doors, to ensure raccoons leave your property and don’t come back.

On top of removing wildlife, we focus on prevention to protect your home long-term. From sealing gaps to cleaning up after the animals, we handle every detail so you don’t have to.

Take the Next Step Today

Raccoons may be part of our local ecosystem here in Baltimore, but the rabies risk from raccoons is not something to take lightly. The best way to stay safe is to leave wildlife removal to the professionals who know how to handle it properly.

Request an estimate to learn more about how Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Baltimore can help protect your home. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your family and pets are safe.