Have you ever considered having a raccoon as a pet? As cute and cuddly as they might seem, raccoons are not suitable pets for several reasons. First and foremost, raccoons are wild animals that belong in their natural habitat – not confined to the walls of a home. In addition to being aggressive, raccoons can also carry diseases that are harmful to both humans and other pets.
That’s why it’s important to contact a professional service like Skedaddle for raccoon removal in Milwaukee if you suspect that you have raccoons in your home. While it may be tempting to keep a raccoon as a pet, it is never a good idea. Instead, let’s work together to protect our local wildlife and keep them where they belong – in the great outdoors.
Separating Fact from Fiction: Debunking Common Myths Around Raccoons as Pets
There are a multitude of misconceptions that lead people to believe that these animals could be suitable pets. Let’s dig deeper and dismiss some of these myths:
Myth: They are easily domesticated
Fact: Although these animals may appear tame or playful, they are not. They are wild animals, and their instincts remain strong. They cannot be domesticated like a dog or a cat. Their natural behaviors, such as foraging for food and marking their territory, can lead to significant damage to your home.
Myth: Raccoons are clean animals
Fact: The idea that they exhibit ‘clean’ behavior, such as washing their food before eating, is a misunderstanding of their natural behaviors. In the wild, they use water to soften food and manipulate objects. This behavior can be perceived as washing, but this is not the case. Moreover, these animals are infamous carriers of diseases like rabies and leptospirosis, which sometimes can even prove fatal.
Myth: They Make Great Pets Because They’re Intelligent
Fact: While it’s true that they are incredibly intelligent, this doesn’t make them good pets. In reality, their superior problem-solving skills and dexterity make them difficult to contain within a household. They can easily learn how to open doors, drawers, and latches, leading to all sorts of trouble and damage.
In conclusion, despite the natural allure of these animals, they are not pets. As a wildlife control expert, my advice inevitably is to enjoy observing them in their natural habitat, from a safe distance. If for whatever reason they do find their way into your household, make sure you get in touch with us.
The Hazards of Domesticating Urban Wildlife
The Risks to Your Health
Beyond the damage they might inflict on your home, these animals pose a real health risk when they come into close contact with humans. They are carriers of ticks, fleas, and other parasites, and are known to spread several diseases, including:
- Rabies: A deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system. Transmission usually occurs through bites or scratches.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial illness that can cause severe kidney damage, meningitis, or liver failure.
- Salmonella: A bacteria that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
The Hidden Costs of “Owning” a Raccoon
Unlike traditional pets like cats and dogs, they are not vaccinated, treated for parasites, or trained to interact with humans. This means that costs can quickly escalate. These ‘hidden’ costs can include inevitable property damage, higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk of disease and injury, and potential fines or legal difficulties due to local laws prohibiting the keeping of wild animals as pets.
Impacts on Raccoons Themselves
Importantly, we must also consider the impact on the animals themselves. Living in a confined home environment is inherently stressful for them, as it goes against their instincts to roam free, forage for food, and interact with other members of their species. In such conditions, these unique animals may develop physical and psychological issues, such as aggression, obesity, or anxiety.
Why Urban Wildlife Belongs in the Wild, Not in Your Home
Understanding and respecting the needs of these urban wildlife animals is crucial in maintaining a harmonious relationship with them. Remember, urban wildlife, like our furry friends being discussed here, adds to the richness of our environment, but they require specific conditions to thrive and live full, healthy lives. Conditions they can only find out in the wild, not in our homes.
Urban wildlife needs expansive and diverse spaces to engage in their natural behaviors, like foraging for food, mating, and raising their young. They also help in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Nature has designed these animals to survive in the wild, letting them be keeps us humans safe and also protects the well-being of the animals.
Human-Wildlife Coexistence: The Way Forward
Instead of domesticating them, our focus should be on promoting harmony and coexistence with wildlife. A few ways to do this are by observing and learning about them from safe distances, keeping our surroundings clean and limiting access to food and shelter, advocating for green spaces where they can thrive, and educating others about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Local Laws And Regulations
Lastly, it’s important to note that in many states, it’s illegal to capture, harm, or keep animals without proper permissions and licensing – another strong reason why these animals are not apt as household companions. Always respect local wildlife laws and regulations and report any illegal activities, like capturing or selling wildlife, to local authorities or rescue and rehabilitation centers.
At Skedaddle, we are dedicated to helping manage wildlife in the safest and most humane ways possible. If you encounter them near or in your home, please reach out to us for assistance. Professional intervention ensures safety for both humans and animals.
Call Skedaddle for Raccoon Removal in Milwaukee
When it comes to urban wildlife removal, no one is better equipped to handle the task than Skedaddle. Milwaukee is a bustling city, alive with both human and animal residents. While harmony is certainly achievable between these groups, issues do arise, particularly when animals mistakenly find their way into our homes. This is when our expert services come into play.
At Skedaddle, we are experts in humanely removing urban wildlife, ensuring both the welfare of the animals and the safety of home occupants.
Expertise and Experience You Can Count On
With our years of knowledge and established experience, we have learned that the first step to solving any wildlife conflict is to understand the animal in question. Being well aware of their behavior, diet, mating habits, and more can help us devise humane solutions that will effectively and permanently remove these animals from your home.
Humane Handling of Urban Wildlife
Removing wildlife is not merely about forbidding access to a home, but also includes ensuring that they are treated humanely. As experts, we are dedicated to the welfare of each animal and Council Certified. Not only do we handle each case with total professionalism and much-needed sensitivity, but we also adhere strictly to local laws and state regulations. Our strategies are environmentally friendly and ethical, causing no harm or stress to the animals.
Contact Us Today!
Wild animals belong in the wild, and that is precisely where we aim to keep them. So, if you encounter one of our furry friends in your house, do not attempt to handle the situation yourself. Contact us at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Milwaukee, and we will promptly and professionally address your wildlife control needs, ensuring both you and the animal are safe and sound.