Will a Wild Raccoon Hurt Me?

Raccoons are wild animals, and their behavior can never be accurately predicted. This means raccoons can indeed be a potential threat for humans and domesticated pets. Continue reading to learn the potential dangers of a wild raccoon encounter, and how to avoid risk if ever confronted by one.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605
Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Raccoons Have Sharp Teeth and Can Bite

If a raccoon is provoked or feels threatened, it may try to defend itself by any means necessary. If you try to handle a wild raccoon, they will use their teeth to bite you and scare you away. Raccoons are known to carry Rabies, Distemper, Leptospirosis, and several other types of infectious diseases that can be passed on through saliva and other bodily fluids. A raccoon bite can be very painful, but worse, can cause dangerous infections. Raccoons are not likely to attack, but they have been known to bite if a person attempts to touch them or come too close.

Raccoons Will Attack if Threatened or Scared

Another reason why raccoons can be harmful to humans and animals is their parental instincts.  In nature, mammals are programmed at birth to reproduce and protect their offspring. Often times, a dog or cat will come across a raccoon den and get attacked, bitten, or scratched because they were too curious about the colony. A mother raccoon will go to extreme measures to protect their nest and young. This can also happen if a homeowner finds a raccoon colony nesting in their attic or under their porch, if threatened, the mother will defend by biting, clawing, and scratching them.

How to Keep Raccoons Away

In order to keep raccoons away, you must make certain changes that make your property undesirable to them. Do this by removing or covering all food, water, and shelter sources. This includes bird baths, pet food, garbage cans, compost piles, log piles, squirrel feeders, and more. You can also install motion-detection lighting, automatic sprinklers, and electronic sound machines. You can even try playing a talk radio outside to teach raccoons that people occupy this area.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control at an Affordable Price

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional Indianapolis raccoon removal services at the most competitive prices in town. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control contractors who offer residential and commercial raccoon abatement services throughtout all of Central Indiana, including raccoon damage clean up services. Get started by requesting a free estimate, today.