Have You Heard of These 3 Top Myths about Raccoons?
- Raccoons Only Carry Rabies
While raccoons are a primary reservoir for rabies, they also carry many other diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as raccoon roundworm and leptospirosis. Raccoon roundworms are spread via airborne eggs excreted when the raccoon defecates. Humans can inhale these eggs and become immediately infected. Leptospirosis is transmitted to humans through a raccoon’s feces and urine. Both diseases may cause life-threatening symptoms in infected humans.
- Raccoons Only Venture Out at Night
Like other wild animals, raccoons are opportunistic omnivores always searching for their next bite to eat. When food is plentiful during the summer, raccoons tend to forage mostly at night. During winter (raccoons do not hibernate), they will forage day and night for food. Also, they are not territorial. They will wander everywhere and anywhere to find food resources and especially like creeks and ponds.
- Raccoons Make Great Pets
No, they don’t. Also harboring a range of diseases, raccoons are destructive, nearly untrainable (they ARE wild animals) and notorious biters. You cannot train a raccoon not to bite humans, dogs or cats, even if the raccoon is raised by humans from birth. Also, most veterinarians have no experience treating a sick or injured raccoon. Before a vet even looks at a raccoon, the person bringing in the animal must show proof they have purchased the raccoon. It is illegal to take raccoons from the wild, and you could be fined if wildlife officers find you have taken a raccoon as a pet.
What To Do If You Encounter a Raccoon
Never approach a raccoon if you find one in your home or on your property. They will instinctively bite when scared, stressed or angry. If your property is being overrun with raccoons or you discover a raccoon family is squatting in your attic, call Critter Control at 305-258-3587 for immediate assistance with raccoon removal services.