Rabies is a terrifying virus. Once symptoms appear, it has a 100% chance of death. Any warm-blooded animal can get it. If left untreated, it can progress and become totally fatal. This is why it is so important to vaccinate your pets and use caution when there is wildlife nearby. It is rare, but you never know which animal has it. For all you know, the raccoons in your backyard may be carrying it. If you are worried about the raccoons in your area, give Raccoon Control a call. We provide guaranteed raccoon removal and exclusion services that keep you safe.
The rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact with saliva. In most cases, it is transmitted when an infected animal bites another. Breaking the skin allows the infected saliva to enter the other’s system. Symptoms usually begin to appear within 2 to 8 weeks, though in some cases, it might take up to a year. Mothers can infect their unborn children with rabies, but this is extremely rare. A baby raccoon with rabies was likely infected sometime after it was born. Raccoons have a reputation for carrying the disease, but this is also a rare occurrence. In 2020, only one raccoon in Ontario was reported to have rabies.
What are the Symptoms of Rabies?
Raccoons with rabies look sick and confused. While symptoms vary between species and individual, the rabies virus generally causes issues with the nervous system. This causes seizures, paralysis, and sudden changes in behaviour.
Infected animals may have any combination of the following symptoms:
- Fear of humans
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Partial paralysis
- Drooling, foaming of the mouth
- Strange sounds
- Extreme aggression
- Biting of the limbs
- Fear of water
Though cases of rabies are rare, it is important that you keep your distance from raccoons, especially those with any of the symptoms above. Call your local police force, animal control department, or humane society if you think you found a sick or injured raccoon in your area.
How to Get Rid of a Raccoon with Babies
If there is a family of raccoons on your property, don’t worry. They can be removed humanely. A wildlife removal company can evict the mother by installing a one-way door to the entrance of the den. When she wants to go out and find food, she will simply push her way through the door, then be unable to get back inside. As for the babies, the technician can remove them by hand and place them in an insulated box, just outside the den. The mother will come get them, then find another place to live.
Call the experts at Raccoon Control if you are having issues with raccoons. We provide humane, comprehensive raccoon removal services throughout the GTA. No matter the situation, we can help. We also provide raccoon-proofing services in which we seal and protect the roof so that no raccoons break in in the future. We are so sure of our exclusion services that they come with a warranty of up to 2-years. Call us for an inspection today.