The temptation for many people when they see a raccoon is to feed it, chase it away or attempt to trap it. Raccoons are wild animals after all so the potential for aggression and attack is always there. This goes doubly for new mothers protecting their litter or for rabid raccoons. You should not approach a raccoon if you can help it. Contact a raccoon removal service in Toronto if you are concerned about your safety or suspect you may have coons nesting in your house.
Raccoons are categorized as Rabies Vector Species which means that they are considered primary carriers of rabies. You should visit a hospital immediately you are bitten or attacked by a raccoon. You will definitely need rabies shots as a matter of urgency.
Raccoons and Rabies
The biggest concern with getting bitten or attacked by a raccoon is the risk of contracting rabies. Rabies is spread through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. An animal bite, therefore, is an obvious way to contact the disease. Rabies is also transmuted to humans and pets if an infected animal licks cracked skin or an open wound. You can also get rabies from getting scratched by an infected animal if it has saliva on its claws.
Raccoon attacks are more common on pets than humans. Wear disposable rubber gloves before handling your pet if attacked and take it to the vet as a matter of urgency. The gloves are to protect you from contacting the raccoon’s saliva.
Rabid raccoons are fairly easy to spot. These animals are nocturnal so seeing one during the day may be a sign that it is rabid. It is not unusual for female raccoons to forage during the day or for animals living in urban environments to shift their schedule but be cautious. Other signs of a rabid raccoon include;
- The animal is making unusual noises
- The raccoon is aggressive for no apparent reason
- The raccoon is foaming or drooling at the mouth or eyes
- The animal looks obviously ill
- The animal has paralyzed leg or legs
- The raccoon seems disoriented or displaying uncoordinated movements
- The raccoon is self-mutilating
Signs of rabies in humans include hypersensitivity to light, fatigue, scratching or itching at the wound, fever, fatigue, insomnia, hallucination, agitation and disorientation.
Again, it is imperative that you visit a hospital as soon as possible even if the offending animal is not displaying any obvious signs of rabies
Getting Rid of Rabid Raccoons
Call a raccoon removal expert in Ontario to deal with rabid wildlife. Do not attempt to trap the animals yourself as you are putting yourself at great risk of attack. Killing protected wildlife in Canada is illegal.
The expert knows how to handle rabid wildlife safely, humanely and effectively. The expert will also help you to seal your home to prevent wildlife from coming in and may offer advice on how you can prevent wildlife from coming into your property in the first place.