
Take note of the following things you can do:
- If a raccoon approaches you in the wild, you must make yourself seem bigger and more threatening. ...
- Cover up properly if you know that you will go into an area with raccoons.
- Never feed the raccoons as this will make them lose their natural fear of humans.
- Stay as far away from the animal as possible. ...
What should I do if I see a raccoon in my yard?
Let it be, let it be. Raccoon populations have adapted to live in urban areas in many parts of the country out of necessity and may appear comfortable approaching humans, but as with most wildlife the best thing humans can do for raccoons is leave them alone. If there is a raccoon in your yard who does not appear to be sick or injured, let him be.
Is it dangerous to touch a raccoon?
Raccoons are wild animals and a raccoon who feels cornered or threatened can be dangerous. Raccoons (along with foxes, skunks, and bats) are “rabies vector species” (meaning they have a higher risk of contracting and spreading rabies) and therefore you should never attempt to handle them.
Is it normal for raccoons to be outside during the day?
If you see a raccoon out in the daytime, let him be. Just being outside during daylight hours does not mean he’s sick or rabid. His home may have been disturbed, or he could just be hungry. It’s perfectly normal for raccoons to be active during the day. If you see baby raccoons or a raccoon you encounter seems friendly, let them be.
Do raccoons cause conflict?
Resolving Conflicts with Raccoons Raccoons can be a delight to behold, with their bandit masks, tiny hands, and striped tails – but living with raccoon populations can also cause conflict.

Will raccoons attack you if they see you?
Generally, no. Healthy raccoons will not attack people. However, they can be curious and come close to you. If spooked, they could then bite or scratch in self-defense. It's best to leave raccoons alone because they are wild animals.
What to do if a raccoon tries to attack you?
Clap your hands, yell at the raccoon, and step towards it—that should be enough to convince it to run off. A spray with a hose, tennis balls thrown in its direction, banging a pot or using an airhorn can also be effective at reminding raccoons that you're a scary predator.
Why do raccoons run at you?
The majority of attacks on humans by healthy raccoons occur when a person is trying to catch or tame the animal. Trying to trap a raccoon in a small space is likely to make these animals feel threatened, leaving them with no option but to scratch or bite.
Will racoons attack humans?
It isn't uncommon for a healthy raccoon to be active in the daytime, but it's highly unusual for a raccoon to be aggressive toward a person. A female may boldly defend her young, arching her back and growling or giving a loud “whoof,” and perhaps lunging at a person she deems threatening.
How do you outsmart a raccoon?
Hot pepper sends raccoons to immediately look for drinking water. Any water source is likely to attract a raccoon that is thirsty. Their attempts at scaling fences or dirtying tree edges and stumps can be thwarted by placing/spraying hot peppers at the sites.
Can you scare away a raccoon?
If raccoons are raiding your garden, try scaring them off with motion-detecting sprinklers or strobe lights. Radios and other noise-makers can also deter raccoons. Switch up your scare strategies to keep raccoons from becoming accustomed to one method.
Do racoons attack unprovoked?
When they're healthy, raccoons don't usually threaten to attack people. However, rabid raccoons acting out of character may attack someone unprovoked. These animals also carry various diseases, making them dangerous to have around your yard.
How to protect trash can from racoons?
You can also secure your trash can’s lid into place with clamps, bungee cord, rope, or a brick to keep raccoons from getting into your trash.
How to keep racoons away from my garden?
Raccoons don’t know that the tasty veggies you’re growing in your garden aren’t for them, but you can keep them away with a secure fence, motion-detecting sprinklers, bright blinking lights or motion-detecting lights, and planting natural repellents like cayenne peppers. Use caution when purchasing commercial repellents, as they may pose a risk to pets.
What to do if you see a raccoon out in the daytime?
In most cases, mom was just out looking for food or a new den, and she’ll be back soon enough. However, if there is no sign of mom the following morning, call Animal Services for assistance. They’ll pick up the babies and make sure they go to a wildlife rehabber. If you see a raccoon out in the daytime, let him be.
What happens if you leave a raccoon in your yard?
However, if you leave raccoons no reason to pay you a visit, they will leave you (and your yard, your trash cans, your shed, your vegetable garden, and your attic…) alone.
What to do if a raccoon is in your yard?
If there is a raccoon in your yard who does not appear to be sick or injured, let him be. He will most likely leave on his own when he feels comfortable.
How to protect your pet from rabies?
Protect your pets by vaccinating them against rabies.
Do raccoons have conflicts?
There’s a raccoon in my yard!”: Resolving Conflicts with Raccoons. Raccoons can be a delight to behold, with their bandit masks, tiny hands, and striped tails – but living with raccoon populations can also cause conflict. Raccoons have no idea that they are not welcome to make our attics into their dens, or that the food we left outside was for ...
