If you see a raccoon, please take steps to avoid it. Raccoons are rarely aggressive toward humans but a female will defend her young. While normally nocturnal, they do occasionally come out in the daytime.
Never feed raccoons and be especially cautious when approaching any garbage can or areas where food or scraps can be found. If a raccoon approaches too closely or hisses at you, stand tall, wave your arms, and shout loudly.
Raccoons, along with foxes, skunks and bats are considered primary carriers of the rabies virus. Some behaviors of raccoons with rabies are:
- Staggering gait
- Seemingly oblivious to noise or nearby movement
- Erratic wandering
- Discharge from eyes or mouth
- Wet and matted hair on face
- Repeated high-pitch vocalization
- Self-mutilation
