When Will a Raccoon Attack You?

Due to urban modernization, raccoons have become accustomed to living in close proximity to humans. Generally, raccoons are more likely to run away from creatures such as humans that are bigger than them. But there are several circumstances in which raccoons might feel compelled to attack humans, usually in self-defence or to protect their own.

Raccoons will generally attack you or fight back if:

You try to corner them

They have rabies

They’re protecting their babies

Understandably, your first instinct upon discovering unwanted pests or wildlife in your residential or commercial property is most likely to try to trap and remove them immediately, but this is unsafe to do without consulting or hiring a professional. When it comes to raccoon control and removal you do not want to get caught in an altercation with a raccoon, especially a sick or threatened animal. When raccoons feel threatened or are sick, they very quickly go into self-defence mode and that typically means a lot of biting and scratching.

Rabies-infested raccoons show specific signs and symptoms that venture far beyond the typical distemper exhibited by raccoons. The combination of severe aggression and disorientation means that raccoons with rabies are far less likely to be timid or afraid of humans that they perceive to be threatening. And that means they’re more likely to attack and act in an unpredictable manner.

What to Do if a Raccoon Attacks You

Staying as far away as possible during a raccoon attack is imperative. Try to use whatever long-form objects are available to you to keep the raccoon from scratching, biting, or clinging to you. Broomsticks, large branches, trash cans, or even pieces of furniture like chairs and step stools are ideal. Avoid throwing blunt objects at the raccoon as this will only further aggravate it. Just use the objects to keep the raccoon as far away as possible while you make your escape.

Don’t corner the raccoon, as this will just aggravate it more. Getting to a safe distance from a raccoon should be your primary objective to avoid disease transmission and injury.

Steps to Take if a Raccoon Bites You

If you’re attacked by a raccoon, then your first course of action should be to seek out medical treatment. In Ontario, this consists of local treatment of the wound and administering post-exposure prophylaxis with Rablg (rabies immune globin) along with four to five doses of HDCV or PCECV.

If the raccoon has been captured, it’ll most likely also undergo rabies testing and treatment.

It is important to know that if you do contract rabies from a raccoon, the virus is nearly 100% fatal. All efforts must be made to avoid direct contact with these animals as rabies is no joke. To learn more about rabies – please see these rabies updates.

Hawkeye’s Pest Wildlife and Bird Control Services

In the event that you have a raccoon infestation on your property, don’t try to take care of it yourself. Call the raccoon control, removal, and prevention experts at Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control to do it for you. Our experienced and fully trained technicians have the right skills and equipment to guarantee that all raccoons and other pests or wildlife are safely and effectively removed from your property. Contact us today to learn more or book our services.

Why Hawkeye?

We GUARANTEE results. We offer PERMANENT solutions above and beyond what other companies can offer. Hawkeye is the ONLY pest bird and animal/wildlife control company in Canada designated "Certified Wildlife Control Professional" AND holding the following licenses:

Trapping of Fur Bearing Animals Permit: In contrast to all other companies, we can euthanize the bird or fur-bearing animal, thus guaranteeing it will not return.

Falconry Permit: We use Birds of Prey (hawks, owls, falcons, eagles) to scare, chase, or remove in a natural and humane way.

Pest ControlLicense: We can employ chemical solutions to certain problems. These methods include natural pesticides.

Now with 7 Locations ( 6 In Canada and 1 in the U.S), we are ready to serve you better in Acton, Toronto, Oshawa, Bowmanville, two locations in Mississauga and West Palm Beach in Florida.

Contact us today or email us at hawkeye@hawkeye.ca if you need help with pest wildlife/animal control and/or pest animal removal.

Pest wildlife animals like Bats, Bears (Black, Brown), Beavers, Bobcats, Cats - Domestic (Feline), Chipmunks, Coyotes, Deer, Elk, Fox, Groundhog, Marten, Mink, Moose, Muskrat, Porcupine, Possum/Opossum, Rabbits, Raccoons, Skunks, Squirrels (Black, Grey, Red) and Lynx