Many families wonder if wild raccoons are dangerous animals. The truth is; they can be a potential threat depending on the situation. Due to the overwhelming increase of new housing developments and subdivisions, raccoons have been indirectly forced out of their natural habitat. This causes a higher population of raccoons in residential areas. Raccoons are clever mammals and they have good memory. They are aware that suburban areas are easy sources for food, shelter, and more. Continue reading to learn how to get rid of wild raccoons in suburban neighborhoods.

Discourage Raccoons from Entering Your Property

Raccoons are interested in anything they can get their paws on; they are very curious critters. If there is something in or around your property that will attract wild animals, then you need a solution. Raccoons are attracted first and foremost, to food. Many homeowners have outdoor storage areas, such as sheds, garages, barns, and bins. If things like pet food, horse feed, or any other type of food source is left in these places, raccoons will come searching for it. Leaving pet food and other edibles outside your home with most likely attract the local raccoon colonies. If you have a garden, then utilize animal removal products and other home remedies to prevent raccoons from stealing your produce.

Hide Garbage Cans from Raccoons

Another common habit that homeowners have is taking out their garbage the night before trash day. Yes, this saves time in the morning between getting ready for work and making breakfast for the kids; but, it is not worth walking outside to a front yard full of last week’s trash scattered everywhere. Be sure to take your garbage out the morning of your scheduled trash pickup day. Raccoons are nocturnal and they go searching for food at night. Unsuspecting garbage cans are often times their favorite targets. Raccoons remember this as a reliable and easy source of food; and come back, night after night, for more. They rummage through the trash cans, scattering garbage all over the driveway and neighbors’ yard. You can prevent all this by hiding the trash cans from the raccoons.

Wild Raccoons Can Be Dangerous

Attracting raccoons to your property can be potentially dangerous in some situations. Many people wonder, “Are wild raccoons are dangerous?”; and the answer is yes. If you are a pet owner, it can be a fatal situation for your pet and a raccoon to battle each other. Raccoons carry infectious diseases and can pass them along through their saliva or urine. If a raccoon bites your cat or dog, they can be potentially infected with multiple viral and bacterial illnesses, such as rabies. It is important to seek help immediately if this ever occurs. Raccoons can also be aggressive at times, and attack a human if provoked. If there is a raccoon in your house or on your property, never try to approach it or touch it. If it feels threatened in any way, it can bite or claw a person. Young children are also potential victims of raccoon bites and diseases.