There is a tradition that if you see a raccoon during daylight hours, it has rabies. This makes sense because everyone knows that raccoons are nocturnal creatures. Nonetheless, it is not necessarily true.
Although they are nocturnal creatures, raccoons do normally move around during the day, just not as much. If they wake up hungry, they will go out and forage. This is particularly true for nursing females who need more energy to sustain themselves and their young.
If you see a raccoon at any time, don’t approach it. While they might look like pets, they are still wild animals. Call us at Anchor Pest Control and we will remove the raccoon and its family. We can check it for rabies at that time.
When a raccoon is foraging during the daytime, there is an increased chance that it has rabies. Here are the five symptoms to look for that are definite indicators of rabies:
1 – Difficulty walking – Rabies causes paralysis. If you see a raccoon, or any mammal, that is struggling to use its hind legs, is walking circles, or seems paralyzed, they likely have rabies.
2 – Looks disoriented – Healthy raccoons are creatures with a purpose. If a raccoon looks confused or lost, it might be ill. Rabies causes disorientation and scrambles the thought processes.
3 – Foaming at the mouth – This is the classic symptom of rabies that you will always hear about. The problem is that if you are close enough to see this, you are already too close.
4 – Strange noises – Normally raccoons will chatter to each other. It sounds like they are talking. If your raccoon is making loud and bizarre noises, this is an indication that something is wrong.
5 – Looks ill – Just like any other animal, a raccoon will look ill. They will look lethargic, slow, feverish, or just plain sick looking. It’s one of those things where you know it, even though it is hard to describe.
What to do
Call Anchor Pest Control if you are in New Jersey or surrounding states. If we aren’t close enough, we will refer you to company that can help.
You can also call your local animal control officer. The reason that this is your second line of defense is that they are usually very busy and strapped for time. They are hard-working professionals who very often have too much territory to cover.
What will happen?
Whether it is Anchor that comes out or your local animal control officer, the animal will be captured alive using a humane trap. The animal can then be tested or checked for rabies.
If the animal is rabid, it needs to be euthanized. This is done as humanely as possible, with little pain. If it is not rabid, we will usually relocate it to a wild and open space where it will be far away from humans and can live out its raccoon life.
Click here to schedule a free estimate with Anchor Pest Control Services or give us a call at 732-636-8761 and our animal control experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have.