Do Raccoons Come Out During the Day?

Raccoons are nocturnal creatures that love to run around at night. However, there are a few reasons why a raccoon could come out during the day. Here are a few reasons why, and whether or not seeing a raccoon during the day should be a cause for concern.

Why Raccoons Could Be Awake During the Day

A common misconception to seeing a raccoon during the day is that the animal is sick. It’s actually normal for raccoons to be active in daytime hours. They could be foraging, moving to a new location, or just roaming around.

The biggest thing to watch when you see a raccoon during the day is its behavior. These critters are normally gentle, but they should still be alert and move at a normal pace. If you see the following signs, however, it may be an indication that a day-roaming raccoon is ill.

• Aimless wandering or a staggering gait
• Discharge or drool from the eyes or mouth
• Oblivious to noise or movement
• Self-endangerment or mutilation
• High-pitched chittering

The Risk of Sick Raccoons

While raccoons typically are docile, a sick or rabid raccoon will lash out, especially if it feels threatened. Their strong claws and sharp teeth can scratch and bite, putting you and your property in danger. Some of the dangers of sick raccoons include:

1. Disease – Raccoons are carriers of rabies, which can be passed on through a bite or scratch. Roundworms are also found in raccoon feces, which can cause extreme sickness.
   
2. Property Damage – Raccoons are scavengers, and they love to dig through trash cans and bird feeders. This means they can knock over waste, leaving a huge mess for  you to clean. Raccoons will also chew through electrical wires, shred screen doors and windows, and leave droppings in and around your home.

If you spot a raccoon on your property, day or night, it’s best to call Critter Control® of Polk County. Our expert team of technicians will be able to remove the raccoon safely and humanely from your Polk County home or business.

Polk County’s Raccoon Removal Experts

At Critter Control® of Polk County, our licensed, trained, and experienced wildlife removal technicians use humane methods that are low-risk and low-impact. Our four-step removal process includes a comprehensive property inspection, safe and complete wildlife removal, installation of exclusion devices to prevent reentry, and damage repair and restoration services.

To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our effective raccoon removal services, call Critter Control® of Polk County today at 863-204-2815.