Raccoons are naturally curious creatures commonly found in both the wild and in urban areas like public parks, commercial spaces, and residential neighborhoods. While they may look cute from a distance, it’s best to keep them at bay.
Here is what to do if a wild raccoon approaches you on your property.
The Danger of Encountering a Wild Raccoon
Raccoons may seem innocent and harmless, but they can cause a lot of harm if they get too close. While they are usually not aggressive and are likely just scavenging for food, the wild critters do have sharp claws and teeth. Therefore, never go out of your way to engage with a raccoon on your property.
It’s also important to make sure you don’t provoke or corner a raccoon. A raccoon that feels threatened will bite or scratch, which can be detrimental to your health as raccoons are known carriers of rabies. Additionally, raccoons could be carrying ticks or fleas, pests that transmit their own share of infectious diseases.
How to Deal with an Aggressive Raccoon
The best thing to do if a raccoon approaches you is to break eye contact and slowly back away. This lets a raccoon know you’re not a threat, and it will usually leave you alone. If it is still curious, make yourself appear larger by standing up tall and waving your arms. Raccoons are skittish, and sudden movements should scare them away. Shouting or making other loud noises may also deter it from coming closer.
If a raccoon appears agitated or feral, keep a safe distance to avoid an attack. Instead of throwing something to scare it away, call a raccoon removal specialist to expertly handle your raccoon problem. A licensed and trained wildlife professional will have the knowledge and equipment needed to remove the critter safely and humanely.
Expert Raccoon Removal Services in Polk County, FL
If you come across a wild raccoon on your Central Florida property, call the professionals at Critter Control® of Polk County.
Our certified technicians follow a four-step CritterSafe® method to quickly and safely remove any unwanted wildlife from your property and keep them from returning. Our humane and eco-friendly process includes:
- Inspection
- Removal
- Prevention
- Restoration
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.
