How to Recognize a Rabid Raccoon

One of the biggest concerns among homeowners who frequently spot raccoons on their property is the risk of being exposed to Rabies. This is a reasonable concern considering raccoons are common carriers of the rabies virus. To put your mind at ease, it helps to learn what a rabid raccoon looks like. In turn, this knowledge will help you keep your family and pets safe from the potential of exposure.

Continue reading to review a basic description of how a rabid raccoon appear and behaves, and keep these markers in mind the next time you see an animal acting strangely.

Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

The Rabies Virus

The Rabies virus is serious because it is usually fatal. Rabies is transmitted through blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids. This means a bite, scratch, or simple mix of fluid can pass the virus onto another host, just like the common cold. Once infected, rabies travels directly to the brain, where it causes inflammation (encephalitis), and ultimately, death. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the Rabies virus once a person or pet is infected.

Rabid Raccoon Signs

Because Rabies affects the central nervous system, it is generally easy to identify through mere observation. Following incubation of the virus, a raccoon will enter an initial period of unusual behavior known as the prodromal stage. The most common sign during this stage is a raccoon active during daytime hours.

Within a few days, signs begin to appear more evident and severe. Raccoons may display very aggressive behavior, just as hissing and barking. They may also display non-aggression behavior, such as drooling, lethargy, and paralysis.

Other common signs of a rabid raccoon include dilated pupils, confused behavior, wobbly stance, difficulty walking or standing, and other types of lost coordination.  Once a rabid raccoon enters a state of paralysis, they do not have much longer to live. In this state, they may appear like they are sleeping because they are breathing, but not moving a muscle.

Some additional animals that can carry and transmit rabies include bats, skunks, and fox. Be sure to keep a safe distance from these species as well. And also be sure to keep your pets vaccinated against Rabies and other transmissible diseases.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Louisville Raccoon Removal
Louisville Raccoon Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 for DNR licensed Louisville raccoon removal and control services that are both safe and humane. We never harm or kill raccoons, and neither should you! Instead, enlist the services of our licensed wildlife rescue contractors for non-lethal raccoon exclusion and control. Request a free estimate, today.

Odd Places You Might Find Raccoons Nesting

Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Raccoons are not a hibernating species. However, they do exhibit behaviors that are quite similar to hibernation, but for the majority of the years, raccoons remain active and curious. But even though raccoons do not enter a state of hibernacula (deep sleep with lowered body temperature and heart rate), they do still need cozy shelter to make their nests during the colder seasons. And sometimes, the places they choose are pretty odd. Continue reading to learn some strange places raccoons are known to nest, and what to do if you discover hiding raccoons on your property.

Common Raccoon Habitats

Primary habitats for raccoons in nature include tree cavities, hollowed tree trunks, rock dens, old animal burrows, and similar sheltered areas. As for urban and suburban areas, raccoons have a whole separate set of unique options. Most often, raccoons are found infesting residential and commercial properties; usually in attics, crawl spaces, wall voids, garages, and outdoor structures like sheds and storage units. Here, they will cause an extreme amount of damage over the winter season.

But if raccoons cannot find access inside a home or building, they will look for alternative places to nest for the winter. Some of these places are quite unique, making raccoons a very thrifty species. After all, they are incredible intelligent and retain memory well. That is why raccoons tend to be a persistent problem for property owners; they remember where the good food sources are and will continue to pillage them until they are stopped.

Here are some interesting and odd places you might find raccoons nesting this season:

Stationary Vehicles – It may seem very unsuspecting, but the undercarriages of vehicles can make a cozy little shelter for wildlife. Raccoons, opossums, squirrels, and chipmunks are common nuisance wildlife found nesting underneath an abandoned, stationary, or junk vehicle. Be sure to take extra precaution when checking your vehicle for nesting animals.

Tree Houses – The kids may have outgrown the tree house you built for them years ago, but there are several animals that consider it a gem. Raccoons are one of those animals! They have long claws and dexterous paws that give them excellent climbing ability, allowing them to access tree house with ease. If your kids have not entered the tree house in several months, it is important that you check it for animal nests before it is back in use.

Tall Grass Beds – That tall grass we sometimes plant on our properties can be easily trampled down in the center, creating a circular shelter with tall grassy walls. Animals like raccoons, skunks, and opossum are well-known for using these grasses for nesting areas. It may look like normal grass on the outside, but at a closer glance, you may find a nest in the middle!

Empty Hot Tubs and Pools – If you have a hot tub or swimming pool out of use, be sure it is secured well. Raccoons love to use these vacant spots to make their nests for the winter. And it is certainly not fun for the homeowner since they get quite the surprise when it comes time to re-fill their hot tubs and pools!

Additional Spots You May Find a Hiding Raccoon:

Mailboxes
Empty Planters
Barns
Chicken Coops
Roofs
Enclosed Jungle Gym Slides
Log Piles
Chimneys

Got Raccoon Activity Near You?

Louisville Raccoon Removal

Louisville Raccoon Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 if you are experiencing raccoon problems in Louisville, Kentucky. We offer residential and commercial raccoon removal and control, as well as, raccoon proofing and prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, raccoon cleanup, and much more. We may even be able to perform home owners’ insurance claim work. Request a free estimate or advice, anytime. Request a free estimate, anytime.