Elvie Sawayn
Jan 06, 2025
Are racoons known to attack people?
I recently moved into my first apartment and have encountered two raccoons so far. The last sighting was just 10 feet from my door. As someone who is more accustomed to city life and not very familiar with nature, I’m feeling a bit uneasy. Should I be concerned about these encounters? Are raccoons known to attack people?
10 Answers
Not at all. I have raccoons on my front porch all the time, stealing cat food. I have stood within 1 foot many times as they eat, the cats will sit in the chair next to them and not pay any attention unless I go to chase the ‘coons off-then they will half-heartedly chase them. If you see any around a residence or apt, they are acclimated to people and are harmless. Small mouths and tiny hands for front paws mean they can’t do a lot of damage anyway.. Of course if one is acting strangely, growling and being agressive, it could be rabid (having rabies) and animal control should be called. But by and large they are sociable, curious creatures that are just out trying to score a meal, and will not harm you or your pets unless they are really small. Always remember-they were here first!
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RE:
Are racoons known to attack people?
I just moved into my first apartment and have had 2 racoon incounters. The last time it was 10 feet from my door. I am very much a city person therefore Im not one with nature 🙂 Should I be concerned?
I live in England, so we don’t have the little critters, but I did watch Animal Precinct on tele, a few weeks ago, and the investigation officer was regularly bitten by racoons, and advised that you do not try to touch them, as they bite, and can be infected with Rabies.
If seen in daylight – – bad news, call animal control.
If make aggressive moves toward you, call animal control.
If you are near THEIR habitat where they may have young, they may attack. Also, if you scared them.
Normally, they are easily frightened by people. They once find a garbage can they can get into or pet food, it will be difficult to discourage them from returning unless you remove all of their ‘food’ supply.
If they are cornered or have young with them they are dangerous. They don’t just bite and walk away. As the person talked about his cat. They go for the kill. They should be discouraged in urban areas. That means don’t feed them, keep pets safe, and garbage closed up. Feeding them is asking for trouble. I know that we are encroaching on their habitat but there is still plenty of room for them in the wild. They are better off in the woods.
I would have agreed with Scout 485 except my last “encounter” had the raccoon bite a broom handle in half. Last year there was an “encounter ” between my wussy cat and a coon…the cat looked like it went through a chipper-shredder and cost me hundreds to save his life…not to mention rabies treatment for a cousin of mine who had been hand feeding one of those sociable, people -acclimated raccoons. Should you be concerned? You bet! Next time one of them shows up near your door, call the PETA people. They are largely responible for the over population of these creatures!
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if it growled… its a raccoon.. squirrels do not growl. um… if you corner it… where it has no escape route.. yes it is going to bite you… and when coons bite.. they bite and shake.. they do not let go! so be very careful. If you give the coon an escape route.. can he easily get out of the attic?? If he can, he will definately go. ( unless its a momma w/ 6 babies) You could wait a couple hours after dark… and get your stuff then.. the coon should be out hunting then. dont call animal control.. they will just trap the coon and probably euthanize it.
They have been known to attack but just give them thier space and it will be good. They can have rabies so be carefull
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