Here is everything you need to know about identifying a rabid raccoon.
More often than not, raccoons are uninvited and unwanted guests to your home. Like bats, skunks, squirrels, and other wild animals, raccoons are known to be a source of property damage and can cause you to worry about the overall safety of your family and pets. As a homeowner, this can be annoying and frustrating. But, the invasion of these pests can even turn dangerous if you find yourself having to deal with a rabid raccoon.
Raccoons are considered wild animals and can sometimes carry the rabies virus. This is known as a rabies vector species (RVS).
In many places around the world, the raccoon is classified as an RVS, meaning that it has the ability to carry rabies and transmit rabies, as well as other diseases. While all mammals have that same capability, raccoons do so at a higher risk.
Since Ontario has a significant population of this wild animal and there’s a good chance a person or pets can come into contact with it, it’s important to identify and differentiate between rabid raccoons and healthy ones. The last thing you want to deal with is a raccoon bite.
What is rabies and how do you prevent it?
Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted through direct contact, such as the bite of rabid animals. When bitten, the virus then infects the central nervous system, which causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, and ultimately leads to death. Even though the disease is most common in wildlife, contracting rabies is still possible for humans.
If you think there’s a chance you have been exposed, it is crucial to contact public health and seek medical attention immediately. Doing so will allow you to get a series of shots that could prevent the infection from advancing.
What is the difference between a healthy raccoon and a sick raccoon?
It looks sick
It’s foaming at the mouth
It’s making uncommon noises
It looks confused and disorientated
It is partially paralyzed
Don't attempt to get rid of raccoons on your own
If you find yourself in a situation where any type of wildlife has infiltrated your home, whether it’s bats or raccoons, the best thing you can do is contact a wildlife expert. More often than not, these animals are just looking for more food sources but can quickly turn aggressive if they feel they are being threatened.
There are also many common mistakes people make when trying to remove a raccoon from their home. There is a specific way to undertake raccoon removal and it is best to leave that to wildlife control. Wildside Wildlife Removal & Prevention offers expert humane raccoon removal services in Hamilton, Burlington, Milton, Oakville and Waterdown. The professional team strives to ensure the safety of everyone in your home, as well as the wildlife animal. Generally, if you have a raccoon on your property that is rabid, the Ontario SPCA will handle the situation to ensure your utmost safety.
Robert Liam Donnell, owner of Wildside Wildlife Removal and Prevention LTD, is a renowned figure in the wildlife removal industry with over eight years of experience. His company, celebrated for its ethical approach, is highly rated on platforms like threebestrated.com. Starting his career at 22, Robert has grown his business into a trusted brand, known for honest and effective wildlife solutions. He has also contributed to public awareness through a radio interview on AM900, discussing wildlife management nuances. An avid skier, golfer, and nature enthusiast, Robert’s personal interests complement his professional dedication. His achievements include high Google ratings for his new business, reflecting his commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical practices. Robert’s advice for success in this field includes persistence, honesty, and prioritizing customer needs. Discover more about his work at Wildside Wildlife Removal, where his passion for wildlife and customer care is evident in every service.
