Are you one of those people who think raccoons are cute and harmless? Think again! These critters may look adorable, but they can be quite aggressive and destructive.
If you ever come across a raccoon, there are certain things you should never do.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the biggest mistakes people make when dealing with raccoons, and how to avoid them.
Don’t feed them
Feeding raccoons may seem like a fun way to interact with them, but it’s a bad idea for a number of reasons. First, raccoons are wild animals and should not become dependent on humans for food.
When they start to rely on people for their meals, they lose their natural instincts and may become more aggressive. Second, raccoons can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches.
So, resist the urge to feed them, no matter how cute they may seem.
[Related Post: What Frequency Do Raccoons Hate? Guide to Driving Them Crazy]
Don’t get too close
Raccoons may look harmless, but they can be quite dangerous, especially if they feel threatened. If you see a raccoon, keep your distance and observe from afar.
Getting too close to a raccoon can trigger a defensive response, and you don’t want to find out what that feels like.
Remember, they are wild animals and not pets.
Don’t try to pet them
This should go without saying, but you should never try to pet a raccoon. They may look cute and cuddly, but they can be quite aggressive when they feel threatened.
If you try to touch a raccoon, it may bite or scratch you, which can lead to serious injury or infection.
So, no matter how much you want to pet them, resist the urge.
Don’t corner them
If you ever come across a raccoon, don’t try to corner it or block its escape route. This can make the raccoon feel trapped and more likely to attack. Instead, give it plenty of space and let it move on its own.
Remember, they are wild animals and need to be treated with respect.
Don’t leave food outside
If you have a raccoon problem, one of the worst things you can do is leave food outside. Raccoons are attracted to food, and if they find it on your property, they may return again and again.
This can lead to a bigger problem, as more raccoons may start to visit your property.
So, make sure you clean up any food scraps or garbage and store your garbage cans in a secure location.
Conclusion
Raccoons may look cute and harmless, but they are wild animals that should be treated with respect.
If you ever come across a raccoon, remember to keep your distance, avoid feeding or petting them, and never corner them.
With these tips in mind, you can stay safe and prevent any unwanted encounters.