Rabies is a dangerous and potentially deadly viral disease that can infect mammals, including raccoons and humans. It’s important to know the risks and symptoms of rabies in raccoons, so you can protect yourself, your family, and your pets.
Raccoons are a known carrier of rabies, especially in North America. Even though not all raccoons have rabies, you should be aware of the signs and take the necessary precautions.
Here’s a look at how to identify rabies in raccoons, some common misconceptions, and what you can do to protect yourself and others if you suspect you’ve come into contact with a rabid raccoon.
What is rabies and why raccoons?
Rabies is caused by a lyssavirus that attacks the central nervous system. The virus is usually transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, almost always through a bite.
If you don’t get treatment before symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
In North America, raccoons are a major carrier of the rabies virus. Because they’re so adaptable and live near humans, the risk of rabies transmission from raccoons to people is higher.
Even though raccoons are closely linked to rabies, not every raccoon has the disease. Keep that in mind as you learn to recognize the signs of rabies in these animals.
Recognizing rabid raccoon behavior
Rabies is a scary disease, and you should always be cautious around wild animals, including raccoons. It’s important to remember that not all raccoons you see are rabid, but here’s how to recognize the signs of rabies.
Behavioral changes: Key indicators
Keep an eye out for these behavioral changes.
- Aggression. A raccoon with rabies may be uncharacteristically aggressive, attacking people or other animals without being provoked. This might look like biting, scratching, or hissing.
- Unusual friendliness. On the flip side, a rabid raccoon may seem unusually tame or friendly, even approaching humans without any fear. This is especially concerning if you see the raccoon during the day.
- Disorientation and confusion. Rabid raccoons may seem disoriented, confused, or unsteady when they walk. They may wander around without any apparent purpose or seem uncoordinated.
Changes in activity patterns
Raccoons are usually nocturnal, so you’re not likely to see them out and about during the day. Seeing a raccoon in daylight doesn’t automatically mean it has rabies, but it’s definitely worth paying attention to. If daytime activity is combined with other symptoms, it could be a red flag.
What are the physical symptoms of rabies in raccoons?
If you see a raccoon behaving strangely, it’s best to stay away. Here are some of the signs of rabies to watch out for:
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth. This is a classic symptom, though it’s not always present. It happens when a raccoon has trouble swallowing.
- Trouble walking or paralysis. Rabies can affect a raccoon’s motor control, causing it to stumble or become unable to move properly.
- Lethargy and weakness. A rabid raccoon may seem unusually tired, weak, and unresponsive. It may not have the energy to move or react normally.
- Changes in vocalizations. Rabid raccoons sometimes make strange cries or growls.
Dispelling myths about rabies
Here are a few things to keep in mind about rabies prevalence and the behavior of raccoons:
- Not every raccoon carries rabies. It’s a common misconception that all raccoons are a threat, but it’s just not true.
- A healthy-looking raccoon isn’t necessarily rabies-free. Rabies has an incubation period, so the animal may look healthy but actually be infected.
Although raccoons account for a large percentage of reported rabies cases in animals, the actual percentage varies depending on where you are and the year you’re in. Other animals, like bats, skunks, and foxes, can also carry the rabies virus.
What to do if you think a raccoon has rabies
If you see a raccoon acting strangely, keep your distance. Don’t try to catch it or get near it. Back away slowly.
Bring your pets inside and make sure children stay away. Keep everyone away from the animal.
Call your local animal control, health department, or a wildlife removal service right away. These professionals know how to handle potentially dangerous animals safely.
How to avoid rabies exposure
The best way to stay safe from rabies is to prevent exposure. Here are some tips:
- Vaccinate your pets. Keeping your dogs and cats up-to-date on their rabies shots is the single most effective thing you can do.
- Secure your trash. Raccoons love food, so keep your trash cans tightly sealed. Don’t leave pet food outside.
- Seal off entry points. Check your house for holes in the foundation, damaged screens, or uncapped chimneys, and seal them up.
- Never feed wild animals. Feeding raccoons or other wildlife encourages them to come closer to people, which increases the risk of rabies exposure for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that if a raccoon is out during the day it has rabies?
Not necessarily. While raccoons are nocturnal, seeing one during the day doesn’t automatically mean it’s rabid. They might be foraging for food, especially if they have young. However, if a raccoon is active during the day and exhibiting other unusual behaviors (aggression, disorientation, stumbling), rabies should be suspected.
How do you know if a raccoon has distemper or rabies?
Distemper and rabies can have similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between the two without lab testing. Both can cause disorientation, seizures, and unusual behavior. However, distemper often presents with discharge from the eyes and nose. Rabies often causes excessive drooling or frothing at the mouth. Err on the side of caution and contact animal control.
What sound does a rabid raccoon make?
There’s no specific sound unique to rabid raccoons. A raccoon with rabies might make distressed cries, growls, or even be unusually silent. The key is to pay attention to the raccoon’s overall behavior, not just the sounds it’s making. A healthy raccoon will typically avoid human contact and may make a chattering or hissing sound if threatened. If a raccoon is acting strangely, regardless of the sounds it makes, keep your distance and report it.
Key Takeaways
Rabies is a serious disease, but by staying informed and taking precautions, you can lower your risk of being exposed to it. Knowing the signs of rabies in raccoons is essential for protecting yourself, your family, and your pets.
If you see a raccoon acting strangely, always put safety first and call the authorities. Never try to handle a potentially rabid animal yourself.
By taking preventive steps and getting expert help when needed, you can help stop the spread of rabies and keep your community safe.