Raccoons & Rabies: What’s the Deal?

Are raccoons adorable masked bandits or rabies-carrying menaces? Opinions are divided. 

Spoiler alert: Not every raccoon you encounter in your yard has rabies. So that’s a good thing.

But what’s their deal anyway? Do raccoons commonly carry rabies? If not, then why the association? How can you tell if one’s sick? Should you pack up and move if one gives you side-eye? 

Questions questions! Let’s bust some myths and break down the truth!

Photo credits unsplash.com

Let’s Start with Rabies. What is It, and Why Is It a Concern?

Rabies is one of those diseases that sounds almost made-up, but it’s very real and can be deadly if left untreated. This viral disease affects the central nervous system in mammals, spreading primarily through bites or saliva contact with open wounds or mucous membranes. 

Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why prevention and early treatment are key.

Rabies & Raccoons

Rabies is not something raccoons are born with. They contract it from other infected animals, usually through bites. Once infected, a raccoon can spread the virus through its saliva, but symptoms take weeks to months to develop.

Because rabid raccoons often behave erratically, they are more likely to get into fights, increasing the spread of the virus.

History of Rabies and Raccoons in Canada

Rabies has existed in Canada for centuries, but modern vaccination programs have dramatically reduced its spread. Here’s a quick history:

Early 1900s: Rabies cases were widespread, but from domestic animals like dogs.

Late 20th Century: Canada introduced rabies vaccination programs for pets and wildlife, leading to a steep decline in cases.

2000s-Present: Rabies is now rare in domestic animals but still found in wildlife like raccoons and foxes, especially in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Labrador, and New Brunswick.

The last case of rabies transmitted by a non-flying animal (read bat) was in 1967. 

Wildlife control programs like oral rabies vaccine bait drops for raccoons and foxes have helped contain outbreaks and prevent the virus from spreading to urban areas. While raccoons can carry rabies, they’re not the primary carriers in Canada – that belongs to bats.

Do All Raccoons Have Rabies?

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If every raccoon had rabies, we’d be living in a real-life zombie apocalypse (but with more dumpster diving). So, yes, most raccoons do not have rabies, but because they can carry the virus, it’s important to understand the risks without jumping to conclusions.

Raccoons are common carriers of rabies in some regions. However, in many parts of Canada, the risk of encountering a rabid raccoon is relatively low, especially in areas where wildlife vaccination programs are in place.

Healthy raccoons are curious, agile, and excellent scavengers. Just because one sniffs around your yard doesn’t mean it’s rabid. It probably just smells like last night’s BBQ leftovers.

But the myth about raccoons persists, mostly stemming from fear and misinformation. In reality, most raccoons live their whole lives rabies-free. That said, it’s still a good idea to stay alert and know how to spot a sick raccoon.

How to Spot a Rabid Raccoon

If a raccoon is acting unusual or aggressive, it’s important to recognize the warning signs.

Rabies affects the nervous system, causing behavioural and physical changes that make infected raccoons easy to identify. Here are some key signs of a rabid raccoon.

• Disoriented or Staggering Movements: Rabid raccoons often stumble, walk in circles, or appear drunk due to neurological damage.
• Unprovoked Aggression: If a raccoon is snarling, growling, or attacking objects (or people!) for no reason, it could be rabid.
• Excessive Drooling or Foaming at the Mouth: Rabies causes difficulty swallowing, leading to excess saliva and the classic “foaming mouth” look.
• Unusual Daytime Activity: While not every daytime raccoon is rabid, a sick raccoon may wander during daylight hours, acting dazed or confused.
• Unresponsive to Noise or Movement: If a raccoon doesn’t react to loud sounds or movement, it may be in the later stages of rabies.
• Paralysis or Weakness in the Limbs: Advanced rabies can affect a raccoon’s ability to move properly, causing dragging legs or an inability to climb.
• Making Strange Noises: Rabid raccoons may produce high-pitched screeches, abnormal growls, or odd chattering sounds.
• Overly Fearless or Friendly Behaviour: While most raccoons avoid humans, a rabid one might approach people or pets without hesitation, showing no fear.

What to Do If You Encounter a Raccoon

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So, you’ve locked eyes with a raccoon in your yard, or worse, it’s waddling toward you like it owns the place. First things first: don’t panic. Most raccoons aren’t aggressive, and if left alone, they’ll usually go on their way. 

Raccoons are naturally cautious of humans, so as long as you don’t corner them or block their escape route, they’ll usually retreat. Here’s what to do instead:

• Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them.
• If the raccoon is acting normally (foraging, sniffing, or staring at you like you owe it money), back away and give it some space.
• It may be tempting to offer food or get a closer look, but raccoons are wild animals. They don’t need handouts, and feeding them encourages more visits. 
• Even if a raccoon seems calm, it’s best to keep curious pets and kids at a safe distance. A startled raccoon may defend itself if it feels threatened.
• If you want the raccoon to leave, clap your hands, speak firmly, or gently stomp your foot. Most raccoons will take the hint and move along without issue.
• Call in a humane wildlife control who will come in, humanely trap the animal, and then relocate it not too far from its habitat. 

What to Do If the Raccoon Seems Sick or Aggressive

If the raccoon is stumbling, acting erratically, excessively drooling, or showing aggression, stay away and keep pets inside. Calling in a professional wildlife control is best if the raccoon is not rabid. If you suspect a rabid raccoon, contact local authorities. Report the sighting to local animal control or public health officials immediately. They’re equipped to handle the situation and can test the animal if necessary.

City-Specific Guidance

• Calgary & Edmonton: Contact the City’s Animal Control Services or 24-hour emergency services if necessary. In Alberta, Alberta Health Services can guide if there’s a concern about rabies exposure.
• Red Deer: Red Deer County Animal Services or the local municipal office should be notified. They can advise on the proper steps and help secure the area.
• Regina & Saskatoon: Contact the respective city’s animal control or public health department. Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health also offers guidance on rabies and wildlife control.
• Winnipeg: Report the incident to Winnipeg Animal Services or local public health. Manitoba Health has resources regarding rabies prevention and animal control.
• Okanagan: Depending on your specific location (city or district), contact the local animal control service or the regional health authority. British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is also a good resource for rabies-related concerns.

Never attempt to trap, chase, or relocate a sick raccoon on your own. It’s not only dangerous but may also be illegal depending on local wildlife laws.

What to Do If You Get Scratched or Bitten

Even though raccoon attacks on humans are extremely rare, bites and scratches can happen. Here’s what to do if you’ve had an unfortunate run-in:

• Rinse the area with warm water and soap for at least 5 minutes to help remove bacteria.
• Apply an antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the wound. Even a small scratch or bite can lead to infections like tetanus or rabies.
• Keep an eye on the area for redness, swelling, pus, or increased pain. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention promptly, as untreated bites can lead to serious bacterial infections like cellulitis.
• The doctor may recommend post-exposure rabies shots as a precaution.
• If you suspect the raccoon was sick, notify local health authorities or animal control. They may want to catch and test the animal for rabies.

Rabid Raccoons? Don’t Let Fear (or Furry Intruders) Take Over!

Rabies is serious, but that raccoon digging into your trash is most likely not on a rabid rampage. The key is knowing when to stay cautious and when to call for help. If you’ve spotted a raccoon acting strangely or getting a little too comfortable in your yard, let the professionals step in.

At Buzz Boss, we provide safe, humane wildlife trapping and removal to keep you and the raccoons out of harm’s way. 

Serving Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Regina, we’re ready to help!