Other contact with raccoon digital illustration

Other contact with raccoon Save


ICD-10 code: W55.59

Chapter: External causes of morbidity and mortality

Other Contact with Raccoons

Raccoons are known for being cute and curious animals, but they can also be dangerous if you come into contact with them. While it's best to avoid interactions with raccoons altogether, there are some situations where you may encounter them. Here are some tips for handling other contact with raccoons:

  1. Stay away from sick or injured raccoons: If you see a raccoon that appears sick or injured, it's important to keep your distance. Sick or injured raccoons may be more aggressive or unpredictable, and they could potentially carry diseases. Contact your local animal control agency to report the raccoon's location and let them handle the situation.
  2. Don't feed raccoons: Feeding raccoons can create a dangerous situation, as they may become dependent on human food and lose their natural fear of humans. This can lead to aggressive behavior and increase the risk of disease transmission. Keep your garbage cans secure and don't leave pet food outside, as this can attract raccoons to your property.
  3. Avoid touching raccoons: While raccoons may look cute and friendly, they are wild animals and should be treated as such. Avoid touching or handling raccoons, as this can put you at risk of injury or disease transmission. If you need to remove a raccoon from your property, contact a wildlife removal service for assistance.
  4. Wash your hands: If you do come into contact with a raccoon or any surfaces that may have been contaminated by raccoon feces or urine, it's important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, roundworm, and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected bodily fluids.
  5. Protect your pets: Raccoons can be a threat to pets, especially small dogs and cats. Keep your pets indoors or supervise them closely when they're outside to reduce the risk of a raccoon attack. Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations, including the rabies vaccine.

In summary, it's best to avoid interactions with raccoons whenever possible. If you do come into contact with a raccoon, follow these tips to stay safe and prevent the spread of disease.