These are frequently asked general questions about raccoons. For other concerns about raccoons, see specific problem, i.e. Animal in my attic, Animal in my chimney, etc.

Q: Should I be concerned about raccoons and rabies?

A: No. There has never been a case of raccoon strain rabies in Ottawa. Nevertheless, you should not approach any wild animal given that they will defend themselves if cornered. Likewise it is smart to have your pets vaccinated as insurance should they come into contact with wildlife and/or stray dogs and cats.

Q: I have seen a raccoon out during the daytime. Is this a cause for concern?

A: No. It is not uncommon to see raccoons out during the day at different times of the year. During the spring and summer birthing season, female raccoons will often take a break from their demanding youngsters during the day. In early spring, juvenile raccoons that have spent the winter with their mother are forced to find new denning sites and in the fall, raccoons have to spend more time foraging for food in preparation for winter.

Q: I see raccoons on my property. Do they pose any threat to my pets?

A: Raccoons do not pose a threat to pets. As they are very intelligent animals, they never risk a confrontation in which they could be injured. They will defend themselves if cornered but they won’t initiate the aggression. As nocturnal animals they will often come into contact with cats so are quite familiar with domestic animals and are most frequently just disinterested.

Q: A raccoon regularly hangs out around my property. What does this mean?

A: It generally means, particularly between April and July, that it is a female with babies nearby. Females move closer to human habitation during the birthing season because it is safer for their babies when they are very tiny and subject to being preyed upon by other wildlife. They select tree cavities, sheds and even attics during March and April when there is little activity around the outside of our homes and little leaf cover in the wild to afford protection for the babies. It is a temporary situation. As soon as the babies are coming out to forage with mother at night, she moves them to a more natural area because, by this time, the young are bigger and less at risk and our properties are no longer safe due to people and dogs being outside more.

Never trap and relocate an animal around your property as it is likely a female with babies nearby and you will leave the young to die a slow and painful death of starvation. Or, if you find them, have the unpleasant task of having to euthanize the babies. The birthing season is a short period of time – it is best for all to relax and the problem will solve itself.