Raccoons are generally nocturnal creatures, known for their intelligence and curiosity. However, spotting a raccoon during the day can be concerning, especially if they appear sick, disoriented, or aggressive.

Understanding what to do when you encounter a raccoon in the daytime is crucial for both your safety and the animal’s well-being.

It’s essential to know the right course of action, whether you encounter a raccoon in your backyard, your attic, or on the street. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies, and they can act unpredictably if threatened.

In this article, we will explore the 10 best things you should do if you see a raccoon during the day, offering practical advice for handling the situation safely.By following these tips, you can ensure that you deal with the situation appropriately without putting yourself or the animal at risk.

What Should I Do If I See A Raccoon In The Daytime? 10 Things

1. Stay Calm and Keep Your Distance

The first and most important thing to do when you see a raccoon during the daytime is to stay calm. Raccoons are often startled easily, and sudden movements can provoke them. Maintaining a safe distance ensures that both you and the raccoon remain safe.

It’s also essential to remain still and avoid making any loud noises that might attract or alarm the animal. Raccoons are typically shy and will retreat if they feel threatened. Allowing the raccoon space to move away will prevent it from becoming defensive.

Keeping your distance is vital to avoid interaction with a potentially stressed or sick animal. If the raccoon is acting abnormally, such as being out during the day, it may be sick or injured.

Pros:

• Reduces stress
• Minimizes risk
• Encourages retreat
• Prevents aggression
• Safe observation
• No confrontation
• Promotes safety

Cons:

• Limited control
• May not leave
• Harder to observe

---

2. Assess the Raccoon’s Behavior

After staying calm, take a moment to observe the raccoon’s behavior. If it seems disoriented, lethargic, or aggressive, it could be a sign of illness, such as rabies. Rabid raccoons may exhibit abnormal behavior, such as walking in circles or approaching humans without fear.

Observing the raccoon’s behavior from a safe distance helps you determine whether it’s simply foraging or if there’s an immediate health concern. If the raccoon seems sick or aggressive, do not attempt to approach it. Instead, call animal control or wildlife rescue for advice and intervention.

Raccoons are generally shy, but sick or injured animals may act unpredictably. Identifying abnormal behavior early helps prevent dangerous interactions.

Pros:

• Identifies risk
• Alerts authorities
• Informs action plan
• Prevents mishaps
• Increases awareness
• Guides decisions
• Provides context

Cons:

• Requires close observation
• May be difficult
• Potential danger

---

3. Do Not Approach or Attempt to Touch the Raccoon

Raccoons, even if they appear calm, can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Never try to touch or approach a raccoon, as they may bite or scratch in self-defense. Rabid raccoons are particularly dangerous, as they can transmit diseases like rabies through bites or saliva.

If a raccoon is acting aggressively or seems cornered, give it ample space to escape. Keep pets, children, and other individuals away from the area to prevent potential harm. The best course of action is to avoid any physical contact with the animal, no matter how friendly it may seem.

By not approaching the raccoon, you reduce the risk of injury or disease transmission. Allowing the raccoon to retreat to a safe location is always the safest option.

Pros:

• Ensures safety
• Prevents bites
• Reduces harm
• Avoids aggression
• Decreases disease risk
• Promotes non-interference
• Protects others

Cons:

• May seem distant
• Increases time to act
• Limits observation

---

4. Secure Pets and Children

If you see a raccoon during the day, it’s important to secure pets and children indoors. Raccoons, particularly those that are ill or aggressive, can pose a threat to household pets. Small pets, like cats and dogs, may attract the raccoon if they are left outside unsupervised.

Children may not recognize the dangers posed by a wild animal, so it’s essential to ensure they stay indoors until the raccoon has safely left the area. You should also make sure that pets are not left outside until you are sure the raccoon has moved on.

Keeping pets and children indoors reduces the risk of them becoming involved in a dangerous situation with the raccoon. It’s better to be cautious than to deal with the aftermath of an injury.

Pros:

• Ensures safety
• Prevents injuries
• Avoids attacks
• Protects pets
• Reduces stress
• Keeps kids safe
• Promotes awareness

Cons:

• Requires supervision
• May be inconvenient
• May cause distress

---

5. Contact Local Animal Control or Wildlife Rescue

If the raccoon shows signs of illness, aggression, or is acting unusually, contact local animal control or a wildlife rescue organization immediately. These professionals have the knowledge and tools to handle the situation safely and humanely. Attempting to manage the situation yourself could result in harm to both you and the animal.

Animal control can assess the situation and decide the best course of action, whether that’s rescuing the animal or removing it from the area. They can also provide advice on how to prevent future encounters with raccoons.

Calling a professional ensures that the raccoon is treated appropriately, and it allows you to avoid risky direct interaction with the animal.

Pros:

• Expert handling
• Safe intervention
• Humane treatment
• Prevents injuries
• Legal compliance
• Prevents escalation
• Provides peace of mind

Cons:

• May take time
• Service may be costly
• Delays immediate action

---

6. Check for Signs of Entry into Your Home

If you spot a raccoon in your yard or near your home, it’s important to check for signs that it may have entered your house. Raccoons often seek shelter in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Look for holes, gaps, or damage to your roof, walls, or foundation that could allow a raccoon to get inside.

If you find signs of entry, it’s critical to address them as soon as possible. Raccoons can cause damage to insulation, wires, and other materials within the home. Sealing entry points and preventing further access is key to avoiding infestations.

By identifying these vulnerabilities early, you can prevent raccoons from nesting inside your home, where they may cause significant damage.

Pros:

• Prevents infestations
• Minimizes damage
• Ensures security
• Identifies entry points
• Increases home safety
• Reduces stress
• Promotes awareness

Cons:

• Time-consuming
• May require repairs
• Hard to detect all gaps

---

7. Keep Trash and Food Sources Secure

Raccoons are attracted to food sources, and unsecured trash can entice them to explore your property during the day. Ensure that your trash cans have tight-fitting lids and are stored in a secure area. Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outside, as this can attract raccoons and other wildlife.

By keeping your property clean and free of food sources, you make it less likely that raccoons will frequent your home. If you have fruit trees or gardens, consider picking up fallen fruit to avoid attracting raccoons.

Preventing access to food sources is an effective way to discourage raccoons from lingering around your property and potentially causing damage.

Pros:

• Reduces attraction
• Prevents litter
• Discourages raccoons
• Protects property
• Reduces damage
• Promotes cleanliness
• Improves security

Cons:

• Requires vigilance
• May be inconvenient
• Can attract other pests

---

8. Install Deterrents Around Your Property

Installing deterrents such as motion-sensor lights, ultrasonic devices, or raccoon repellent sprays can help discourage raccoons from approaching your property during the day. These devices make the environment uncomfortable for raccoons, encouraging them to move on to a more hospitable area.

Raccoons are nocturnal, so by using deterrents effectively, you can reduce the chances of encountering them during the day. It’s important to use these deterrents consistently and in conjunction with other preventive measures.

Deterrents are a non-invasive and humane way to keep raccoons at bay.

Pros:

• Humane method
• Easy installation
• Effective deterrent
• Non-violent
• Prevents invasions
• Saves time
• Increases safety

Cons:

• Requires maintenance
• Can be ineffective
• May be costly

---

9. Educate Yourself on Local Wildlife Laws

It’s essential to familiarize yourself with local wildlife laws, as these laws govern how you can handle a raccoon encounter. In some areas, raccoons are protected, and trapping or harming them may be illegal. Understanding these laws ensures you take the right actions and avoid legal repercussions.

By learning about local regulations, you can handle the situation in compliance with the law, whether you’re dealing with a raccoon on your property or seeking help from authorities. Education on these laws empowers you to act responsibly.

Complying with wildlife laws is vital to avoid fines and to ensure that raccoons are treated humanely.

Pros:

• Legal compliance
• Avoids fines
• Promotes humane treatment
• Reduces liability
• Ensures responsible actions
• Increases awareness
• Protects wildlife

Cons:

• Requires research
• May limit options
• Can be confusing

---

10. Monitor the Area for Further Activity

Once you’ve taken the necessary precautions, monitor the area for any further signs of raccoon activity. Continue to observe the location to ensure the raccoon has moved on and there are no new signs of intrusion. If the raccoon returns, it may be time to call in a professional wildlife removal service.

By keeping an eye on the situation, you can act quickly if the raccoon returns, preventing further issues. Monitoring also allows you to assess whether other wildlife is attracted to your property.

Ongoing vigilance is key to preventing future encounters with raccoons.

Pros:

• Early detection
• Reduces risks
• Ensures safety
• Prevents damage
• Enables quick action
• Saves money
• Improves outcomes

Cons:

• Requires time
• May be ineffective
• Can be stressful

What Should I Do If I See A Raccoon In The Daytime? (FAQs)

1. What should I do if I see a raccoon in the daytime?

If you spot a raccoon in the daytime, the first thing you should do is stay calm and maintain a safe distance. Raccoons are typically nocturnal, so their daytime activity may indicate illness or distress. Avoid approaching or interacting with the animal, and make sure pets and children are brought inside to avoid potential risks. If the raccoon appears sick or aggressive, contact local animal control or wildlife professionals for assistance.

---

2. Is it normal to see a raccoon during the day?

While raccoons are generally nocturnal, it is not unusual to see them during the day, especially if they are sick, injured, or in search of food. Raccoons may also venture out in the day if their regular food sources are scarce or disturbed. However, if a raccoon is actively roaming during the day, it could be a sign of disease, such as rabies, so caution is recommended.

---

3. Should I approach a raccoon if it seems calm?

No, you should never approach a raccoon, even if it seems calm. Raccoons can become aggressive if they feel threatened, and they may carry diseases like rabies that can be transmitted through bites or scratches. Always give the animal space to retreat and call animal control or a wildlife rescue service if needed.

---

4. How do I know if the raccoon is sick?

Sick raccoons may exhibit unusual behavior, such as stumbling, excessive drooling, or acting unusually friendly or aggressive. A raccoon showing signs of weakness, disorientation, or erratic movements may be suffering from rabies or other diseases. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to keep your distance and contact a professional wildlife expert immediately.

---

5. Can I remove a raccoon myself if it’s in my attic or yard?

While it may seem tempting to handle the situation yourself, it’s not recommended to remove a raccoon on your own, especially if it’s inside your home or property. Raccoons can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially if they feel trapped. It’s best to call professional wildlife removal services to ensure safe and humane removal.

---

6. Should I call animal control if the raccoon is just passing through my yard?

If the raccoon is simply passing through your yard and not acting aggressively or exhibiting signs of illness, you likely don’t need to call animal control. However, if you notice the raccoon hanging around for extended periods, acting strangely, or accessing your home, it’s best to call for professional help to prevent potential future problems.

---

7. How can I prevent raccoons from coming back during the day?

To prevent raccoons from returning to your property, secure all potential entry points, such as holes in your roof, attic vents, or basements. Make sure your trash cans are sealed and store food sources, such as pet food or birdseed, indoors. Installing motion-sensor lights or raccoon repellents can also help discourage raccoons from returning

Conclusion

Encountering a raccoon in the daytime can be unsettling, but knowing how to respond is key to ensuring both your safety and the animal’s well-being. By staying calm, assessing the situation, and calling in professionals when needed, you can handle the encounter appropriately.

Always remember to secure pets and children, and keep your property clean and free of food sources to discourage future visits. For more persistent issues, consider installing deterrents or seeking expert wildlife removal services.

Call to Action:If you spot a raccoon in the daytime or experience repeated encounters, don’t hesitate to contact a wildlife professional today. Protect your home and family, and ensure the safe removal of any raccoons in your vicinity!