Raccoons—masked, cute, and usually depicted as mischievous critters—are actually much more harmful than is let on in cartoons and movies. While most raccoon activity is more annoying than dangerous (like rummaging through your trash), others can be very harmful as raccoons are frequent carriers of infectious diseases. One such disease is the rabies virus.
Technically, any mammal can contract, carry, and transmit rabies—even humans, but raccoons do so much more easily than most animals. If not treated quickly enough or left untreated, rabies can result in death. Therefore, it’s important that you understand the signs of a rabid raccoon if you should ever encounter one on your property.
3 Signs a Raccoon Has Rabies
If there is a rabid raccoon on your property, be sure to keep a safe distance so that you do not have an accident. If possible, observe the raccoon’s behavior as you call for safe, professional raccoon removal. When checking for rabies, keep a lookout for:
- Foam at the mouth – Foaming is a classic trait of rabies, but it’s also very accurate. Luckily, this is an obvious sign of the disease, so there should be no mistaking a rabid raccoon that is foaming.
- Strange walking patterns – Rabies will eventually paralyze a raccoon’s hind legs, so you will want to look for stunted walking or signs that the raccoon has difficulty moving around.
- Weird noises – Raccoons typically make short, squeaky noises, but a rabid raccoon will make erratic noises or whimper and cry continually.
The Dangers of a Raccoon With Rabies
If you have unwanted raccoons in your home or on your Central Florida property and notice signs of rabies, it is imperative that you do not approach or attempt to get rid of the pests on your own. Rabid raccoons may attack, bite, or scratch you and the possibility of contracting rabies is too great to risk, as it can be fatal to you, your family, and your pets.
For expert, thorough, and humane raccoon removal, call the professional team at Critter Control® of Orlando. We can help you permanently get rid of raccoons, and safeguard your home to ensure future raccoon invasions and infestations don’t happen.
Get Rid of Raccoons With Critter Control® of Orlando
At Critter Control® of Orlando, we pride ourselves in using eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to getting rid of unwanted critters inside and outside of your home or workplace.
If you encounter a rabid raccoon, keep your distance and call Critter Control® of Orlando immediately at 407-295-7194 to schedule an appointment and receive a free quote for our raccoon removal services.
