Myths

It is a common misconception that raccoons out during the day must be sick or have rabies.  While raccoons are mostly nocturnal there are a multitude of reasons they may be found out in the daylight.  If the animal is behaving normally (alert, responsive, keeping a safe distance) the animal is likely fine.  Moms often search for food during the day to ensure babies are not left exposed at night to other predators.  Additionally the animal may have been scared/awoken by human activity or just hungry.  If you have any concerns about what "normal" is please feel free to call us at 720-871-WILD.

It is never normal for a healthy raccoon to act lethargic, unbalanced or injured - please contact us immediately if you see any of these symptoms.  Sleeping is fine and appropriate.

We are extremely fortunate to have several wildlife rehabilitation centers in Beautiful Colorado.  Because of this some raccoons recently released may find their way into your yard in search of food.  Just because an animal may not exhibit all of the same aggression and fear towards humans as you would expect does NOT mean it is SAFE TO APPROACH- they will BITE!  This will unfortunately results in rabies shots for you and the euthanizing of the animal for rabies testing.  Be SAFE and keep your DISTANCE.  Do not feed or approach wildlife, even if they were brought up in a rehabilitation center it is important that they remain wild.  

Raccoons no matter their upbringing (rehab or wild) often find their ways into cities due to the massive amounts of food waste.  If a raccoon does come into your yard/area clap your hands loud, yell at it, bang a pot or use a loud whistle to encourage him/her to return to the wild and keep their distance from humans.  Never feed raccoons, and if they're acting fearful please back off, give space and allow them to leave.