Raccoons are cute. So adorable that keeping them as pets is irresistible. In states like Maryland, Virginia, legislation has to come in to ensure that humans are not keeping them as pets anymore. Such laws have been put in place for the simple fact that raccoons are dangerous. They are not only dangerous when kept as pets but also when they live in your house or property as pests. Even if they only “visit” your house, yard or property from time to time, they still pose a considerable danger. Below we delve into why these alluring animals are actually dangerous to your pets:
Natural characteristics
Raccoons have some natural characteristics that make them dangerous. They are nocturnal animals. They may live on your house’s roof or attic, property or come to your property to look for food. They do not naturally attack pets, but if they feel cornered, they are bound to attack. The following scenarios will help you understand how attacks happen.
If you feed your pets from outside especially at night and have some left over pet food, the food may attract them to your property. They will begin to come to your property to look for food. If they do find your dog feeding, for instance, your dog will tend to defend its food. It may attack the raccoon. Most of the times, the dog will be killed or if they survive, will be severely injured.
Cats are not very aggressive thus will not provoke raccoons. However, during feeding, the cat may chase the raccoon away from its food. If the raccoon feels trapped, it will attack the cat.
Sometimes attacks occur in the house over meal times if the raccoons are living in the attic. Attacks occur when dogs want to defend their territory. Outside the home, raccoons also attack dogs, sometimes, for no apparent reason. In some areas, the raccoons not only attack the dog but also try to drown the animal.
Disease
The other way raccoons become dangerous for your pet is via disease. Raccoons are likely to be carriers of ticks, mites, and fleas which will cause your pets to contract diseases. Raccoon droppings could also cause diseases which could be fatal. 32% of raccoons are rabies carriers. Since rabies transmitted via scratches or bites, your pets are likely to contract the disease if they are involved in a raccoon attack.
All in all
Raccoons are cute, adorable and alluring animals. However below that innocent look lies a ferocious wild animal who could easily attack your pets. As if the ferocity was not enough, the animals are carriers of bugs and diseases that could be fatal to your pets. Raccoons are dangerous and it is best to avoid all contact between your pets and remove raccoons from your property call raccoon removal Guelph
