Don't be afraid of the day walking raccoon

Now that spring is here, the majority of us will be venturing outside to enjoy Mother Nature's splendor. Gardening, sun tanning, barbecues, picnics, hiking and bird watching are just a few of the thousands of activities we can enjoy over the next five months. However, with the warm spring and summer weather comes encounters with wild animals. One in particular is the raccoon.

The raccoon is a nocturnal animal that prefers to live in deep wooded areas and thickets. However, it is highly intelligent and crafty enough to adapt to living in co-existence with humans. Unfortunately, the raccoon is also a carrier of rabies which results in many people panicking when faced with a raccoon during the day time hours. Such a reaction is due mostly to misinformation that raccoons are strictly nocturnal and only comes out in the day when sick. This is far from the truth.

In the east coast of the United States, raccoons begin their breeding season during the spring and sometimes during the early summer. In other words, now is the time raccoons start having and raising their young. It is not uncommon to come across a raccoon, especially a female, during the day time hours while it is foraging for food. And if the furry masked critter becomes comfortable in its surroundings, it will sometimes rest amongst leaves, mulch and grass even if it is located in close proximity to a human dwelling. In addition, though raccoons are curious, they also do not like disturbance. If a lot of racket is going on close to its day time dwelling, it will scurry off to find another more quiet abode.

So in light of the above facts, you should not panic if you come across a raccoon in the day. Most likely it is just passing by. And if it stops to take a good look at you, remember it is just being curious.

Of course you should also use common sense. NEVER under any circumstance should you walk up to a wild animal especially if it is acting in a strange manner (walking in circles, acting disoriented, stumbling, walking up to you without any fear). If it is acting in such a manner the best thing you can do is call animal control authorities. Do not take matters into your own hand. And finally, if the animal is just taking a good look at you, do it a favor and take a look back while keeping a good safe distance.