Protecting Kids From an Aggressive Raccoon (2026)

An aggressive raccoon near your children is a serious safety threat that requires immediate action. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) can carry rabies, roundworm, and other diseases. An aggressive raccoon may approach without fear, hiss, bare teeth, or charge. This guide covers how to protect your kids and handle the situation safely.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Get all children and pets inside immediately. Do not run or scream, as this may provoke the raccoon. Move calmly but quickly.
2. Close all doors and windows. Ensure the raccoon cannot enter your home.
3. Call animal control or your local police non-emergency number. Report the location and behavior of the raccoon.
4. Do not approach the raccoon for any reason. Do not try to scare it away, trap it, or feed it.
5. If a child is bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. Report the bite to animal control.

Signs of an Aggressive or Sick Raccoon

• Active during the day with no fear of humans (raccoons are nocturnal)
• Staggering, circling, or falling over (possible distemper or rabies)
• Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Hissing, growling, baring teeth, or charging
• Disoriented or confused behavior walking in circles or bumping into objects
• Thin, ragged appearance with patchy fur (possible mange)

Diseases Raccoons Can Carry

• Rabies: Fatal viral disease transmitted through saliva via bites or scratches.
• Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis): Parasite found in raccoon droppings. Can cause severe neurological damage in humans, especially children.
• Leptospirosis: Bacterial infection transmitted through urine-contaminated water or soil.
• Salmonellosis: Bacterial infection from contact with droppings.
• Giardia: Parasitic infection from contaminated water sources.

Preventing Future Encounters

• Remove all food sources: Secure garbage cans, bring pet food indoors, clean up fallen fruit.
• Install motion-activated lights around the yard and near entry points.
• Seal all gaps under decks, porches, and crawlspaces with 1/4 inch hardware cloth.
• Teach children the “no wildlife” rule: Never approach, touch, or feed wild animals.
• Supervise outdoor play especially at dawn and dusk when raccoons are most active.

For more, read our attic removal guide and raccoon behavior guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a raccoon approaches my child?

Tell your child to stay calm, back away slowly, and not make direct eye contact. Pick up small children immediately. Do not run, as this may trigger a chase response. Once inside, call animal control.

Are raccoons dangerous to children?

Yes. Raccoons can carry rabies, roundworm, and other diseases that are especially dangerous to children. Children may approach raccoons out of curiosity, putting themselves at risk of bites or exposure to droppings. Supervise outdoor play and teach children to never approach wildlife.

What does an aggressive raccoon look like?

An aggressive raccoon may hiss, growl, bare its teeth, stand on its hind legs, or charge. It may approach humans without fear, especially during daylight hours. A sick raccoon may stagger, drool, or appear disoriented. Do not approach any raccoon showing these signs.

Will a raccoon attack my dog?

Raccoons generally avoid dogs, but they will fight back if cornered or protecting their young. A raccoon can seriously injure a dog with its sharp claws and teeth. Raccoons can also transmit rabies through bites. Keep pets vaccinated and supervise them outdoors.

The Bottom Line

An aggressive raccoon near children is a serious situation that requires immediate action. Get everyone inside, call animal control, and do not approach the animal. Teach children to never approach wildlife and supervise outdoor play. Remove food sources and seal entry points to prevent raccoons from coming near your home. If a bite or scratch occurs, wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention immediately.