86-Year-Old Idaho Man Bitten and Scratched by Raccoon While Getting Mail

An 86-year-old man in Pocatello, Idaho, was bitten and scratched by a raccoon last week when he stepped outside to get his mail. The Cool Down reported the incident after Idaho Fish and Game responded to the scene and issued a warning to the neighborhood.

I looked at the Fish and Game statement cited in the report, and the agency told residents to remove all food sources from their yards and to block any gaps around decks, porches, and garages that a raccoon could use as a den. The raccoon in this case rushed the man without apparent provocation, which is unusual behavior for the species.

What a homeowner in Idaho should know

Raccoons that approach people during daylight hours or show no fear may be sick, possibly with rabies. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare recommends that anyone who is bitten or scratched by a raccoon wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and contact a healthcare provider immediately. The agency also urges residents to keep pets vaccinated against rabies and to never feed raccoons intentionally or accidentally by leaving pet food or unsecured trash outside.

If a raccoon gets trapped inside a garage or shed, homeowners can follow the 7 steps to remove a trapped raccoon from your garage without putting themselves or the animal at risk. The safest approach is always to give the animal a clear, unobstructed exit and to stay well away until it leaves on its own.

Preventing conflicts with raccoons

Idaho Fish and Game emphasized that removing attractants is the most effective way to keep raccoons away from homes. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, pick up fallen fruit from trees, and close off crawl spaces under decks and porches before raccoons move in. For homeowners dealing with a different kind of unwanted visitor, the 5 steps to safely remove a snake from your garden shed offer a similar low-contact strategy that works for most wildlife.

The Cool Down confirmed the details of the attack with Idaho Fish and Game, which said the raccoon has not been captured as of this writing.

The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.