What animal control does with a raccoon depends on the situation. Raccoons are intelligent, adaptable animals that thrive in urban and suburban environments, and the response to a raccoon on your property varies by location and the condition of the animal.
This guide covers when animal control will step in, what happens to a trapped raccoon, and what you can do before making the call.
- Animal control typically responds to sick, injured, or threatening raccoons, such as a potential rabies exposure or an animal inside a living space.
- For healthy nuisance raccoons, many agencies will not remove them and instead refer you to a private wildlife removal company.
- Relocating trapped raccoons is illegal in many states, and banned outright in North Carolina. A trapped raccoon may be released on site or euthanized.
- DIY exclusion and habitat modification are often more effective long-term solutions than trapping alone.
When Animal Control Will Respond
Animal control officers usually respond when a raccoon is a public safety or public health concern. Common situations include:
- A raccoon inside a living space, such as a bedroom or kitchen.
- A raccoon that may have bitten or scratched a person or pet, which raises a rabies concern.
- A raccoon that is visibly sick or injured, such as one acting disoriented, aggressive, or unable to move.
- A raccoon acting abnormally during daylight hours, which can be a sign of illness.
In these cases, the raccoon may be captured and tested for rabies, particularly if there was any potential human or pet exposure.
When Animal Control Will Not Respond
For a healthy raccoon simply living under a deck or raiding a trash can, many animal control agencies will not remove the animal. Their resources are focused on public safety, not routine nuisance wildlife.
In these situations, they typically advise homeowners to:
- Remove food sources that attract the raccoon.
- Secure garbage and pet food.
- Seal entry points and block access under structures.
- Contact a private, licensed wildlife removal company if trapping is needed.
What Happens to a Trapped Raccoon
If a raccoon is trapped, what happens next depends on state and local law:
- Relocation is illegal in many states, and in North Carolina it is impossible to do legally: because the raccoon is a rabies vector species there, a trapped raccoon cannot be relocated under any circumstances and must be euthanised or released on the property where it was caught Moving a raccoon to a new area can spread disease, including rabies and raccoon roundworm, and the animal often does not survive in unfamiliar territory.
- Release on site is an option in some areas for healthy raccoons.
- Euthanasia is common when relocation is not permitted, especially for raccoons that are sick or that posed a rabies risk.
Because of these realities, trapping a healthy raccoon is often not the humane or effective solution it appears to be. Exclusion and prevention usually work better.
What to Do Before You Call
- Secure your garbage with locking lids or bungee cords.
- Remove pet food and birdseed from outdoors at night.
- Block access under decks and sheds with 1/4 inch hardware cloth.
- Trim tree branches away from the roofline so raccoons cannot reach it.
- Check local regulations before trapping or relocating a raccoon yourself. Many states require permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the agency. Some municipal animal control services are taxpayer-funded and respond at no direct charge for public safety calls, while others charge a fee. A private wildlife removal company typically charges a service fee. Ask about costs before scheduling.
Not usually. Many agencies will not trap a healthy nuisance raccoon, and relocation is illegal in many states. They are more likely to advise exclusion and prevention, or refer you to a private company.
Keep people and pets away and call your local animal control or health department. A raccoon acting disoriented, aggressive, or active during daylight may be sick, and it should not be approached.
Laws vary by state and municipality. Some areas require a permit or a licensed trapper, and many prohibit relocating a trapped raccoon. Check with your state wildlife agency before setting any trap.
The most humane approach is prevention and exclusion: remove food sources, secure garbage, and block access under structures so the raccoon moves on without being trapped. If trapping is necessary, use a licensed professional who follows local law.
The Bottom Line
Animal control steps in for raccoons that pose a public safety or health risk, such as sick animals or potential rabies exposures. For a healthy raccoon living on your property, the responsibility usually falls to the homeowner.
The most effective long-term solution is rarely trapping. Removing food sources, securing garbage, and sealing entry points encourage a raccoon to leave on its own and stay away.
