What to do with a trapped Raccoon? Dos and Don’ts
So, you’ve trapped a raccoon. Now what? You have a few options. You can relocate or kill it, but whatever choice you are considering, you must research the laws in your state or country first.
If you decide to kill the animal, you must dispatch it humanely. If you relocate the animal, you must find a suitable release site five miles from home.
Once you have decided, take action quickly and efficiently to ensure that the animal suffers as little as possible.
Understanding the Raccoon Problem
When dealing with a trapped raccoon, it is vital to take the time to understand the problem and why the animal has come onto your property. Raccoons are naturally curious and often explore areas containing food sources or other attractions.
They may take advantage of the opportunity if there is an easy access point to your home, such as an open window or door.
In addition, they may be looking for a safe place to den or shelter from predators.
It is also important to note that raccoons can become a nuisance if they are not removed promptly and allowed to stay and build nests in your home or yard.
Therefore, it is crucial to take the time to understand the raccoon problem and how best to handle it.
1) Remain calm and do not attempt to approach the raccoon.
When dealing with a trapped raccoon, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm and avoid attempting to approach the animal.
The raccoon is likely scared, confused, and agitated and may become aggressive if provoked.
Taking a step back and giving the creature some space is paramount to ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
2) Contact a wildlife control specialist in your area as soon as possible.
It is essential to contact a wildlife control specialist in your area as soon as possible if you have a trapped raccoon.
A professional will have the equipment and expertise to trap and remove the animal safely.
They can also provide advice on how to prevent future raccoon problems.
3) Wait until the animal is in a safe area before attempting to move it.
When dealing with a trapped raccoon, it is crucial to remain calm and wait until the animal is in a safe area before attempting to move it.
This will help ensure that the animal is not harmed or injured during the relocation process.
4) Do not attempt to feed the raccoon.
It is important to remember that raccoons are wild animals and should never be fed.
If you have a trapped raccoon, it’s essential to remain calm and not attempt to approach the animal or provide it.
Doing so can cause the raccoon to become agitated and potentially hurt you or itself.
Once the animal is safely in a container, do not attempt to feed it or give it any other sustenance.
Allowing the raccoon to eat can make it more aggressive and increase its risk of becoming ill due to improper food.
5) Keep children and pets away from the animal.
It is essential to keep children and pets away from a trapped raccoon, as the animal may be scared, confused, and unpredictable.
Raccoons can become aggressive when they feel threatened and may attack if cornered.
If your children or pets are present while trying to handle the animal, it is best to make sure they remain at a safe distance.
6) Relocating the Raccoon
Relocating a raccoon is not ideal; however, it can be done if necessary. Before moving the animal, ensure it is in a safe area.
Make sure the trap is stable and won’t roll. Place the cage in a truck bed or trunk of a car with a drop cloth underneath if you want to catch waste. If relocation is an option, be sure to relocate the trapped raccoon at least 5 or 10 miles away from your home; otherwise, it will likely find its way back.
7) Use Protective Gear When Handling
When handling traps with animals, you should always wear protective clothing such as heavy gauntlet gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from any potential harm from the animal.
It is also essential to cover the trap with a cloth to reduce the animal’s stress while in the trap.
Additionally, personnel can use the following equipment for protection from occupational safety and health risks: PPE, Respiratory Protection, and Hearing protection.
These steps will ensure you are safe while handling raccoons and other animals.
Where is the best place to release a raccoon?
When it comes to releasing a raccoon, the most important thing is to ensure that it won’t be able to find its way back to your home.
Raccoons are very good at climbing, so don’t think you can let them go in your backyard.
Instead, you’ll need to take it far away from your property. However, you don’t want to release it into an environment that is entirely unfamiliar to it.
If possible, try to find a spot with similar features to its current habitat. That way, it will have a better chance of survival.
For instance, if you’re releasing a raccoon living near a river, try to find another location with access to fresh water.
If the raccoon is accustomed to living in an urban area, try to find a place with plenty of trees and bushes for shelter.
With these factors in mind, you will be more likely to have success finding a home for the raccoon. Taking these factors into account can help increase the chances that the raccoon will thrive in its new home.
How do you get a raccoon out of a live trap?
The first thing you need to do is to secure the door of the trap. If the door is loose, tie it shut with twine or rope.
Next, lift the trap and carry it outside. It’s essential to keep your fingers as far from the raccoon as possible during this process.
Once outdoors, release the raccoon into an open area away from home.
And that’s all there is to it! With patience, you can successfully remove a raccoon from your property using a live trap.
Is it illegal to kill a raccoon?
In many U.S. states and Canada, the answer is no. Unless you have the correct license or during the permitted hunting season, killing a raccoon on your property is against the law.
State and federal wildlife laws protect raccoons. Additionally, killing a raccoon can harm the environment and other animals.
Can you relocate a raccoon?
Raccoons are notoriously aggressive and can be very dangerous, incredibly if sick. For this reason, many states have laws against transporting and relocating them.
Raccoons also carry rabies, which can be passed on to humans and other animals through their bites.
If you find a raccoon on your property, you should call your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance.
They will have the experience and expertise necessary to safely remove the raccoon without risking themselves or others.
How long can you leave a raccoon in a live trap?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the laws in your area and the animal’s condition.
Generally, it’s best not to keep an animal in a trap for more than 24 hours. This gives you time to check with local authorities to ensure you’re relocating the animal correctly and prevents the animal from suffering unnecessarily.
If the animal is injured or otherwise in poor health, it’s best to release it immediately.
Do raccoons come back to the same place?
Any animals looking for food, water, or shelter will usually return to the same place if they find what they need. Raccoons are no different.
If you have a raccoon coming around to your property, chances are it has found something it likes and will keep coming back until it is gone. Once the food source is gone, the raccoon will move to another location.
So, if you have a raccoon problem, the best thing to do is to remove whatever is attracting them to your property in the first place. Once that is gone, they will move on and leave you alone.
How far can a raccoon come back?
If you’re trying to get rid of one, you’ll want to take it at least five miles from where it was captured.
Raccoons are incredibly determined creatures and have an excellent sense of memory and smell.
If you release a raccoon too close to its original territory, there’s a good chance it will find its way back.
So, if you don’t want to see the little masked bandits again, it’s best to take them far away from home.
