How to Survive a Raccoon Attack

What is a Raccoon?

A raccoon is a small, nocturnal mammal known for its distinctive black “mask” around the eyes and ringed tail. Native to North America, raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat plants and animals, from berries to small rodents. They are brilliant creatures, often seen scavenging for food in urban areas, particularly from garbage cans.

Though they may look cute, raccoons can be aggressive if cornered or threatened, especially when they feel their young are in danger. Their sharp claws, teeth, and ability to carry diseases make them animals to avoid when encountered in the wild or around homes.

10 Quick Tips on How to Survive a Raccoon Attack

Quick thinking and the right actions can prevent injury when dealing with a raccoon encounter. Here are ten essential tips to help you stay safe, protect yourself, and avoid escalating the situation if you encounter an aggressive raccoon face-to-face.

1. Stay Calm: Panic can provoke the raccoon to attack. Take a deep breath and move slowly.
2. Avoid Eye Contact: Raccoons see direct eye contact as a challenge. Look away to appear non-threatening.
3. Back Away Slowly: Create space between you and the raccoon while giving it a clear escape route.
4. Use an Object as a Shield: Hold out a backpack, jacket, or trash can lid to block potential bites or scratches.
5. Make Noise if Necessary: If the raccoon charges, clap, yell, or stomp to intimidate it. Only do this if the animal won’t back off.
6. Don’t Turn Your Back: Always face the raccoon while backing away to track its movements.
7. Avoid Physical Confrontation: Punching or kicking will likely escalate the situation and make things worse.
8. Wash Wounds Immediately: If scratched or bitten, clean the area with soap and water to prevent infections.
9. Seek Medical Care After Bites: Even small bites can carry rabies, so always consult a doctor.
10. Prevent Future Encounters: Secure trash cans, avoid feeding wildlife, and seal entry points around your home.

Why Would a Raccoon Attack?

Most raccoon attacks happen because:

• They feel threatened or cornered.
• They are protecting their young.
• They’re diseased, particularly with rabies.
• They’re hungry and see you as a threat to their food source.

It’s important to understand that raccoons won’t usually attack unless provoked. So, if you see one looking at you suspiciously, it’s best to back off.

How to React When a Raccoon Approaches

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

The first rule when encountering an aggressive raccoon is to keep your cool. Raccoons, like some of your more manipulative exes, feed off chaos. If you start screaming or flailing around, the raccoon will panic or assume you’re about to fight it. Neither scenario works in your favor.

Give It Space to Escape

One of the worst mistakes people make is cornering the raccoon. If the animal feels trapped, it will lash out. Back away slowly, giving it a clear exit. Imagine you’re to convince someone at a party that you’re definitely not about to steal their last slice of pizza—be subtle and non-threatening.

Avoid Eye Contact

Raccoons, like many animals, interpret direct eye contact as a challenge. Look away, turn slightly to the side, and try to make yourself as uninteresting as possible. Think of it like trying to avoid the creepy guy on the subway—you want him to forget you exist.

What to Do If the Raccoon Charges

Use an Object to Shield Yourself

If a raccoon runs toward you, grab something—anything. A trash can lid, a backpack, a jacket—anything you can place between you and the animal. This gives the raccoon something to bite or claw besides your skin.

Make Yourself Look Big and Loud (As a Last Resort)

If the raccoon keeps coming at you, stand your ground, wave your arms, and shout. The goal is to appear bigger and scarier than you are, like when you tell someone you’re a “professional” at parallel parking, even though you aren’t.

How to Protect Yourself During an Attack

Stay on Your Feet

The worst thing you can do is fall over. Raccoons are surprisingly agile and will take full advantage of the situation. Keep moving if needed, side-stepping slowly instead of running in panic. Think of it as an awkward dance with a furry partner you didn’t ask for.

Avoid Punching or Kicking

Although your first instinct might be to fight back, this isn’t a UFC match. Trying to punch or kick a raccoon will only escalate the situation. Plus, raccoons have claws that will remind you why “playing nice” was the better option.

If You Get Bitten or Scratched

Clean the Wound Immediately

If you’re unfortunate enough to get bitten or scratched, head straight to the nearest water source and wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Raccoons can transmit serious diseases, so this is not the time to be lax about hygiene.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if the bite seems minor, you should see a doctor soon. Rabies is rare but deadly, and the only way to prevent infection is by getting immediate treatment. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when dealing with wildlife.

How to Prevent Raccoon Attacks

Secure Your Trash

Raccoons are notorious scavengers, so make sure your garbage cans are sealed tightly. This will keep them from seeing your home as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Avoid Feeding Wild Animals

It might be tempting to leave food out for raccoons—after all, they have those cute faces! But feeding them encourages bad behavior and makes them less afraid of humans.

Block Off Access to Your House

Check for openings where raccoons could sneak into your attic, basement, or crawlspace. They love dark, warm places and will set up camp if you give them half a chance.

How to Handle a Rabid Raccoon Encounter

A raccoon with rabies will display unusual behaviors like drooling, staggering, or aggressive behavior during the day. If you encounter such an animal, do not approach it. Call animal control immediately and keep your distance.