What to Do if You See a Raccoon in Your Backyard

When most people see a raccoon, it is usually scrambling across the street at night or head deep in a dumpster searching for food. However, raccoons can also make an appearance in your Pittsburgh backyard looking for food and shelter.

If you happen upon one of these critters in your backyard, it is crucial to slowly turn away from those adorably masked eyes and keep a safe distance from a wild and unpredictable raccoon.

Importance of Keeping a Safe Distance from the Raccoon in Your Backyard

As much as you might want to go feed the cute, furry, hungry raccoon in your backyard, please, for your own safety, resist. Here are some reasons why approaching a raccoon is strongly advised against:

1. Raccoons Can Cause Damage – When raccoons are present, you might notice littered garbage or find half eaten fruit and vegetables in your backyard garden. Raccoons use their dexterity to open and destroy garbage cans, tear up your grass, and break into your home in their desperate search for food.
2. Raccoons Can Be Aggressive – Do not be fooled by their cuteness; raccoons have sharp teeth and claws which they will not think twice about using if they feel threatened. Also keep your curious  pets away from raccoons at all costs.
3. Raccoons Can Carry Diseases – Raccoons are commonly known for being a carrier of rabies, but it doesn’t stop there. If their droppings are not properly disposed of, there is a risk of you and your pets being exposed to roundworm and leptospirosis.

Safety Tips to Avoid a Raccoon in Your Backyard

If you encounter a wild raccoon in your backyard, be smart and consider these useful tips to help drive them away:

1. Do not welcome them onto your property by feeding them. They will keep returning for more.
2. Keep your pet’s food inside your house. If left outside it will attract raccoons and disappear.
3. Tightly seal your trash cans, so raccoons cannot open them and rummage for food.
4. DO NOT be the hero and try to capture a wild raccoon yourself. It will not end well.

Once you suspect a raccoon has found shelter in your backyard, be sure to contact the raccoon removal team at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh.

Raccoon Removal Professionals in Pittsburgh

The experienced raccoon removal technicians at Critter Control® of Pittsburgh are equipped and experienced to quickly and safely remove nuisance raccoons and other invasive wildlife from your Pennsylvania property and keep them from returning. To schedule your inspection and receive a free estimate for our fast and efficient raccoon removal services, call Critter Control® of Pittsburgh today at 412-767-4067.