They live in all five boroughs of New York City and may be found living near or in your home. Call 311 to report animals that show any of the below signs of rabies or distemper or are displaying other unusal behaviors. Never try to trap or catch a raccoon yourself.
How many raccoons live in NYC?
Sally Slavinski of the NYC Department of Health places the population at close to 300 raccoons, according to a 2010 Powerpoint presentation that I unearthed on the web.Oct 3, 2011
Where do raccoons go during the day in NYC?
Daytime Hiding Places for Raccoons They build their dens in hollow logs or tree trunks, the abandoned dens of other animals, and areas of dense, wooded underbrush that will offer them protection from predators and the elements. Raccoons in New York and New Jersey have adjusted to living in suburban or urban settings.Mar 17, 2021
How do I report a racoon in NYC?
Report sick or injured raccoons to 311. If you have a raccoon issue, call a professional. The law does allow unlicensed homeowners to destroy raccoons that damage property.
Should I be concerned if I see a raccoon during the day?
If you see a raccoon in your yard during the day, don't panic—she is not necessarily sick or dangerous. It's perfectly normal for raccoons to be active throughout the day.
What to do if a raccoon sees you?
If you meet a raccoon that appears aggressive, back away from the animal quickly. Do everything you can to get away from the animal and avoid contact. If the raccoon pursues you, use any outer clothing you may have like a jacket or backpack to cover your arms, neck, face, and head.
Should you call animal control for a raccoon?
Raccoons (along with foxes, skunks, and bats) are “rabies vector species” (meaning they have a higher risk of contracting and spreading rabies) and therefore you should never attempt to handle them. If you need assistance with a raccoon, don't take matters into your own hands: Call Animal Services!Nov 25, 2015
Do all raccoons carry rabies?
Even if it is tough to know which raccoon suffers from rabies, you have to know that all raccoons do not all have rabies. So the answer to the main question, “do all raccoons carry rabies?”, answer is no. And rabies is only transmitted when the rabid raccoons bite.
How likely is it for a raccoon to have rabies?
Rabies is very rare in North America. Some people could assume that stroking and feeding contaminated raccoons can place the family at a high threat of exposure to the viral disease. However, rabies transmission to individuals from raccoons is extremely rare.
Can you get rabies from touching a raccoon?
You cannot get rabies from the blood, urine, or feces of a rabid animal, or from just touching or petting an animal.
Is it legal to kill raccoon?
Most US states and most Canadian provinces regulate raccoons as fur-bearing animals and permit hunting, trapping, and killing raccoons with a license. ... Most states also have limited hunting seasons, typically during the winter months. When raccoons are not in season, they may not be lawfully killed.
Are racoons protected?
Raccoons are protected by law. ... Raccoons can become a nuisance if people unknowingly supply food or shelter for them. They can be attracted by food available in gardens, fish ponds, pet feeders, or garbage or by cavities that might offer shelter.