The belief that a raccoon seen during daylight hours is automatically sick, especially with rabies, is a common misunderstanding. While raccoons are primarily nocturnal, daytime activity alone is not a definitive sign of illness. These highly adaptable animals often adjust their schedules based on environmental pressures and specific needs. Understanding the difference between a healthy, alert raccoon and one that is truly distressed requires observing its specific movements and behavior.
Why Raccoons Are Active During the Day
Raccoons will often venture out during the day. One of the most frequent causes is simple hunger, particularly in urban areas where food sources may be scarce or competition is high at night. A raccoon that failed to find adequate food overnight may forage during the day to compensate.
The presence of young kits also causes a significant shift in a mother raccoon’s activity pattern, especially in the spring and summer months. She requires more calories to support her offspring, often forcing her to extend her foraging hours into the daytime. Furthermore, a raccoon may be displaced from its den site by loud noises, construction activity, or even a domestic pet, causing it to relocate during the day. A raccoon that is moving with a clear purpose, appears alert, and is traveling quickly is most likely a healthy animal.
Key Indicators of Sickness
The true warning signs of illness are found in the animal’s behavior and physical presentation. A sick raccoon, whether suffering from rabies or canine distemper, will exhibit neurological symptoms that affect its coordination and awareness. These signs include profound disorientation, stumbling, or walking in circles.
Other concerning behaviors are general lethargy, severe weakness, or partial paralysis, such as dragging one or both hind legs. A sick raccoon may also show an abnormal lack of fear toward humans or pets, or, conversely, become unusually aggressive and attempt to attack without provocation. Foaming at the mouth is a classic sign of late-stage rabies, while symptoms like nasal discharge, matted fur, and visible tremors are more characteristic of canine distemper. Both diseases are fatal and can present with overlapping neurological symptoms, making any animal exhibiting these signs a serious concern.
Taking Safe and Appropriate Action
If a raccoon is displaying clear signs of illness or injury, maintain a safe distance and never attempt to approach it. Raccoons, especially those that are sick or cornered, may bite or scratch, and the risk of disease transmission is significant. Ensure that all children and pets are brought indoors to eliminate any possibility of contact.
Do not try to capture, feed, or offer aid to the animal yourself, as this can be dangerous and is best handled by professionals. The proper course of action is to immediately contact your local animal control agency, police department, or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. These authorities are equipped to assess the situation and safely manage the animal, which often includes testing for diseases like rabies. Simply observing the animal’s location and behavior from a distance is the most responsible way to help.