Raccoons are more than happy to make human areas their homes. This is an infection transmitted by most animals such as raccoons. 0 0 But he has been held in the Zoo since he was 3 months old. In case of ingestion of contaminated items, humans can contract giardiasis. They can contaminate an area with their urine and feces or even scratch and bit. Theres a raccoon in the Zoo. Are raccoons dangerous to humans? Raccoon roundworm is a rare but very dangerous infection that can affect both humans and our pets. As humans further encroach on their natural habitat, building houses and venturing farther into the forest, we can expect an increase in dangerous interactions to occur. Raccoons could have the infection in their droppings, and contaminate soil, water, and any surface where they defecate. In fact, raccoons can be quite dangerous if they get too close. Raccoons in urban areas tend to be very used to humans and thus quite bold but not generally dangerous. Raccoons and Humans. He's SO CUTE! Salmonella bacteria are found in raccoon feces, and humans can contract Salmonella infections as the result of contacting droppings and subsequently ingesting the microorganisms by inadvertently transferring it from the hands to the mouth. Raccoons can pose risks to humans and pets. They’re also more likely than most wild animals to be a carrier of rabies. Yes. In fact, raccoons can cause serious health hazards to you and your pets. Are raccoons dangerous? Although raccoons are a rare sight in the city, us “Country Folk” have been dealing with raccoons our whole lives. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria that can infect raccoons, skunks, opossums, Norway rats, mice, and white-tailed deer. For these reasons, close encounters between raccoons and humans are extremely common in urban and suburban areas. And yesterday, the garbage man to us that we shouldn't pet him or touch him or feed him, at all. Raccoons are a common sight in many areas–urban, suburban, and rural, but this doesn't mean that they are safe or friendly to humans. Just don't make the mistake of thinking that not scared=not dangerous. Avoid touching wild animals. Rabies. If contact is necessary to get a raccoon out of your house, call in a professional. Baby raccoons are called kits or cubs and are usually born in … This means that sooner or later, you’re likely to encounter one. So he has never actually been around other big raccoons. It’s a parasite that lives inside a raccoon’s intestines, with little to no harmful effect on the animal. It can be particularly dangerous to children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Though humans have occupied the vast majority of their traditional habitat, raccoons are opportunistic and curious animals and have learned to coexist with people. Call: 647-557-7932 Humans may be exposed if they come into contact with infected urine or contaminated soil and water. Are raccoons dangerous to humans that are held in the Zoo? Symptoms of giardiasis include dehydration, diarrhea, abdominal pains, and nausea. Raccoons are prevalent throughout Maryland. In fact, raccoons can be quite dangerous if they get too close. It attacks the central nervous system and is one of the most serious infection you could contract from wild animals. (Image credit: K. Schneider) Offspring.