Raccoon bites man, dog in separate attacks in Wellington

In Wellington, Florida, a man was bitten by a raccoon in two separate attacks, and his dogs were also bitten in one of the incidents. The raccoon had rabies, and the man had to get rabies shots as a result. Although this may seem like an alarming trend, Animal Care and Control stated that there has been no uptick in raccoon attacks in Palm Beach County.

Raccoons typically attack for one of two reasons: They feel trapped or they are protecting their young. Development forces wild animals, such as raccoons, into populated neighborhoods where they are more likely to cross paths with humans. They are also drawn to populated areas in search of food.

Capt. Dave Walesky, operations manager for Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, urged residents not to leave food outdoors and to clean up and secure garbage cans. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also recommends cutting any tree branches that touch rooflines. Raccoons use them to enter attics. And, Walesky said, attempts to trap or remove individual animals are typically an exercise in futility.

For Glanzberg, the pain of his attack is not over. While he feels fine physically, he said he just got stung with a $25,200 bill for the rabies shots.

Enough is enough, he said, adding that he plans to be armed during his morning walks. “I love animals. I’m not even freaked out about raccoons. I just don't want me or my dog to get attacked again,” he said.

Nuisance Raccoon

Raccoons are mammals of the family Procyonidae, which includes several genera, such as the raccoon, ringtail, and coati. They are native to North America, Central America, and South America. Raccoons are omnivorous and eat a variety of items, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, insects, eggs, and small animals. They are a very adaptable species and can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, marshes, prairies, and urban areas.

Raccoons are typically nocturnal animals and spend the day resting in trees or other sheltered areas. At night, they forage for food. They have excellent vision and hearing and use these senses to find food as well as avoid predators. Raccoons are considered to be pests in many areas due to their scavenging habits and propensity to damage property. However, they are also considered to be intelligent animals with a high level of curiosity.

Raccoons are a nuisance animal because they can be dangerous and destructive. They can carry rabies, which is a deadly virus. If a raccoon bites or scratches you, you may need to get vaccinated for rabies. Raccoons can also damage roofs and homes by trying to get into attics or garages. They can also steal food from people and pets.

Rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. It is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as a dog, cat, or raccoon. The virus travels from the site of the bite through the nerves to the brain, where it causes inflammation and death. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

The incubation period for rabies is typically two to three weeks, but it can range from one week to one year. Early symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, and weakness. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include seizures, hallucinations, and paralysis. Death typically occurs within days of these symptoms appear.

There is no specific treatment for rabies, so prevention is key. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water and see a doctor immediately. If you are exposed to the saliva of an infected animal, you may need to receive a series of vaccinations.

You can help prevent the spread of rabies by vaccinating your pets and avoiding contact with wild animals.

Things to Do if You Encounter a Raccoon

If you see a raccoon on your property, do not approach it. If the raccoon is acting aggressively or seems to be sick, call your local animal control or wildlife agency. Otherwise, you can try to scare the raccoon away by making loud noises or spraying it with water from a hose.

If you have pets, keep them inside and make sure they are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Do not leave pet food or water outside, as this may attract raccoons.

You can also take steps to raccoon-proof your home by sealing up any holes or openings that lead into attics, basements, or crawl spaces. Cut back any tree branches that touch your roofline, as raccoons can use them to enter your home.

Find a Reputable Wildlife Removal Company

If you are having trouble with raccoons on your property, it is best to call a professional wildlife removal company. These companies have the experience and equipment to safely and humanely remove raccoons from your property. They can also provide you with advice on how to prevent raccoons from returning in the future.

At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we have 20 years of experience safely removing raccoons from homes and businesses. We use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure that the job is done right. We also offer a variety of other services, such as animal proofing and repair, to help keep raccoons and other animals out of your property. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

The news originally from: https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/2019/12/11/raccoon-bites-man-dog-in-separate-attacks-in-wellington/2100592007/