Rabies. Are raccoons dangerous to humans? It attacks the central nervous system and is one of the most serious infection you could contract from wild animals. Humans may be exposed if they come into contact with infected urine or contaminated soil and water. Raccoons in urban areas tend to be very used to humans and thus quite bold but not generally dangerous. Yes. Raccoon roundworm is a rare but very dangerous infection that can affect both humans and our pets. Raccoons and Humans. It’s a parasite that lives inside a raccoon’s intestines, with little to no harmful effect on the animal. In fact, raccoons can be quite dangerous if they get too close. And yesterday, the garbage man to us that we shouldn't pet him or touch him or feed him, at all. 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. Though humans have occupied the vast majority of their traditional habitat, raccoons are opportunistic and curious animals and have learned to coexist with people. In fact, raccoons can be quite dangerous if they get too close. If contact is necessary to get a raccoon out of your house, call in a professional. Avoid touching wild animals. In case of ingestion of contaminated items, humans can contract giardiasis. Call: 647-557-7932 It can be particularly dangerous to children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. So he has never actually been around other big raccoons. But he has been held in the Zoo since he was 3 months old. 0 0 Are raccoons dangerous to humans that are held in the Zoo? 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. They can contaminate an area with their urine and feces or even scratch and bit. Raccoons could have the infection in their droppings, and contaminate soil, water, and any surface where they defecate. Baby raccoons are called kits or cubs and are usually born in … (Image credit: K. Schneider) Offspring. He's SO CUTE! Raccoons are more than happy to make human areas their homes. Raccoons can pose risks to humans and pets. 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. Although raccoons are a rare sight in the city, us “Country Folk” have been dealing with raccoons our whole lives. This is an infection transmitted by most animals such as raccoons. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria that can infect raccoons, skunks, opossums, Norway rats, mice, and white-tailed deer. Theres a raccoon in the Zoo. Symptoms of giardiasis include dehydration, diarrhea, abdominal pains, and nausea. In fact, raccoons can cause serious health hazards to you and your pets. 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