Realtors, well, we see a lot when out showing and listing property. Some of the things we see can be extremely funny, some extremely scary. Living in the mountains where the wilderness is only a fingertip away and wildlife is plentiful, some of us can get up close and personal with visitors that we would sometimes like to stay on their side of the fence.
While showing property the other day it looks like we had a " squatter " situation. This beady eyed raccoon surely grabbed our attention and tried to make it known he was top resident of the place.
Now, some people probably would have ran and fled rather quickly. There is a myth that any raccoon out in the daylight is rabid ( rabies ). But, that is not the case. While raccoons will exhibit a variety of unusual behaviors, their activity or " being out " in the daylight is not a guarantee that they have rabies. While raccoons are primarily nocturnal, they are also known for getting out and about during the daytime - they have things to do too, LOL. Generally, if seen out in the daytime they are looking for food.
If you are outside doing things in the daytime and run across a raccoon you should always consider safety first and look for signs of a rabid raccoon. Most rabid raccoons will make uncommon noises ( there is a difference between their normal noises and noises they will generate when rabid ). They will also look disoriented, confused and appear slow. Whereas a healthy raccoon will look busy because they are extremely intelligent and very active. A rabid raccoon will also find it difficult to walk because paralysis in the legs of a raccoon is a big symptom of rabies. Sadly, once signs of rabies appear in any animal infected with the disease, they generally die within 5 days, but most raccoons will die between 1-3 days of being infected.
Keep in mind that a normal raccoon is not known for simply attacking a person, so consider yourself safe if you walk up on one, like I did. Sometimes, if they feel threatened they will " bluff " and make you think they are ready for attack by grunting, huffing or even taking a stance to " charge " at you. They are simply trying to scare you so that you will leave them alone. Raccoons often times are just as scared of you as you are of them.
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