Instructions
Look for random aggression in the raccoon. Raccoons that have rabies will often attack animals as well as inanimate objects such as trees, chairs or bushes for no apparent reason.
Be skeptical of a raccoon that seems unnaturally friendly. In general, raccoons do not typically approach humans and will only get near them when food is involved. If a raccoon approaches you or your pets, it may be rabid.
Look for signs of disorientation. Raccoons that are stumbling around, running into things or seem to be having trouble finding their way around may be infected with rabies. Rabid raccoons may also have paralysis of some of their limbs, making it difficult for them to successfully move around.
Stay away from raccoons during the day. Raccoons are nocturnal animals. There is a good chance that a raccoon that is wandering around during the day may be rabid.
Watch out for loud raccoons. If you hear a raccoon making chattering noises or shrill screams that are not caused by a threat from a predator, then the raccoon may have rabies.
How to Know If a Racoon Has Rabies
Rabies is a disease that is transmitted between animals, typically through a bite. The ultimately fatal disease occurs often in raccoons and other wild animals and can be spread from those animals to domestic pets such as dogs and cats. If you see a raccoon near your home, there are a few things you can look for to determine if that raccoon may have rabies. if you suspect a raccoon has rabies, you should not approach the animal, but instead contact your local animal control agency to come capture the animal.