What to Do if You Find an Injured or Sick Adult Raccoon

Signs an Adult Raccoon Needs Help

An adult raccoon likely requires immediate assistance if you observe any of the following:

• Visible injuries (bleeding, limping, broken limbs)

• Lying on the ground and not moving away when approached

• Disorientation, circling, head tilt, or loss of balance

• Daytime activity combined with lethargy or abnormal behavior

• Difficulty breathing or obvious distress

• Crusting around eyes or nose, hair loss, or severe mange

• Attacked by a dog or other animal

These signs can indicate serious injury, illness, or neurological disease.

What NOT to Do if You Find an Adult Raccoon

• Do not approach or attempt to handle the animal

• Do not attempt to trap, move, or confine the raccoon

• Do not transport the animal yourself unless instructed by professionals

• Do not try to feed or give water

• Do not assume daytime activity alone means rabies

Improper handling can result in serious injury to you, unnecessary stress to the animal, and legal consequences.

What You Should Do Instead

If you encounter an injured or sick adult raccoon:

• Keep a safe distance and keep people and pets away

• If possible, observe from afar and note the raccoon’s condition and location

• Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately

Adult raccoons can be strong, defensive, and unpredictable when injured or scared.

Important Health and Safety Warning

Raccoons are a rabies vector species and can carry diseases that pose serious risks to humans and pets, including:

• Rabies

• Distemper

• Parvovirus

• Leptospirosis

• Raccoon roundworm

Any potential exposure (bite, scratch, saliva contact) can result in mandatory rabies testing, which requires euthanasia of the animal.

When Euthanasia Is the Most Humane Option

In some cases, an adult raccoon’s injuries or illness may be too severe for recovery. Licensed professionals are trained to assess quality of life and determine the most humane outcome. Attempting to “save” an adult raccoon without training often prolongs suffering rather than prevents it.

The Best Way to Help

The most responsible and compassionate response is to contact professionals immediately and allow trained wildlife responders to intervene. This protects you, your community, and the animal.