What Does it Mean When You See a Raccoon During the Day?

• Is there a food source available?

• Was the raccoon frightened?

• Is there high competition in the area at night from other nocturnal animals?

It is a fairly well known myth that if you see a raccoon walking around during the day, that it is sick or that it has rabies. Even though raccoons normally are most active at night (nocturnal) they can take up activity during the day for a variety of different reasons.

What is considered normal activity?

If you see a raccoon that is behaving responsively during the day it is probably fine. They might come out during the day if there is some food available, or if they have been scared from their daytime sleeping spot, or if there is a high competition in the area from other nocturnal animals. It is very common to see baby raccoons during the day, while the mother raccoons might be out looking for food.

What is not normal?

It is never normal for an adult raccoon to show symptoms like loss of balance, difficulty walking or lethargy. If you see a raccoon acting this way, or if one is bleeding or injured contact a professional wildlife trapper.

To read part I in our Raccoon series “How Do You Get Rid of a Raccoon?” click here

GOT RACCOONS?

For more information or a FREE INSPECTION/ESTIMATE in Fishhawk, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota or surrounding areas, please Call 1-866-263-WILD or (941)729-2103. We are your expert for humane and technologically advanced raccoon trapping and removal.