Raccoon (Procyon Lotor) Connecticut

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a medium-sized mammal that is native to North America. These animals are known for their distinctive black mask around their eyes and their ringed tail. Raccoons are also known for their intelligence, as they are capable of problem-solving and have been observed using tools in the wild. In Connecticut, raccoons are a common sight in both urban and rural areas.

Physical Characteristics

Raccoons in Connecticut are typically between 2-3 feet in length and weigh between 10-30 pounds. They have a stocky build with short legs and sharp claws that enable them to climb trees and dig for food. Their fur is thick and varies in color from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, with black markings around their eyes and a distinctive ringed tail.

Habitat and Distribution

Raccoons are found throughout Connecticut and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, suburban areas, and urban parks. They are also adaptable to human environments and can be found scavenging for food in trash cans and gardens.

Behavior and Diet

Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night. They are omnivores and their diet consists of a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, nuts, small mammals, and carrion. In urban environments, raccoons have been known to scavenge for food in trash cans and compost bins.

Raccoons are intelligent animals and are known for their problem-solving abilities. They are also social animals and can be found living in groups called "nurseries" consisting of a female and her offspring.

Conservation Status

Raccoons are not considered a threatened or endangered species in Connecticut. However, they can carry diseases such as rabies, which can be transmitted to humans and other animals through bites or scratches. It is important for humans to avoid contact with wild raccoons and to keep their pets vaccinated against rabies.

In Conclusion

Raccoons are a common and adaptable mammal found throughout Connecticut. These intelligent animals are known for their problem-solving abilities and their ability to adapt to human environments. While they are not considered a threatened species, it is important to take precautions to avoid contact with wild raccoons and to keep pets vaccinated against diseases such as rabies. 

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are a common sight in Connecticut, but they are also considered a rabies vector species in the state. This means that they are capable of carrying and transmitting the rabies virus to humans and other animals. Understanding the risk associated with raccoons and rabies is important for anyone who may come into contact with these animals.

Rabies and Raccoons in Connecticut

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals. It is typically spread through the saliva of an infected animal, often through a bite or scratch. Once symptoms of rabies appear, the disease is almost always fatal in humans and animals.

In Connecticut, raccoons are the primary carriers of rabies. According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), raccoons accounted for 61% of all animals that tested positive for rabies in the state between 2015 and 2019. Other animals that can carry rabies in Connecticut include skunks, bats, and foxes.

Preventing Rabies Transmission from Raccoons

It is important for individuals to take precautions to avoid contact with wild raccoons in order to reduce the risk of contracting rabies. The following steps can help prevent the transmission of rabies from raccoons:

1. Vaccinate pets - Make sure that all pets, including dogs and cats, are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
2. Avoid contact with wild raccoons - Do not attempt to touch or feed wild raccoons, and do not allow pets to interact with them.
3. Secure trash cans - Raccoons are attracted to food, so make sure to secure trash cans and compost bins.
4. Seal entry points - Make sure that all entry points to buildings, such as vents or chimneys, are sealed to prevent raccoons from entering.
5. Report sick or injured raccoons - If you encounter a raccoon that appears sick or injured, contact your local animal control agency or DEEP Wildlife Division.

What to Do if Bitten or Scratched by a Raccoon

If you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon or any other animal, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the animal does not appear to be rabid, it may still be capable of transmitting the virus.

If possible, try to capture or contain the animal so that it can be tested for rabies. Do not attempt to capture the animal if it appears to be sick or aggressive. In this case, contact your local animal control agency or DEEP Wildlife Division.

In Conclusion

Raccoons are considered a rabies vector species in Connecticut, and it is important to take precautions to avoid contact with them in order to reduce the risk of contracting rabies. Vaccinating pets, securing trash cans, and reporting sick or injured animals are all important steps in preventing the transmission of rabies from raccoons. If you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon or any other animal, seek medical attention immediately.

 Give RF Wildlife a call at 860-510-6313