How to Move Raccoons Safely and Humanely

Raccoons are fascinating animals, but they can also be a nuisance when they take up residence in your home or yard. If you’ve encountered a raccoon in your space, you may be wondering how to move it safely and humanely. In this article, we’ll cover the steps you need to take to move a raccoon, the best ways to do it, and how to keep yourself and the animal safe.

Steps to Moving a Raccoon

Moving a raccoon can be a tricky process, but with the right steps, you can do it safely and humanely. Here’s what you need to do:

• Identify the raccoon: Before you attempt to move the raccoon, you need to make sure it’s actually a raccoon. Raccoons are easily recognizable, but it’s still important to make sure you’re dealing with the right animal.
• Find a safe place to move it: You need to find a safe place to move the raccoon. This could be a wooded area, a park, or a wildlife sanctuary. Make sure the area is far enough away from your home that the raccoon won’t be able to find its way back.
• Secure the area: Before you attempt to move the raccoon, you need to make sure the area is secure. This means removing any potential hiding places, such as piles of leaves or debris, and making sure the area is free of potential predators, such as cats or dogs.
• Use a humane trap: You can purchase a humane trap from a pet store or online. Place the trap in the area you’ve chosen and bait it with food. Once the raccoon is in the trap, you can move it to the new location.
• Release the raccoon: Once you’ve moved the raccoon to the new location, you need to release it. Make sure the area is secure and there are no potential predators or hiding places. Then, open the trap and allow the raccoon to leave.

Best Ways to Move a Raccoon

There are several ways to move a raccoon, but some are more effective than others. Here are the best ways to move a raccoon:

• Use a humane trap: A humane trap is the safest and most effective way to move a raccoon. You can purchase a humane trap from a pet store or online. Place the trap in the area you’ve chosen and bait it with food. Once the raccoon is in the trap, you can move it to the new location.
• Call a wildlife expert: If you’re not comfortable handling a raccoon yourself, you can call a wildlife expert. They have the experience and knowledge to safely and humanely move a raccoon.
• Hire a professional: If you don’t have the time or resources to move a raccoon yourself, you can hire a professional. A professional wildlife removal service can safely and humanely move a raccoon for you.

How to Keep Yourself and the Raccoon Safe

When moving a raccoon, it’s important to keep yourself and the animal safe. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Wear protective clothing: When handling a raccoon, it’s important to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. This will help protect you from bites and scratches.
• Keep your distance: When handling a raccoon, it’s important to keep your distance. Raccoons can be unpredictable, so it’s best to keep your distance and avoid any sudden movements.
• Don’t corner the raccoon: When moving a raccoon, it’s important to avoid cornering it. This can cause the raccoon to become aggressive and may result in a bite or scratch.
• Don’t attempt to handle a baby raccoon: Baby raccoons can be especially unpredictable and aggressive. It’s best to leave baby raccoons to a professional wildlife expert.

Pro Tip

When moving a raccoon, it’s important to make sure the area is secure. This means removing any potential hiding places, such as piles of leaves or debris, and making sure the area is free of potential predators, such as cats or dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if it’s a raccoon?

Raccoons are easily recognizable, with their black mask and bushy tail. If you’re not sure if it’s a raccoon, you can consult a wildlife expert.

Can I move a baby raccoon?

It’s best to leave baby raccoons to a professional wildlife expert. Baby raccoons can be unpredictable and aggressive, so it’s best to leave them to an expert.