How to Handle Nocturnal Visitors: Raccoons on Your Porch at Night

Ever found yourself with a raccoon on your porch at night, preventing you from entering your home?

If a raccoon is on your porch and you're trying to get inside, here are some steps you can take:

Stay Calm

Raccoons are generally more scared of you than you are of them. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that might startle it.

Observe

Make sure the raccoon isn’t injured or sick. If it appears to be in distress, it might need help.

Give It Space

If possible, wait for the raccoon to leave on its own. Raccoons are nocturnal and may eventually wander off.

Encourage It to Leave

Make noise from a safe distance by clapping or banging on a pot.

Use a loud voice to encourage it to move away.

Shine a flashlight to illuminate the area. Raccoons may be deterred by bright lights.

Remove Attractants

Ensure there's nothing attractive to the raccoon near your porch. This includes food, garbage, and pet food.

Use a Deterrent

Consider using deterrent sprays or motion-activated devices that make noise or spray water if the raccoon doesn’t leave.

Wait It Out

If none of the above works and you feel uncomfortable, it might be best to wait inside your house until the raccoon leaves.

Call for Help

If the raccoon doesn’t leave after a while or if you feel it poses a threat, call local animal control for assistance.

Safety Note

Avoid direct contact with the raccoon as they can carry diseases like rabies.

Personal Encounters

One night, a raccoon on my porch taught me a lesson. After a moment of staring and rolling to its back in submission, it stood up, knowing I did not intend to harm it. I talked to it, telling it to leave and find a tree near the porch. Surprisingly, it did exactly that—right after it ruined my raccoon dinner of cat food.

Building a Coon Master Relationship

Interacting with raccoons can be a delightful experience. For instance, feeding them can turn them into friendly companions. Try these treats:

Grapes

Hot dogs

Dry dog food

By giving them these treats, you might just gain a personal entourage of raccoons. Just ensure you provide the best for them.

Practice Caution

Remember to handle raccoons with care, especially if you’re giving them access to your personal information and financial details.