Raccoon near run

[mrsbuzzy]

Hello,

So, today I was checking on my chickens and I was in the run with them when they started acting oddly. I turned around and I saw a racoon maybe 25' from the run. It was broad daylight, around 12:30 in the afternoon. I thought they were nocturnal.

We have a pretty secure run and coop with 18" rebar spikes every 3" around the base of the coop and run.

I usually allow them to free-range off and on during the day, but now I am afraid to do that. Does anyone know if a Raccoon will strike if there is a human around?

Thanks,
Dawn

 

[DemeterAD9]

Depends on how hungry the coon is. Right now they are fattening up in preparation for winter so they are constantly looking for food. Raccoons are basically mini bears, they will eat whatever they can find or catch. I often see them running around in the woods during the evenings and late mornings but past noon is a bit odd. I’d personally be trying to permanently remove that coon as it seems rather bold, that and raccoons are right up there with bats when it comes rabies and all that.

 

[ChickenChick46]

I would venture to say that, yes, it would. I have raccoons in my yard that get within a few feet of me. Raccoons are crepuscular, so they're active around dawn and dusk. They are also very much active at night, but can be seen any time throughout the day. I have one that shows up around 3 to 3:30, every day, to eat cat food.