Raccoons?

[drmeyes236]

I thought they only came out at night? Yesterday afternoon around 6:40 there was one sitting in the neighbors yard watching my ducks. It wasn't afraid of me or my dog, I quick locked the ducks up. We were locking them up around 8:30, but now I guess it will have to be even earlier. Is this normal for a coon?

 

[mmtillman]

NO...and anytime you see a coon ( or any wild animal ) acting like that, you have to consider RABIES. Just assume it has them and act accordingly! Good luck!!

 

[Gazinga]

I totaly agree, sounds like a text book case of rabies to me!

 

[Bizzybirdy]

Seems like they are coming out earlier and earlier. Used to be I had to sit outside until early morning hours to dispatch one, last one came just after dusk.

Better for me as I can get more sleep but don't know why this is happening. That one did not look rabid but best to be careful.

 

[Boyd]

Reason they are coming out earlier and earlier is because mama is starting to feed the ravenously hungry babies. Time to lock down the farm!

Later on the year I'd be more worried about rabies, but late spring early summer seems to be when I start seeing mama's gettin kiddo's some McNuggets.

 

[Bizzybirdy]

Quote:
Ahhhhhh....thanks! Good to know that. They are also more aggressive probably for the same reason then.

 

[Lollipop]

I would add one more possibility to this. Coons that live in populated areas soon lose much of their caution and roam during daylight hours. Doesn`t hurt to be cautious and aware that it could be rabid, but rabid animals seldom just sit there and look at you. Set your trap and secure your flock. I keep my trap set 24/7 and baited with a couple whole eggs. They`re clean and can stay in the trap for a month before changing. Most predators will go for an easy meal first. I`ve had good success with eggs.......Pop

 

[CMV]

I wouldn't be worried about rabies unless it was showing some other signs of being ill. 6:40 is about dusk. That's when nocturnal animals start coming out to hunt. Fortunately, you saw the raccoon and know what you are up against. Be very prepared. They know where there is an all-you-can-eat buffet available, and they will be back.

 

[silkiechicken]

If you are in a place where coons can see people a lot, they may be fine looking at you in the afternoon seeking a meal from the trash. Now if you are rural and coons don't normally live close to humans, that mid day coon could have a problem.