Raccoons, Possums, Foxes, Bats, and More
Although most mammals are able to carry rabies and other dangerous diseases, this certainly doesn't mean they don't deserve the same treatment as other animals. Helping them just requires more caution. Most people already know that rabies can be transmitted from wildlife to people with just a scratch; however, there are also other diseases to be wary of. Roundworm, for example, is a parasite that resides in the eye and, if not treated quickly, could cause blindness. Diseases can also spread among wildlife. For example, distemper is a very dangerous and contagious disease, and although it cannot be transmitted to humans, it can be spread to other wildlife and dogs. |
If you do find an injured baby possum, raccoon, fox, or other animal, contact a wildlife refuge for more instructions. If you think an animal is orphaned (parent is dead nearby or you have watched them for some time without seeing the parent), contact a wildlife refuge for the best instructions available. If you must transport them anywhere, pick them up using a towel or blanket. If you have gloves on hand, you could also wear those. Put a towel, blanket, or puppy pad on the bottom of a pet carrier or box with a lid and place the animal inside. The towel/blanket provides wildlife with something soft to grip onto. |
If you find an injured adult animal, however, contact a wildlife shelter or animal control for more information before doing anything. The important thing is to be careful because even one scratch can transmit a disease. Many people believe that possums and squirrels often transmit rabies to people, but the opposite is true. Although both can carry rabies, the disease cannot survive in possums' bodies for long, and squirrels with rabies often do not survive for long. While you should be careful with wildlife, don't be so afraid that you cannot help out. Raccoons or possums, or any other animal, walking through your backyard is nothing to fear if you do not interfere with them. They are just doing what they need to do. Unless they are injured, causing damage to your home, or are in danger of being attacked by a pet, there is no need to interact with them. |