Why Is There a Dead Raccoon in My Yard?

If you find a dead raccoon on your property, there may or may not be some meaning behind it. However, it is understandable for homeowners to get a little cautious, or suspicious, upon discovering a dead raccoon near their home. There is some helpful information to know about dead raccoons, the threat they pose, and how to prevent raccoon activity on your property. Continue reading to learn the meaning behind a dead raccoon near your house, and what to do when you find one.

Wild Raccoons

Raccoons are highly intelligent mammals that have become a nuisance wildlife issue for many residential and urban neighborhoods. Due to land over-development, raccoons have been forced out of their natural habitats, and left to thrive on whatever resources they can find near them. The other problem is that raccoons do not naturally live a long time in the wild. In domesticated settings, a raccoon can live up to 20 or 30 years, but in nature, they have a life expectancy of 2 to 3 years. For this reason, it is common to come across a dead raccoon, whether hit by a car or preyed upon by a larger mammal.

Raccoons can be victims of several types of death. Disease, famish, vehicles, predators, hunters, and simple old age are all common threats to wild raccoons, and reason for death. If you see a dead raccoon carcass on your property, or come across one in the wild, do not go near it. Dead animals, especially raccoons, can house disease and bacteria that can be fatal or seriously harmful to humans and pets. That is why it is vital to never touch, or even approach, a dead animal carcass, especially a raccoon.

If you have spotted multiple dead raccoons on your property, there could be a high level of raccoon activity near your home which calls for some effective raccoon-proofing. Remove all potential food and water sources on your property, including bird baths, pet food, and even squirrel feeders, and then be sure your home is properly sealed and secured. This includes windows, roofs, soffits, siding, doors, and more.

Dead Raccoon Removal

If you do find a dead animal carcass on your property, contact a local raccoon removal company for safe and professional assistance. They retain the proper tools, training, and resources to safely and humanely remove raccoons, dead or alive, at a price you can afford. Just be sure to choose a company with experience and the proper licensing.