What to do if you have a raccoon in your yard.

Do not approach or corner it

Bring children and pets indoors and allow a clear route away. Never hand-feed wildlife. If an animal appears injured, trapped, aggressive, disoriented, or active in an unusual way, contact the appropriate local animal-control or wildlife authority.

Remove food after the animal leaves

Secure trash, bring pet food indoors, clean grills, collect fallen fruit, protect compost, and review bird-feeding practices. Water and shelter can also encourage repeat visits.

Look for structure access

Inspect from the ground for damaged soffits, vents, fascia, chimney openings, deck access, and crawl-space gaps. Do not seal an opening until the animal and any dependent young are confirmed out.

Clean waste cautiously

Raccoon droppings can carry health risks. Avoid dry sweeping or casual handling and seek appropriate cleanup guidance for contaminated attics or enclosed spaces.

Document repeat patterns

Note time, route, food sources, roof access, damage, and sounds. Those details help distinguish a yard visitor from a denning or entry problem.

Discourage the next visit without trapping the animal

After the raccoon leaves, close trash lids, bring bowls inside, clean grills, remove fallen fruit, and limit access to compost or feed. Motion lighting or other deterrents may change a route temporarily, but food and shelter are usually the more important issues. Never block a den or structural opening until a qualified person confirms that adults and dependent young are out.

Know when the situation is no longer routine

Call the appropriate local authority if a raccoon is trapped, injured, acting aggressively or disoriented, or has direct contact with a person or pet. Seek medical or veterinary guidance for possible exposure. If the animal repeatedly climbs the same roofline, enters a crawl space, or leaves damage, request a property inspection rather than approaching it.