Toronto: The City has advised residents to avoid physical contact with raccoons, and all other wild animals, due to a significant increase in the number of sick and injured raccoons and in the number of reported cases of raccoon bites and scratches.
Physical contact includes feeding or petting raccoons and other wild animals, and other interactions which may be otherwise avoidable.
Residents who may have had physical contact with a raccoon or another wild animal should see a healthcare provider immediately to be assessed.
In 2020, Toronto Animal Services received 13,712 service requests for sick and injured raccoons, compared to 4,172 received in 2019. Between January 2020 and February 2021, Toronto Public Health saw a 62 per cent increase in reports of people bitten and/or scratched by raccoons, compared to the two-year average between 2018 and 2019.
While the risk of rabies is low in Toronto, the disease is fatal if left untreated. Residents are urged to avoid contact with wild animals and to take steps to protect themselves and their pets from exposure.
Residents should remember the following:
• Do not feed wild animals, such as raccoons and squirrels, or keep wild animals as pets.
• Stay away from all wild animals, including raccoons, whether they appear tame, injured or sick.
• Ensure your pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date.
• Always supervise dogs and keep all pets away from wild animals. Dogs should not run loose in public spaces.
• Do not feed pets outside. Pet food left outside will attract raccoons and wild animals.
• Properly dispose of waste on your property in waste bins. Raccoons will eat compost and garbage left on the ground.
• Wildlife-proof homes.
• Always take your green bin and garbage containers to the curb on the morning of pick-up.
• Every animal is capable of unpredictable behaviour.
If bitten, scratched, or exposed to a raccoon or other wild animal, residents should follow these steps:
• Immediately wash the bite or wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
• Apply an antiseptic to the wound.
• Seek medical attention to assess your risk and discuss treatment options. Treatment to prevent rabies, if necessary, is most effective if started promptly after the exposure. The rabies vaccine is extremely effective but must be administered early.