Wildlife Removal - Raccoon surprise found in Colts Neck dumpster.

While recently servicing a Cowleys commercial account in Colts Neck, NJ, I needed to throw something away in the dumpster. Often, for pest and wildlife technicians, there is often an unexpected “surprise” waiting for you around the corner. And this day was no exception. While at the dumpster, I observed a full-grown raccoon fast asleep on top of the trash. The fact that the raccoon was asleep did not surprise me.  Since raccoons are nocturnal, they are most active at night. However, what was quite surprising to me was the raccoon’s choosing a dumpster to get some shut-eye. Normally, for protection and privacy reasons, raccoons will nest up in trees at higher elevations. This is why raccoons that have invaded human habitats often choose to stay in private, warm, cozy attics. This particular raccoon, however, seemed perfectly content to rest inside a dumpster despite all of the surrounding activity. 

Even though this raccoon appears quite docile, and perhaps even cute, in the video, don’t be fooled! Raccoons are dangerous, wild animals. When cornered or threatened, they can become quite vicious, and cause extensive injuries to their razor-like claws and teeth. Also, raccoons can carry several bacterial diseases that they can pass on to humans and pets, not only through their bites but also through their urine and droppings. In New Jersey, raccoons are the primary vector of rabies.  Not all raccoons carry rabies, but you should be suspicious of any animal acting outside of its normal activity period. A raccoon that is sick with rabies will likely look it. They’ll often tremble, wander in circles, walk or climb in a clumsy manner, or remain motionless for hours in an exposed location. Also, fur may be missing or matted and pus may form a crust around the eyelids. In short, animals with rabies often look like they belong on “The Walking Dead” as victims of a zombie apocalypse! Still, no matter what the animals' appearance, the safest course of action, is to keep yourself safe and just stay clear — that advice goes doubly true if the animal is exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior. If you find yourself with a raccoon or other wildlife infestation, keep yourself safe and leave it to the professionals. Cowleys has an entire division of professional nuisance wildlife technicians who are trained in safely and humanely removing wildlife, including raccoons, from homes and other buildings.