Wanting to keep a raccoon as a pet is a natural desire for many people but before getting into why this is a bad idea, you need to first check with your provincial and municipal laws on whether it is legal in the first place. Many birders were first introduced to the joys of wildlife by feeding ducks bread at a local park or pond. Make your raccoon exercise their brain and the rest of their body when it is feeding time. Ummm, honestly anything else that you can think of that would negatively effect either them or us? I'm worried that she's endangering the neighborhood by encouraging raccoons to visit. Another idea is to put food on the steps, underneath boxes, or inside of objects. Feeding Deer: Just Say No Why do people feed deer? Feeding can make large, potentially dangerous animals become too comfortable in residential or recreational areas. Dear Erin, My neighbor thinks it is cute to feed the raccoons that live in the area. And I dont know what’s more scary that fact this kid is smiling while feeding the raccoons or the fact that the parents aren’t even around… Habituation Riled up about raccoons in Rolling Bay Diet- feeding the raccoons an unhealthy diet. While one family may only feed the ducks a little bread now and then, there are many other people who are also throwing them bread, which leads to a diet based almost solely on bread products. You'll find they are happier being healthy and mentally stimulated. In many ways I am like the old lady feeding the raccoons. While we may have thought this was an environmentally responsible and cute way to dispose of old or stale bread, offering bread to ducks is actually unhealthy and potentially dangerous for the birds, other wildlife, and even ourselves. If cornered they are dangerous, but so are rabbits and cats. The problem is, feeding wildlife is very bad for the animals being fed. On the other hand, many folks may be feeding wild animals and not even know it. She often leaves bowls of dog food on her deck and remarks how adorable it is when the raccoons come calling. I dont know how somebody thought that this was a good idea. Check with your local and state/provincial regulatory laws before pursuing the idea of having a raccoon as a pet. Dear Erin, My neighbor thinks it is cute to feed the raccoons that live in the area. Many states consider raccoons to be native wildlife or fur-bearing animals and have special laws that pertain to these types of animals. BY Michele Debczak. Raccoons are very smart and need interesting things to do. Many Hoosiers enjoy seeing white-tailed deer up close and feel good about providing an easy meal, especially when food is scarce. Concerns for why not to do it-Disease- We have three dogs, who very infrequently go out into the backyard (we have a side yard where they do their "business" ). Many people feeding wild animals; we think the critters are hungry or can’t find food and that we’re doing them a favor, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. She often leaves bowls of dog food on her deck and remarks how adorable it is when the raccoons come calling. Raccoons [Mobs] (I've got a few drafts for Birch Forest-related mobs that I would like to share here. But if you aren’t careful about putting your cat’s food inside at night, you may be inviting raccoons to visit your property, a bad habit that could easily answer the question of are raccoons dangerous by putting your cat in harms way. Either way, it’s never a good idea, here’s why: Do you have any suggestions? iStock. Once animals learn they can panhandle for food, they can become a nuisance—or even worse, a safety risk. Feeding Coyotes: Not a Crime, Still a Bad Idea The plan included a fine and jail time for people who feed some of nature's least cuddly animals The Short Answer: No. If raccoons are legal where you are, then and only then should you start your search. 10 Clever Facts About Raccoons. When we moved onto our ground, it had just been laid fallow to extremely heavy grazing with a beef cow-calf herd. Why Bread Is Bad for Ducks A few pieces of bread aren’t lethal, but when you consider how many people feed their leftover bread to waterfowl, the picture changes. Riled up about raccoons in Rolling Bay The family outings often include a lesson in sharing as they toss the hungry birds bread and picnic scraps and urge them to come closer. Hunters often put out corn or apples so they can learn about deer in their hunting spot. Do you have any suggestions? January 29, 2018 . That’s why it’s not common for raccoons to attack cats. Feeding wildlife from or near vehicles is dangerous to animals, people, and property. This is an interesting display of intolerance. Like most wild critters that don't prey on human flesh, raccoons are more likely to leave a confrontation if they can get themselves and their offspring away. Ok, and any reasons why we should do it? Raccoons are cute and look nice to cuddle with while watching them scampering about can be wildly amusing. Let’s look at some of the reasons why. I'm worried that she's endangering the neighborhood by encouraging raccoons to visit. Feeding wild animals can be an enjoyable experience.