The North American raccoon is an incredibly adaptable mammal, known for its distinctive masked appearance and opportunistic nature. As these creatures have successfully integrated into urban and suburban environments, their proximity to human dwellings and pets has naturally led to concern and the spread of various myths. This shared environment often creates conflict, but much of the fear is rooted in misconceptions about their behavior, particularly the belief that raccoons intentionally lure and drown dogs.
The Truth About Raccoons and Water
The claim that a raccoon actively pursues a dog into water to drown it is not supported by scientific observation. This myth likely originates from an exaggeration of the raccoon’s natural defensive tactics when cornered by a predator near water. When a raccoon is chased and retreats into water, it does so to gain a defensive advantage, as it is a capable swimmer.
If a dog continues the chase and catches the raccoon in the water, the raccoon’s self-preservation instinct takes over. The raccoon may attempt to climb onto the dog’s head or back to use the larger animal as a platform to stay above water. This action can inadvertently push the dog’s head underwater during the struggle, which can be fatal. This desperate defensive maneuver is often misinterpreted as a calculated, aggressive strategy to drown the dog.
Raccoons also engage in a behavior often mistaken for “washing” food, which further links them to water. Their scientific name, Procyon lotor, even translates to “washing bear.” This behavior is not about cleaning, but rather about sensory perception, as moistening their highly sensitive front paws allows them to better identify food items.
Understanding Raccoon Aggression
Raccoons are generally non-confrontational animals that prefer to avoid interaction with larger animals, choosing flight over a fight. Their aggression is almost entirely defensive, reserved for situations where they feel threatened, cornered, or are defending their young or a food source. If a dog pursues or corners a raccoon on dry land, the raccoon will defend itself using its claws and teeth.
A land-based fight is a more realistic threat to a pet than a drowning attempt. Raccoons are strong and can inflict deep bites and scratches, often aiming for the face and neck of an attacker. Beyond physical injury, the greater concern in any wildlife encounter is the transmission of disease. Raccoons are carriers for pathogens like rabies, leptospirosis, and canine distemper. Even a brief scuffle warrants immediate veterinary attention to address wounds and the risk of infection.
Keeping Pets Safe From Wildlife Encounters
Pet owners can minimize the chance of a dangerous encounter by removing the food and shelter attractants that draw raccoons to residential areas. Because raccoons are nocturnal, keeping pets indoors from dusk until dawn is an effective way to avoid their most active foraging hours. If a pet must go outside at night, supervision is advised, along with using a flashlight to scan the yard.
Securing outdoor food sources is a significant deterrent to wildlife intrusion. This involves bringing pet food bowls inside, ensuring trash cans have secure, animal-proof lids, and cleaning up any fallen fruit from trees. Installing motion-activated lights can also startle raccoons and discourage them from lingering on the property.