Raccoons
The Winnipeg Humane Society protects animals from suffering and promotes their welfare and dignity – including Manitoba wildlife.
Encountering a raccoon
In most towns and cities, Manitoba Conservation cannot keep up with the overwhelming number of raccoon complaints. A homeowner can do a number of things to help themselves in most cases.
- Do not feed, disturb, or handle the raccoon. Do not handle the animal’s young either. Mother raccoons are usually nearby and can be viciously protective.
- If the raccoon is causing a problem, contact your local animal control office, company, or the nearest Manitoba Conservation District Office.
- Raccoons may not be kept as pets in Manitoba. People who do so risk injury from the animal and prosecution by Manitoba Conservation.
- If you are injured (bitten, scratched, etc.) seek immediate medical attention. If your pet is injured, seek immediate veterinary attention.
- Raccoon feces should be cleaned up using proper materials to avoid personal contamination (shovels, disposable rubber gloves, string disinfectants, etc.). The feces should be buried or sent securely to a landfill. Treat all contaminated areas and tools with disinfectant.
- If immediate help is not available with a raccoon in a closed space, a property owner can:
- Place bright lights, a loud radio, and/or employ repellents in/near the area to drive the animal out.
- If the raccoon is caught in a chimney/stovepipe, drop a rope down to allow it to climb out; bright lights and a loud radio will encourage the raccoon to leave. Afterwards, cap the chimney/stovepipe once the animal is gone.
- Wildlife Haven is not equipped to handle raccoons as they carry a fatal roundworm that can be transmitted to humans. If more information is needed, call Wildlife Haven.
- All raccoons must be referred to Manitoba Conservation (204-945-5221).
Where to drop off wild life
Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre: 204-878-3740 OR [email protected]
Prairie Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: 204-510-1855 OR [email protected]