Toronto Public Health Urges Residents to Avoid Interacting with Raccoons as Reports of Injuries Rise
Key Highlights :
Raccoons may be cute and cuddly, but Toronto Public Health (TPH) is urging city residents to stay away from them as reports of injuries caused by the bandits have considerably risen in recent weeks. The warning comes with an increase in the number of people being bitten or scratched by raccoons, as well as a significant increase in the number of sick and injured raccoons. Since May 31, TPH has received 88 reports of people being bitten or scratched by raccoons, which is a 117 per cent increase for 2023 compared to the previous five-year average between 2018 to 2022.
Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, is reminding everyone to avoid contact with raccoons and other wild animals to minimize exposure to rabies. “Treatment is very uncomfortable and avoidable,” de Villa said. “If necessary, it’s most effective if started promptly after the exposure. The rabies vaccine is extremely effective but must be administered before symptoms appear.” The risk of rabies is low in Toronto, but the disease is fatal if left untreated.
TPH is urging residents to contact 311 to report the sighting of a raccoon that appears ill or behaving oddly. They also advise against feeding wild animals such as raccoons and squirrels or keeping wild animals as pets. If you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon, it is important to wash the bite or wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes and apply an antiseptic to the wound.
It appears Toronto has developed a strong reputation for its raccoon population. Earlier this week, someone on Reddit posted in the “AskTO” group with a question about safely spotting raccoons. Several Redditors were eager to help out, with some going as far as to let the group of tourists know what part of the day is best to catch the bandits in action. One Redditor’s response specifically mentioned the Annex, Seaton Village, Harbord Village and Little Italy as the local spots most likely to include a few wandering raccoons.
Although raccoons may be an exciting part of Toronto’s wildlife, it is important to remember that they can be dangerous and to follow the advice of Toronto Public Health. If you see a raccoon that appears ill or behaving oddly, contact 311 to report it. Stay away from raccoons and other wild animals to minimize exposure to rabies, and if you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon, seek medical attention immediately.
