What To Do If You Encounter a Wild Raccoon in Lubbock

Raccoons are native to Lubbock, but thanks to Guardians of the Galaxy, some folks (and their kids) may have an unrealistic picture of what these little bandits are like. Not every raccoon is a wise-cracking space pirate with a heart of gold. In fact, when it comes to how dangerous they can be, the movie might actually undersell things.

A raccoon may not wield a laser blaster or know martial arts, but it can bite, scratch, and carry diseases like rabies that pose serious health risks. Their big eyes and tiny hands make them look adorable—hypnotic even—but don’t let their charm override your common sense. They are much faster, stronger, and more defensive than they appear.

How to Handle a Raccoon Encounter Safely

If you cross paths with a raccoon in Lubbock, the number one rule is simple: leave it alone. Don’t approach it, don’t feed it, and don’t try to make friends. Start by removing food and water sources around your property to reduce future visits. If the raccoon is a baby or appears injured, keeping a safe distance while making the area calm—until professionals arrive—is perfectly reasonable. Locally, the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center may be able to assist in situations involving distressed wildlife.

If a raccoon is causing ongoing problems, call a professional wildlife handler to relocate or address the issue safely. And if the animal is acting aggressively, behaving strangely, moving clumsily, or showing no fear of humans, you should immediately contact Lubbock Animal Services Field Operations to report it—these can be signs of illness, including rabies.

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The bottom line: a wild animal doesn’t know your intentions. Even the cutest trash-panda can become dangerous in an instant. Always prioritize your safety and admire raccoons from a distance.