However, most possums and raccoons will not attack people without being provoked. They’re more likely to go away than to fight back if threatened by humans.

Raccoon Vs Possum Who Would Win in a Fight?

Raccoons are omnivores and are at risk of rabies and distemper. They have sharp teeth and claws that can cause serious injuries to humans. On the other hand, a possum is an herbivore but it can bite if cornered. They are more likely to spread Lyme disease than the raccoon.

Are Opossums And Raccoons Related?

Raccoons and opossums are not closely related. Opossums are in the same order as shrews and moles, while raccoons are in the order of Carnivores.

This may make raccoons more dangerous because they generally prey on animals that are bigger than themselves. Opossums are generally scavengers and will only attack other animals if they feel threatened or if they’re looking for a new home to make a nest.

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The biggest difference between opossums and raccoons is that one is a true omnivore and one is a carnivore. The scientific name for both animals is Didelphidae. Despite being in the same family, they both have different diets. A possum generally lives on fruits and veggies and even cat or dog food when it’s available.

Are Raccoons And Possums Friends?

Raccoons and Possums are close neighbors but they are not in any way considered friends, although they bump into each other regularly at best they tolerate each other, they are considered rivals because they share the same food sources.

What Animals Do Raccoons Get Along With?

Some animals that raccoons might be interested in are opossums, groundhogs, and chipmunks. All of these are nocturnal animals and typically den during the day. All three also have adaptations to get rid of saliva waste by using their tongue for drooling on leaves or licking it off their paw and then rubbing it off on tree bark or another surface.

Are Opossums Smarter Than Raccoons?

I am going to make the argument that Opossums are smarter than Raccoons and here is why. First of all, Opossums tend to be more aware of their surroundings and can use this knowledge to protect themselves. They rely on sensing a threat as opposed to seeing it to avoid being preyed upon.

Raccoons are craftier than opossums and thus have an easier time avoiding predation. They rely on their dexterity more than their senses and have better camouflage than opossums. That is why they make excellent climbers as they can climb trees to escape a predator with relative ease.

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Differences between a Possum and a Raccoon

Possums and raccoons have very different eating habits. Possums are omnivores who will eat a variety of plants and animals while raccoons usually only eat meat.

Both possums and raccoons will go after your garden produce if they find a way in. If you notice critters digging up your gardens or plants, you may have a possum or raccoon problem. (Continue with possum vs raccoon differences).

ALSO SEE: What Size Hole Can A Chipmunk Fit Through? 

Are Raccoons And Possums Friends?

Possums and raccoons might seem like they’re buddies because they hang out in the same environments. Possums are considered North America’s only native species of marsupial while raccoons are our only native species of bear-like mammal. But that doesn’t mean that possums and raccoons are friends quite the contrary. Possum mothers will fight off a raccoon mother to keep their Joey safe

Which Is Worse Possum Or Raccoon?

The Raccoon is a bit more dangerous than the passive possum, both are albeit dangerous to humans but when it comes to formability, consider the Raccoon as the possum is more docile.

Regarding diseases, both animals carry the same set of potential dangers, so you can say they are both dangerous to human health.

Is A Possum Dangerous  What Animals Prey On Possums?

Possums are not aggressive animals, they attempt to look vicious by their open-mouthed hissing, and if that fails they play dead.

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They aren’t dangerous, but when they feel attacked they can bite in defense, although the bite is quite rare for your safety, and to avoid the risks, you should stay clear of them.

Some animals feed on possums and the main predators of Possums include dogs, great-horned owls, bobcats, foxes, large hawks, coyotes, etc.

 What Animals Are Possums Scared Of?

Possums are scared of their predators and it is a natural reaction and it is completely understandable.

The presence of animals like cats, dogs, coyotes, foxes, large hawks, etc.

 What Animals Are Possums Related To?

Possums are related to other marsupials like koalas, wombats, and the Kangaroo. They stay inside the mother’s pouch to nurse and develop.

Possums are members of the marsupial order Didelphimorphia endemic to the Americas.

 What Animals Are Possums Afraid Of?

Asides from scents, there are some animals that possums are afraid of and will stay clear off.

These animals are often predators of Possums and will eat them when given the chance.

These predators of possums include dogs, cats, coyotes, foxes, large hawks, e.t.c.

What Animals Do Possums Kill?

Possums can be used as natural pest control, they will hunt and kill other animals like mice, rats, cockroaches, snails, slugs, and other garden pests.

Possums are adapted to eat anything like fish, frogs, and reptiles, they are skilled scavengers and can survive on carrion and also on biowastes as well as compost piles.

The post Which Animal Is More Dangerous, Possums Or Raccoons? appeared first on Pestifier.

Sometimes, a raccoon will bluff if you try to approach it. Then proceed to growling, huffing, grunting, standing up aggressively to intimidate you. If that fails, it may charge at you or run away.

Are Raccoons Dangerous to humans, at Night?

• Raccoons pose a threat to your family, and pets for the following reasons:
• Being wild animals, they’re unpredictable.
• Raccoons are formidable fighters. They have sharp claws and teeth, and the strength to inflict significant harm.

Raccoons find their way into the trash. Their fur then attracts harmful bacteria. This is why it is not a good idea to touch a raccoon, even if it is harmless.

Raccoons are the second most linked animal to rabies in the United States. Bats are the no.1 carriers. All it takes is a single bite. And bites are much more likely if a raccoon has rabies because this disease forces raccoons to come up close to humans, rather than keeping a safe distance.

You should never make raccoons feel welcome in your yard. They bring too many problems with them.

ALSO SEE: Can Racoons get Rabies?

Can Racoon Attack?

Yes, a threatened, cornered, or rabid infected raccoon will attack you, members of your family, and pets.

Raccoons can attack humans if provoked or if infected with rabies.

Cats can be attacked by raccoons at night or during the day if the critter considers them as competition.

Raccoons have been known to attack helpless kittens and feed on them thereafter.

Small to medium-sized dogs can be killed by raccoons. Bigger dogs can easily snap the neck of the intruding raccoon real fast.

Yes, raccoons attack and kill chickens as food. Birds like turkeys, ducks, and chickens are easy pickings for raccoons.

Other animals such as pet rabbits and peacocks can also be attacked by raccoons.

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What to Do If A Raccoon Approaches You?

• Clap your hands,
• Yell at the raccoon, and step toward it.

That should be enough to get it running in the opposite direction. If that fails, then try:

• A spray with a hose
• Throw tennis balls in its direction (but not at it)
• Bang a pot or use an airhorn to remind the raccoons that you’re a scary predator.

If the raccoons are used to being fed by humans, you may need to be very loud and boisterous to scare them off, but they should still respond.

Warning: If you have tried all these things and the raccoon is unresponsive or does not try to get away or even look up at you, it may have rabies. Back off, and slowly walk away; run if possible then contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice.

ALSO SEE: Will Racoons Eat Chocolates?

What to Do if a Raccoon Attacks You

Raccoons shod not be attacked, unless it is attacking your pet, you, a family member or property.

Here’s what to do if that happens:

Make sure all skin is not exposed and well covered.

Wear thick gloves and clothing so that their scratches and bites cannot penetrate your skin.

Slip-on a mask, and thick boots, to completely cover yourself up from any danger.

Raccoons are rabies carriers, and doing your best to protect yourself keeps you safe from infection.

A corned raccoon will lash out at you with the aim of causing damage.

If a raccoon is trapped with you blocking off its exits, it will fight back. Remember the goal is to make it run away so DO NOT BLOCK OFF it ESCAPE ROUTES.

A mother raccoon will become more hostile to protect its kits. So, call in an expert for this one.

Raccoons are small and quick on their feet and paws and it’s best that you don’t get too close to it.

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Once close, a raccoon is able to inflict damage from rapidly scratching and biting you.

Use a stick, chair, or any other type of “long range” weapon that lets you push away the raccoon without getting near it.

This is best applied in a situation where you can’t cover up completely.

If the raccoon is being persistently aggressive then it is best to retreat and call animal control.

Do not try to harm or kill the raccoon. Instead, attempt to push it away from you or your property. The raccoon will almost immediately run away in almost all cases.

If you try to kill or inflict severe damage on the raccoon, it will be more likely to further attack you. So, focus all of your attention on pushing the raccoon away from you or your property instead of hurting it specifically.

Again, if the raccoon is being persistent with staying in your home or attacking you, run away & call for help.

If you’re unable to get the raccoon to leave or if it persistently continues to be aggressive, then the best solution is to run away.

Some people have required several stitches from the damage of raccoons. Other people have contracted rabies.

The best solution is to always call for help, but in order to do so, you need to run away!

You should still call the events in and speak to a wildlife expert near you.

The person will be able to evaluate the situation, give some helpful recommendations, and is able to help prevent further attacks on you or some other persons in the area.

Rabies does not show signs until it becomes deadly. So get you, your pets, and anyone else affected by the raccoon attack checked out as soon as possible to avoid injury or a near-death experience from a disease spread by a raccoon.

Always choose peace over war. If you find a raccoon inside of your home, it’s best to lock him inside the room and let the experts handle it.

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You could try leaving a single exit open, but this doesn’t always work. The best solution is simply to not get into a fight if at all possible.

Do not aggravate, hunt, or attempt to hurt raccoons. Most raccoons will never attack humans unless they severely feel threatened.

It is not likely that a raccoon will attack you, and if it does it could very likely have a disease making it more aggressive (so get checked ASAP)!

What to Do About Aggressive Raccoons

• Clap your hands,
• Yell at the raccoon, and step toward it.

That should be enough to get it running in the opposite direction. If that fails, then try:

• A spray with a hose
• Throw tennis balls in its direction (but not at it)
• Bang a pot or use an airhorn to remind the raccoons that you’re a scary predator.

If the raccoons are used to being fed by humans, you may need to be very loud and boisterous to scare them off, but they should still respond.

Warning: If you have tried all these things and the raccoon is unresponsive or does not try to get away or even look up at you, it may have rabies. Back off, and slowly walk away; run if possible then contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice.

The post Can Raccoons Attack Humans, Pets? appeared first on Pestifier.