Raccoons are a familiar part of life in Isla Vista and on the UCSB campus, often spotted wandering around or rummaging trash cans. While they may appear harmless or even playful, it is important to remember raccoons are wild animals. They can be unpredictable, aggressive when threatened, and carriers of serious diseases.
Interacting with them or leaving food and trash accessible can create risks for both people and pets. By understanding raccoon behavior, knowing how to respond during encounters, and taking precautions, you can help protect yourself, your pets, and the wider community.
Cute... but Caution Required!
Raccoons may appear cute or harmless, but they can pose serious health risks and become aggressive if fed. Always avoid approaching or interacting with raccoons to stay safe and protect yourself and your pets.
- Raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
- Students often see them wandering across lawns, climbing onto roofs, or rummaging through trash bins in Isla Vista and on campus.
- Because they are excellent climbers and swimmers, raccoons can show up in unexpected places, including near residence halls, apartments, campus facilities, and outdoor gathering spaces. Some have even been spotted around the lagoon.
- Raccoons are opportunistic feeders and will eat almost anything they can find. Their diet includes insects, plants, small animals, pet food, and garbage.
- They are highly intelligent with an excellent sense of smell, which allows them to quickly locate food sources. Leaving trash cans unsecured or pet food outdoors will likely attract a raccoon’s return to the same spot night after night.
Although raccoons may look cute, feeding them is unsafe and strongly discouraged.
- A raccoon that associates humans with food loses its natural fear of people, which increases the chance of aggressive encounters.
- Once a raccoon expects food from humans, it may linger around porches, approach students, or lash out if food is not provided. This creates dangerous situations for both residents and pets.
Raccoons are known carriers of several diseases that can seriously affect both humans and animals. These include:
- Acute injuries like bites and scrapes.
- Rabies, which is almost always fatal if untreated.
- Raccoon roundworm, which can cause severe illness if the eggs are ingested.
- Canine distemper, which poses a major threat to dogs.
- Leptospirosis, which spreads through raccoon urine and can contaminate soil and water.
Even indirect contact, such as touching raccoon droppings, saliva, or contaminated surfaces, can put people at risk.
The most effective way to stay safe is to treat raccoons as wild animals and avoid interaction entirely. Never feed, touch, or attempt to approach a raccoon. Always supervise pets when they are outdoors, especially after dark, and remove food and water sources that could attract wildlife.
Helpful Contacts:
- Santa Barbara County Animal Services: 833-422-8413
- UCSB Police Department (Non-Emergency): 805-893-3446
Resources:
What To Do If You See A Raccoon
Raccoon encounters are a part of living in our community and require awareness and care to ensure everyone’s safety. By following these guidelines and contacting professionals when needed, together we can coexist safely with raccoons.
Keep Your Distance
Maintain a safe distance and resist the urge to get closer to raccoons. Even ones that appear calm or curious can lash out if they feel cornered, startled, or threatened.
What To Do if It Approaches
If a raccoon approaches you during an encounter, try to make yourself look as large as possible by raising your arms or opening a jacket. Make loud noises such as clapping, stomping, or speaking firmly.
At the same time, slowly back away from the raccoon rather than running, since any sudden movements may startle the animal.
Protect Your Pets
Cats & small dogs are especially vulnerable. Larger dogs may provoke defensive behavior. Keep pets indoors or on a leash during walks, particularly in the evening.
What Not To Do
Never attempt to pet, trap, chase, or corner a raccoon. These actions are dangerous and can provoke bites or scratches. Raccoon management should always be left to trained wildlife professionals.
Do not feed raccoons, as it may increase aggressive encounters.
When To Call for Help
If you notice a raccoon that seems sick, injured, or unusually aggressive, contact help services. Warning signs can include stumbling, excessive drooling, loud or unusual vocalizations, or daylight activity.
- Santa Barbara County Animal Services: 833-422-8413
- UCSB Police (Non-Emergency, 24/7): 805-893-3446
- Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network Helpline: 805-681-1080
What To Do If You Are Bitten or Attacked
First Aid at the Scene
If you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least several minutes. This step helps reduce infection but does not remove the risk completely.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
After cleaning the wound, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention. You should go to the emergency room right away, or if you are unable to get there yourself, call 911 for assistance. Raccoon bites and scratches can spread rabies, a viral disease that can be fatal. Fortunately, rabies can be prevented if post-exposure shots are administered quickly. Doctors may also prescribe antibiotics to lower the risk of bacterial infections that can develop from animal bites. Receiving professional medical care ensures that the wound is properly treated and monitored, protecting you from serious complications.
(Ambulance cost is waived for UC SHIP Holders)
Report the Incident
It is important to report any bite or attack to UCSB Police or Santa Barbara County Animal Services as soon as possible. Reporting the incident allows officials to track the animal’s behavior, capture it if needed, and test for rabies or other diseases. This step not only protects you but also helps prevent the same animal from harming others in the community. By notifying the proper authorities, you play a role in ensuring that dangerous animals are handled responsibly and that the safety and well-being of students, residents, and pets are maintained.
Santa Barbara Animal Services: 833-422-8413
(https://www.countyofsb.org/415/Animal-Services)
Do Not Ignore the Injury
Even if the bite or scratch seems minor, you should never assume the injury is harmless. Diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis can enter the body through minor wounds, and waiting too long before getting treatment can make the outcome much more dangerous.
Prevent Future Risks
You can help prevent future encounters by keeping trash cans tightly secured, removing outdoor pet food and water bowls, keeping pets indoors at night, and staying alert in areas where raccoons are frequently spotted.
In Case of Emergency
Call 911 for urgent medical needs.
Emergency / After Hours Care:
https://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/emergency-after-hours/
Health Resources
CDC Rabies Information: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html
UCSB Student Health: https://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/