I just saw a raccoon outside and its daytime!?

Question

My dad said that if a raccoon is spotted outside during the daytime, it might have rabies. I live in NJ (not near the mountains) so its not like raccoons are spotted all the time where I live. Should I be scared and is this true? I mean, it was just walking on my neighbor's front lawn... Luckily I was inside the house.

Answer 1

It's possible that it does have rabies, if so, you can keep water outside your house, as when an animal contracts rabies they become hydrophobic.

However, it is also possible that the animal is out foraging. Female raccoons will often forrage in the day if they have babies to take care of.

Contrary to popular belief, not all raccoons seen in the day have rabies. They are foragers, and, if need be will forage in the day.