What Should You Do If You Spot a Raccoon in New Mexico?

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) - Residents of New Mexico report encountering more raccoons both indoors and outdoors around their properties. However, before attempting to capture these creatures, consider this question: What purpose do raccoons serve in our ecosystem? "The better inquiry would be 'what can't they do?'!" explained Laura Siegel, a Communications Specialist at the New Mexico Wildlife Center. These masked bandits contribute positively to the natural balance by dispersing plant seeds, controlling mosquito populations, and cleaning up deceased wildlife.

Participate in the Adopt-A-Stop community clean-up event organized by ABQ RIDE

The NMWC stated that it is currently breeding season for raccoons, and it's crucial to know how to act if you encounter one. They advised taking preventive actions such as installing motion-activated lights in your yard, leaving a radio on, or spraying vinegar around your property.

No matter what happens, avoid handling a raccoon directly with your bare hands or separating the parents from their young. Often, individuals contact wildlife extraction services, though we aren’t one; they might ask something along the lines of, 'There’s a raccoon in my attic—can you remove her?' Consequently, she gets taken away, leaving the offspring behind as orphaned pups," explained Siegler.

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