"My husband, "James," is doing something I think is extremely irresponsible with our 6-year-old son "Kaden" and I'm desperate for a neutral party to give me some ammo with which to shut it down. For the past month, a raccoon has been going through our backyard at night. Originally we all got a kick out of watching it meandering through from the window (Kaden is a big fan of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, which feature a raccoon)."
"Raccoons are a frequent sight at the University of California Santa Barbara, and according to guidance from the University, feeding these creatures is a bad idea. Officials warn that feeding the raccoons may lead them to be comfortable getting close to humans and come to expect to be fed, which can lead them to get aggressive when they don't get the food they desire. And, of course, as I'm sure you know, raccoons can carry diseases, including deadly rabies."
A family noticed a raccoon visiting their backyard nightly, and the father began feeding it hot dogs while accompanied by their six-year-old son. Feeding wild raccoons trains them to approach humans and to expect food, which increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior when food is withheld. Raccoons can carry serious diseases, including rabies, and illness can heighten aggression. Official guidance from the University of California Santa Barbara warns against feeding raccoons for these reasons. Parents should stop feeding wildlife, establish firm boundaries, and explain safety risks to children to prevent habituation and potential harm.
Read at Slate Magazine
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