As a landowner in Texas, it is not uncommon to encounter animals trespassing on your property. Among these unwelcome visitors, raccoons are the most prevalent. These troublesome creatures can cause significant damage to your land or simply become a source of irritation. Consequently, you may consider shooting them.
However, before taking any action, it is essential to ensure that you are in compliance with the law while addressing the issue of nuisance animals on your property. Therefore, the question arises: Is it legal to shoot and kill a raccoon on your property in Texas? The answer to this query is a resounding Yes.
Texas has a Nuisance Fur-bearing Animals law in place, which grants landowners or their authorized representatives the authority to remove nuisance fur-bearing animals, such as raccoons, from their property. This can be done using any means necessary, including shooting, and at any time, without the requirement of a hunting or trapping license.
Are raccoons a danger to humans?
Raccoons pose a significant threat to both humans and their beloved pets, particularly when they feel cornered or are protecting their young. It is crucial to understand that even if a raccoon appears calm or friendly, it is never advisable for residents to approach a wild animal. This is primarily due to the fact that raccoons are known carriers of rabies, making them a vector species for this dangerous disease. While both healthy and sick raccoons can potentially attack, the likelihood of an attack increases significantly if the raccoon is rabid.
Moreover, raccoons can transmit various other harmful diseases to humans, further emphasizing the need for caution. One such disease is raccoon roundworm, an intestinal parasite that can have severe consequences. The transmission of this parasite occurs when individuals unintentionally ingest microscopic roundworm eggs. It is essential to be aware of this potential risk and take appropriate measures to prevent any inadvertent exposure.
In addition to the health risks associated with raccoons, they also pose a serious threat to property. Their innate curiosity and dexterity enable them to cause significant damage to homes, gardens, and other structures. Therefore, as a landowner in Texas, you must take proactive steps to safeguard your property against raccoon intrusion.
Why do raccoons love trespassing on people's yards?
Raccoons, particularly in Texas, demonstrate a proclivity for trespassing on people's property due to several key factors. Firstly, raccoons are highly adaptable creatures that thrive in various habitats, including urban areas where human infrastructure provides abundant food sources. Texas, with its diverse environment and dense population centers, offers an optimal combination of natural resources and accessibility for these animals.
Additionally, raccoons possess keen intelligence and problem-solving skills that allow them to overcome obstacles such as fences or locked gates easily. Furthermore, human settlements often unintentionally attract raccoons by providing readily available food waste through improper garbage disposal methods or loosely sealed containers.
In 2019, a noteworthy incident occurred involving a Texas judge who found himself engaged in a 20-hour standoff with a trespassing raccoon. This intriguing tale was reported by Southern Thing, shedding light on the judge's relentless efforts to resolve the situation. Ultimately, the judge successfully enticed the raccoon out of the house by employing the irresistible allure of tamales.
The Pet Zealot recently shared a video of 2 raccoons having the funniest reactions after getting caught in someone's yard.
