Robinson Police Share Good News About Our Furry Nighttime Neighbors

Robinson raccoons are rabies free!

Good News for Robinson Residents Following a Rabies Scare

Back on September 24th, the Robinson Police Department sent out a warning of reports of sick raccoons seen in the 700-800 block of S. Robinson Drive. Police tell KXXV that some captured raccoons that appeared unwell have tested negative for rabies.

Caution Is Still Advised Around Wildlife

According to KXXV, The police department is advising Robinson residents to be careful around wild animals and to make sure pets are up to date with their vaccinations. Officials say to be especially careful around nocturnal animals that are roaming around in the middle of the day. If you see an animal that appears sick or injured, contact Animal Control or the Robinson Police Department at (254) 662-0525.

The Rabies Free Report Comes One Day After National Raccoon Day

National Raccoon Day is a modern invention meant to celebrate raccoons and educate others about their awesome qualities. Raccoons are exceptionally intelligent...to the point of being frustrating. I say this as a homeowner who is trying to feed a slew of outside cats. No matter what my husband built to keep the raccoons at bay, they figured out how to overcome it. Yes. They won in the end.

It Is All in the Raccoon Paws

Each raccoon paw has five fingers that mimic that of humans. Combined with their problem-solving skills, raccoons can open locks, latches, containers jars and doors. Add to that their excellent memory. Once they figure out a problem, they do not forget it.

Raccoons are the Ultimate Survivalists

Raccoons are survival machines. In addition to their five, finger-like paws, the hind feet of a raccoon can rotate almost all the way around which helps when climbing trees or fences. Their paws can often detect more than their sight. That being said, raccoons have excellent hearing and night vision.

The Raccoon Is Not Invincible

Although the raccoon has many survival skills, it is also prone to danger. Thousands of raccoons are killed each year by automobiles and diseases like rabies and distemper.

Raccoons Have Learned to Adapt

As is the case with many wild animals, raccoons have had to adapt to an ever-growing human presence. Rural areas are now cities, and the raccoon has learned to survive amongst humans. Raccoons have taken to living in attics, sheds and abandoned buildings. Food is now found in garbage cans, dumpsters and pet food bowls. National Raccoon Day is a day to acknowledge our masked neighbor and figure out ways to safely co-exist.