After trapping a raccoon, you should never release or relocate it on your own—Texas law requires humane, legal handling by licensed professionals to ensure safety for both people and wildlife.
Raccoons are a common nuisance in Dallas, sneaking into attics, rummaging through trash, and causing costly property damage. For many homeowners, trapping feels like the end of the problem, but in reality, it’s just the beginning. What you do after trapping a raccoon determines if the situation is handled safely, legally, and humanely.
Improperly dealing with a trapped raccoon can create bigger problems, from violating Texas wildlife laws to putting your family at risk of disease. Knowing the right steps to take not only protects you and your property, it also ensures the animal is managed in a responsible way.
Understanding the Laws in Texas
When it comes to raccoons, Texas Parks and Wildlife sets clear rules for how they can be trapped and what happens afterward. Raccoons are classified as furbearers, which means they’re regulated, and moving them without the proper authority is not allowed. Homeowners who release a raccoon into another neighborhood or park without permission risk breaking the law.
The reason behind these laws goes beyond paperwork. Relocated raccoons often don’t survive in new environments, and they can spread diseases like rabies or distemper to local wildlife. By keeping these rules in place, Texas ensures both animals and communities stay safe.
For Dallas residents, the safest choice is to let a licensed wildlife control operator handle the animal after it’s trapped. Professionals know the specific regulations, have the permits, and can legally transport or humanely deal with the raccoon according to state standards.
Why Relocating Raccoons Isn’t Always the Best Idea
At first, setting a raccoon free in the woods might seem like the kindest option, but relocation usually does more harm than good. Raccoons are territorial animals, and a newcomer is often met with aggression from others already living in the area. This leads to fights, injuries, and sometimes death.
Food and shelter are also major challenges. A relocated raccoon has no established den sites or foraging patterns, making it much harder to survive. Many starve or end up back in urban areas searching for easy meals, repeating the cycle of nuisance behavior.
There’s also a hidden health risk. Moving raccoons spreads diseases like rabies, canine distemper, and parasites into new areas, creating problems for local wildlife and even pets. For these reasons, wildlife experts strongly discourage do-it-yourself relocation.
Humane and Legal Options After Trapping
Once a raccoon is caught, the best step is to hand things over to licensed professionals. In Texas, wildlife control operators and animal services have the authority to relocate or, in some cases, humanely euthanize the animal according to state guidelines. This ensures the raccoon is handled in a way that protects both the public and the environment.
Another option is working directly with Texas Parks and Wildlife or your local animal control office. They can provide guidance on what’s legally permitted in your area and may step in to take the raccoon off your hands. This saves you from the risks of fines or mishandling.
The most important point is to prioritize humane treatment. Professionals use methods that minimize stress on the animal while following strict safety and legal standards. That way, you can resolve the problem responsibly without making things worse for either the raccoon or your household.
Risks of Handling Raccoons on Your Own
Trying to deal with a trapped raccoon by yourself can be dangerous. These animals may look harmless, but when cornered, they can become aggressive and lash out with sharp teeth and claws. A frightened raccoon in a trap is unpredictable, making it risky to approach without the proper equipment and training.
Health risks are another serious concern. Raccoons are common carriers of rabies, leptospirosis, and roundworms—all of which can spread to people or pets. Direct contact, scratches, or even exposure to raccoon droppings can put your family’s health at risk.
Improper handling can also make the situation worse. Mishandling a trap can injure the raccoon or allow it to escape back into your property, undoing all your efforts. Without professional help, you risk creating bigger problems instead of solving them.
Why Professional Wildlife Removal Services Are Best
When you bring in licensed wildlife experts, you get more than just someone to haul away a raccoon. Professionals understand Texas laws, carry the right permits, and know exactly how to handle trapped animals in a way that’s both safe and compliant. This takes the legal guesswork and liability off your shoulders.
Wildlife removal teams also provide long-term solutions. Beyond removing the raccoon, they’ll inspect your home for entry points and seal them off, making sure no new animals sneak back in. This preventative work is crucial for avoiding repeated infestations.
Most importantly, professionals prioritize humane and effective handling. From setting traps to dealing with the animal afterward, every step is done with proper techniques and equipment. Instead of a temporary fix, you’re getting a thorough solution that protects both your home and the raccoon population.
Preventing Future Raccoon Problems
Once a raccoon is removed, the next step is making sure it doesn’t happen again. Start by sealing all possible entry points around your home, especially attics, chimneys, and crawlspaces. Raccoons are skilled climbers and problem-solvers, so even small gaps or weak vents can become easy access points.
Food sources are another big draw. Leaving pet food outside, unsecured trash cans, or overflowing bird feeders creates an open invitation for raccoons. Using wildlife-proof trash lids and bringing food indoors at night can go a long way in keeping them away.
Regular inspections are also important. By checking your home and yard for signs of digging, droppings, or damage, you can catch raccoon activity before it becomes a bigger problem. Preventive steps save you money and stress while keeping your property safe and critter-free.
Conclusion
Catching a raccoon is only half the job—what you do next determines if the problem is solved or made worse. From strict Texas wildlife laws to the risks of disease and aggression, handling a trapped raccoon on your own is never the safest option.
By working with licensed professionals, you ensure the animal is dealt with legally, humanely, and in a way that prevents future infestations. With the right help, you can protect your home, your family, and the wildlife that surrounds Dallas.
Call AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas Today
If you’ve trapped a raccoon or suspect they’re nesting around your property, don’t take chances handling it yourself. AAAC Wildlife Removal of Dallas specializes in safe, legal, and humane raccoon removal. Our team not only removes the animal but also seals entry points and helps prevent future problems.
Call us today for expert raccoon control and let us handle the hard part so you can enjoy a safe, wildlife-free home.
