Picture this: You’re on your lunch break, enjoying a sandwich and some cheese balls, when suddenly a raccoon comes up to you. What do you do? Like any normal person, you toss a cheese ball to the raccoon, of course! Well, experts say maybe don’t do that.
In Galveston, Texas, the animal services unit is asking residents not to feed raccoons because it can spread rabies or even salmonella. Officials say feeding raccoons, and other wild animals, can actually do more harm than good — for both you and the animal.
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Cheese balls in Galveston
On Galveston Island, the City of Galveston Animal Services says raccoons are becoming a tourist attraction, as more and more visitors feed them. People have been showing up with handfuls of cheese balls and even Oreos, just for the raccoons.
However, this has actually led to serious consequences that could worsen if the actions continue.
Josh Henderson, the animal unit’s supervisor, told Houston Public Media that continued feedings may cause the mammals to lose their natural fear of humans, making them more likely to scratch or bite. In the past two weeks alone, the news outlet reports, there have been seven raccoon bites.
And with bites comes the risk of rabies. But that’s not all. Henderson said raccoons also carry salmonella on their paws. So, if they grab food from your hand, they could transfer those bacteria to you.
More raccoons, but this time in Seattle
Humans interacting with raccoons isn’t only an issue in Texas. In Seattle, officials are dealing with their own problems — specifically, internet sensation Jimothy.
In July, Jimothy the raccoon charmed millions with his unique round belly and short, wobbly walk, which experts believe stems from a rare spinal condition.
His fame has drawn visitors to the neighborhood he frequents, with fans hoping to spot the cute little critter. However, Washington State University wildlife veterinarians say it’s best to stay away.
“Wild animals don’t understand internet fame,” WSU wildlife veterinarian Marcie Logsdon in a school publication. “What they do understand is when people get too close, offer food or alter their natural behavior. If people really care about Jimothy, the greatest kindness they can show is to admire him from a respectful distance.”
As in Texas, Logsdon said approaching Jimothy and trying to feed him can create lasting problems, like animals losing their natural fear of people. That doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate his cute features; it simply means to do it from a distance.
“It’s wonderful that people are excited about wildlife,” she said. “If Jimothy inspires more people to appreciate the animals living around them, that’s a positive outcome. We just hope that appreciation comes with respect, patience and enough distance to allow wild animals to stay wild.”
So whether it’s Seattle or Galveston, the lesson is clear: give wildlife their space, don’t interact — and keep your cheese balls to yourself.
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