is raccoon meat healthy to eat

Raccoon is most commonly hunted in the fall and winter, when the animals are at their fattest. Wild raccoon loves to eat a wide range of food. We trapped one in a Hav-a-Hart, killed it, and being equal parts curious and broke, we cooked it. Sodas and artificial drinks contain complex sugars that destabilize their hormonal and digestive system. (Diet & Caring Tips), foods that are detrimental to their health, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 18 Things Lizards Like to Eat Most (Diet, Care & Feeding Tips), 15 Things Chipmunks Like To Eat Most (Diet, Care & Feeding Tips). In addition, their paws are used for inspecting food and picking away pieces they dont like to eat. Raccoons can dig through gardens and scavenge for food such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and insects, often leaving behind a path of destruction. Since the majority of the meat on a raccoon is in the hindquarters, which are dense, most slow--and-low cooking methods will get the meat to a safe temperature, but do be sure that the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit at some point. The babies are now 4 months old. Mom stays with them for quite a while but when the reach sexual maturity they will probably leave on their own. They will still forage, it comes through naturally to them. Aside from being known menaces to society, the masked bandits can thrive in whatever environment they inhabit. Raccoons (along with foxes, skunks, and bats) are rabies vector species (meaning they have a higher risk of contracting and spreading rabies) and therefore you should never attempt to handle them. I hate the thought of killing (I couldnt) but I have quite an investment in my yard. Clean hands and utensils should be used when handling raw raccoon meat to minimize cross-contamination. Change their water regularly and feed them in an area that is easy to tidy up. WebIts a method that will make anything worth eating tasty. Luckily, the amount of helpful, thoughtful, and tasty Lets face it, wild game can be really tough. Rabies is the most common and dangerous of these, and can be spread through the saliva of infected raccoons. I decided that this has gotten out of hand both financially and also the babies are learning that this is how they get their food instead of learning to forage. Despite what you might think, raccoon tastes pretty good when cleaned and cooked properly. They will eat everything that is available to them. On the other hand, adult raccoons should be fed twice a day. Pork tenderloin. So, if youre looking for something new to try, why not give raccoon a taste? In his professional life, hes a real-estate businessman. WebCoffee, cocoa and candies can cause health problems in raccoons. Raccoons happen to be a particularly attractive food-option in the American Midwest. From soaking venison in diet soda to letting birds hang until their heads separate from their bodies, theres a lot of bad advice floating around when it comes to cooking wild game. Raccoons will primarily eat meat in the form of small reptiles, fish, snails, crayfish, or frogs. Generally, its said to have a mild and lightly sweet taste, with an earthy and gamey flavor.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'remodelormove_com-banner-1','ezslot_14',157,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-banner-1-0'); Some may describe it as musky, similar to wild boar or venison. Even if the raccoon appears healthy and there is minimal bleeding, you must ensure that you do not have any illnesses or infections that can come as a result of being bitten, as raccoons are known to carry diseases like rabies. Varmint was almost unthinkable. Some older observational studies that include processed meats have correlated eating meat with cancer and heart disease. The carnivorous side of their diet is highly varied, and will depend on whats available in their habitat. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'remodelormove_com-leader-3','ezslot_23',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-leader-3-0');No, not all raccoons have rabies. Their forefeet resemble that of human beings with five slender fingers. Raccoons are also often infested with parasites, such as roundworms, which can also pose a health risk to humans. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'factsaboutfood_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',102,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-factsaboutfood_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Yes, raccoon meat is edible. The only time they dont get along is when they are starving or threatened. Put it in nooks and crannies in trees, etc. For example, after harvesting my first tom last spring, I had the honor of cooking turkey thigh tacos for the MeatEater crew. If its a female make sure shes not nursing. Raccoons can cause considerable damage; they are adept at getting into places they dont belong and have an appetite for a number of items that may not be good for the environment or other animals in the area. Kittens are more in danger when a raccoon is near because even if they try to defend themselves, raccoons will win the fight. Keep your pet food indoors, and if you have a bird feeder, consider taking it down until the raccoon is gone. Raw raccoon meat is very hard to chew and not recommended to eat. If it wasn't good, it would affirm my preconceived notions, and I would be exonerated from having any nagging moral issues with dispatching it and not eating it. In this article we are going to answer can you eat raccoons, what are raccoons, what raccoons eat, is raccoon meat healthy to eat, what is the risk of eating raccoon meat, and how to cook raccoon meat. This parasite can travel throughout the body and causes damage to muscles, liver, brain, and eyes. If you are ever trying to get rid of a raccoon, it is not recommended to trap it and cook it as it can be significantly dangerous. They may trap and remove the little ones, so that they can be taught how to forage properly. Corn is rich in starch and provides a heavy meal for these furry creatures. Finally, contact wildlife management or local animal control for assistance and always practice good hygiene to avoid potential health risks. This allows the flavors to meld together and results in a tender, juicy piece of meat. All in all, raccoon is totally edible, and I would not hesitate to eat it again. Raccoons cannot eat chocolate, cocoa, coffee, onions, spices, avocados, guacamole, candies, processed sugars, bread, cows milk, raisins, macadamia nuts, and chips. I am gradually weaning them off the kibble and hopefully the now fat mothers will show them how to forage. Today, Id wager that a lot of folks dont even know a person whos eaten raccoon, much less liked it. If your neighbor is feeding raccoons, then the best thing to do is to politely talk to them about the issue. of food every day and it will still last 2 weeks or more. It has a rich grassy taste that is compared to turkey or chicken but with more fat content. In addition, in some states it is illegal to hunt or trap raccoons. It is also important to remember that wild animals should never be fed since it can make them overly dependant on humans and decrease their instinct and ability to survive on their own. Some people may be shocked to realize that certain cuts of pork can actually be lean, healthy, and contain very little saturated fat. Raccoon meat is actually quite lean and has a mild flavor, making it a good option for those looking for a new protein to try. You must avoid eating any city-dwelling raccoons as they tend to carry parasites, rabies, and various other diseases due to their eating habits. Meat is a rich source of protein and several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, niacin, and selenium. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'remodelormove_com-box-3','ezslot_4',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-box-3-0');The short answer is no, raccoon meat is not generally considered safe or good to eat. Add the bay leaves. The trap guy will come get the critter for $65. Since my roommate and I had already become the guys living in a basement trapping and eating raccoons, we decided to embrace that fact ended up killing and eating a few more raccoons before they got wise to the traps. Flea and tick bites can cause skin irritation and discomfort, while lice bites can cause serious itching and can spread to other animals and humans. Since the majority of the meat on a raccoon is in the hindquarters, which are dense, most slow--and-low cooking methods will get the meat to a safe Ive eaten just about anything you can buy and a pile of things you cant. In the summer, they eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Lastly, they have tear and sebaceous glands that help to keep their fur in optimal condition and clean. Raccoons, which stick close to people to eat our trash, transmit a nasty roundworm in their feces that can cause serious harm to humans and dogs. Far from being the best predators, these critters tend to go after smaller prey like snakes, frogs, and insects, which is a rewarding source of nutrients. As a result of the raccoon dogs natural history, they will never be legal in the United States because exotic pet owners do not receive cultural approval and they will likely be banned in more countries as time goes on. While the water is boiling, build a fire with oak wood in a fire pit. They're damn good. It cost more like $250.00 for them to leave a no kill trap, but we ended up scaring it off ourselves and then putting hard wire mesh over the two vent openings to the attic. As you've probably guessed, roosters taste like chicken. We dont wish to keep her as a pet. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, and par boil the meat for 30 minutes. Crayfish is by far one of the most common meals fed on by raccoons. WebPut on disposable gloves and collect the feces or retrieve the dead raccoon. Is Raccoon Meat Safe To Eat? People often dislike raccoons for a variety of reasons. Avocados contain persin that causes diarrhea and heart congestion. Required fields are marked *. Its often compared to the flavor of dark turkey meat, with a slightly stronger taste. Raccoon meat is described as being similar to pork, with a slightly gamey flavor. While wild caught raccoons may taste different than farmed, theyre usually tougher and much stringier than farm-raised meat. They are rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium as well. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any local advisories before consuming any wild game. So, if youre looking to add a new protein to your diet, why not give raccoon a try? They are well equipped to haunt, forage and even rob if necessary to sustain their survival. I cooked two sets of hindquarters, one from a larger boar and one from a much smaller raccoon. Overall, the taste of a raccoon varies on what the animal eats. Step 7: Strain the liquid and remove the bones. Raccoon meat has to come from a safe source because they can carry parasites, rabies, and other diseases that can be very dangerous for humans. Rinse the soaked raccoon, then add to a pot with enough clean water to cover. In cities, they can eat garbage, pet food, and other food that are available for them. Now they have lost their fear of humans and they follow me around like a dog. It can be cooked in many different ways, and is often made into stews, roasts, or smoked. They respond to their cries. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. It would be an easy out. Is raccoon meat The only way that you can eat a raccoon safely is if you make sure you cook it at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. If you do decide to eat raccoon, there are a few things you should keep in mind. If you enjoy eating game meat, then youll probably want to cook the raccoon in a way that brings out its natural flavors. This is simply not true. Make it easy at first and let them see where you are sprinkling it, as they have no mother to show them. You can make a combination of poultry, eggs, insects, fish, vegetables, and fruits. They are equipped with sharp claws to catch prey on land and in water. Yes, raccoons can carry diseases that make humans sick. Raccoon meat is one the most tender meat Boil for 1 hour, and then check the raccoons for tenderness. They tend to shelter near water sources where they fish and enjoy this delicacy rich in nutrients. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-3-0');As a result, it is generally not advised to eat raccoon meat in order to avoid any potential health risks. The Best Diet for a Pet Raccoon - The Spruce Pets (There were three in the beginning but I think one was eaten by coyotes do now they ere are only 2). When you type in all capital letters that is considered SCREAMING on the Internet. If you live in the country, you might be able to buy one from a friend or neighbor. This unusual meat is actually quite delicious and has a number of benefits that make it worth trying. Do raccoons eat decaying animals? You can give your pet a diet that includes dog food. There are cases of people who have become ill after consuming raccoon meat, and it is recommended not to consume raccoon meat under any circumstances. They are amazing animals!!! For example, in the United States, only 0.5 percent of raccoons tested in the laboratory tested positive for the rabies virus. Bananas and sweet potatoes deliver potassium, a key mineral for heart health. Im staring at my own bias, and it looks like me. Turns out, it can be! I live in a city in California, and my home is close to a major street. Raccoons Eat Meat If feeding large groups of raccoons, place several plates of food in different spots to prevent them from fighting for the food. Therefore, when feeding raccoons, kindly avoid giving them these substances that are harmful to their health. You must avoid eating any city-dwelling raccoons as they tend to carry parasites, rabies, and various other diseases due to their eating habits. How healthy is raccoon meat? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'factsaboutfood_com-box-4','ezslot_4',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-factsaboutfood_com-box-4-0'); Raccoons are mammals that live in Canada and most of the United States. Get educated & stay motivated.