Police say a Massachusetts woman has been attacked by a wild raccoon in her own bed, according to CBS 6 Albany. Hingham police Sgt. Stephen Dearth tells the Patriot Ledger newspaper the raccoon jumped on the 73-year-old woman's bed Wednesday morning when she tried to pet it, thinking it was her own cat. The raccoon apparently got in through a cat door to a back porch. Dearth said the woman has non-life threatening injuries to her face and fingers and her cat wasn't hurt. The raccoon has been euthanized and is being tested for rabies. Dearth said the woman chased the raccoon out of her bedroom, shut the door and called police at about 11 a.m. The officers found the raccoon still in the house, and a state environmental police officer trapped and removed it. Police aren't releasing the woman's name.

How can a raccoon get inside the house?

• Doggie Door: If your pet uses a pet door for access in and out of your home, did you know a raccoon or other wild animal can too? Thomas Pest Services recommends avoiding the use of pet doors, so animals like raccoons do not enter your home.
• Chimney: Wildlife animals often mistake uncapped chimneys for hollow trees. An animal stuck in a chimney is often frantic. A scratching noise at the damper is a typical sound if a raccoon is stuck in the chimney. If the damper is not closed, the animal may fall down into the fireplace. It is a good idea to have the fireplace doors closed or screen in place to prevent the animal from entering the house. Wildlife animals are unable to climb the entire length of the chimney.
• Attic: Raccoons will force their way in through vents, windows and other openings. Often times raccoons resort to attics for a safe, sheltered area to have their babies. Beware if a female raccoon is in your attic with young, she will be very aggressive and protective.

What are the risks associated with raccoons?

• Diseases: Wild animals can carry diseases such as rabies, and if you have a wildlife problem on your property, then it is sensible to do something about it.
• Damage to Property: Aside from the diseases that wildlife animals can carry, wild animals can also cause damage to your home and possessions. The damage that wildlife animals cause has the propensity to be extensive and not just cosmetic damage either. Cables and wires can be gnawed through, causing a significantly higher risk of fires, in addition to putting you and your families’ safety at risk.
• Domestic Pets: Your own pets are another potential target for wild animals, whether they are being attacked by them, or contracting a disease, cats, dogs and other pets can be at severe risk from wildlife. So it is not only yourself and your property that is at risk, but your beloved pets too.

How can you prevent animals like raccoons from getting into your attic?

• Perform an interior and exterior inspection looking for entry points animals and pests can use.
• Make sure your homes vents and chimney caps are secure and in good working condition.
• Make sure trees and shrubs are trimmed, so these pests cannot use limbs to access the home.
• Keep trash cans tightly sealed.
• Avoid leaving out pet food.
• Make sure your garage is tightly sealed.

If you hear noises in your attic that resemble, vocal growls or chattering, it can indicate raccoons. Getting rid of wildlife animals is dangerous. Wildlife can bite, carry and spread disease, so it best to contact a professional wildlife removal specialist to get rid of animals like raccoons. Wildlife can quickly take over a structure to shelter themselves from the outdoor elements. Contact your Albany wildlife removal company to prevent any damages before they can begin. The Clifton Park wildlife removal experts at Thomas Pest Services can help you today with a free inspection for raccoon removal.