I have had several calls recently that involved safety issues with raccoon feces. Yes, I know this topic is a bit gross but it is important to understand the health risks associated with raccoon feces. It is particularly important to make sure that kids and pets stay away from raccoon feces. The good news is that infections are relatively rare but it is good to be careful. The photo is a “present” left in my yard by one of the resident raccoons. Raccoons carry Baylisascaris procyonis whose common name is raccoon roundworm. This worm lives in the intestines of the raccoon (apparently without harming it) and sheds eggs in the raccoon feces. This is where the issues come in as the eggs in the feces can be ingested by humans under certain circumstances and cause serious health issues when they hatch. Always be careful around raccoon poop!