Saw a raccoon, now I can't go inside my house!?

[to use the]

OK, it's 2:30am right now, and I live in a gated apartment complex. As I was walking to my doorstep, I saw a raccoon slither in front of my path. Startled, I jumped back and it ran into a bush. Now I exited the complex and I'm afraid to go back in.

I don't know if the raccoon is still there, or worse, rabid or nesting cubs in those bushes (aggressive/territorial), and I don't want to be attacked. I've never seen a raccoon in-person.

I want to go to sleep!! What do I do now, lol...please help, serious question.
Asking this on my phone btw.

Also asking here because I figured cat owners would have experience dealing with yard animals, etc.

 

[pollo loko]

I'll kill him for you if you let me keep him. I'll make a nice soup with him and maybe you and me can have a dinner-date. How's that?

 

[Cheyan]

Just go back. Grow a pair, dude. If you're not threatening it, the most it'll do is look at you, and run away.

 

[MissKacey]

I have never met a raccoon in a suburban area that was mean/feral. Now, this does not mean they don't exist, but it is very unlikely. Since we encroached on their habitat they are now mostly used to humans if you live in a suburban area and they are greedy little bugger and like to beg for food and be cute.

OK so go into your apartment, I'm sure the thing is gone by now. Remember you are bigger than it, it is likely fat and slow from living in an apartment complex. Once you are inside lock the door. You are now safe. For gods sake don't leave food out there to placate it as it will just associate you with a free meal and keep coming back.

Now once it's the A.M. call your apartment manager and tell them you saw a wild raccoon and that you'd like them to get it removed. They will likely call animal services and have them come out and try to trap it to relocate it.

OK. Once that's taken care of remember this. You are bigger than the raccoon, it's probably not feral/mean. If it is you should not hide in a bush as it will likely to have family/friends there or could want to run and hide there if it is afraid of you. Next time you see one make loud noises and run into your house.

I have seen quite the fair share of wild raccoons in my neighborhood. One used to even sleep in our dog house outside in the backyard, but I would chase it off with a rake. They waddle slowly around here because they are fat and get in garbage cans. Don't leave ANY food outside your door or windows. Not even cat food, they LOVE cat food. Feeding them only encourages them to come back. If your apartment neighbors keep cat food outside for stray cats or their outside pets, ask them kindly to take it in at night. Cats sleep at night anyway and won't starve if their food is inaccessible for a few hours.

I hope this helps.