What kind of noises do raccoons make?

Raccoons are known to chatter, trill, squeal, growl and scream. They are much more vocal as young cubs than as adults, and frequent high-pitched vocalizations from adults are a symptom of rabies.

Raccoons are especially known for chattering, a low, rapid, percussive call. They hiss and chatter at other raccoons when competing for food. They also have distress calls and vocalizations that sound like a screech owl's whistle. Territorial raccoons growl, hiss and scream.

Younger raccoons have a larger repertoire of vocalizations and make them more often. These include trills, chirps, squeals and purrs.

The raccoon sound most associated with rabies is high-pitched squeaking. Adult raccoons that repeatedly vocalize and show other odd behavior, such as staggering, should be reported to animal control.