Raccoons are OK as long as you don’t threaten them. If you corner them, they will possibly bite you in self-defense. Otherwise, they’re basically pacifist. Just make sure your garbage cans are metal and locked shut. No bags – that’s just like a cafeteria for them.
Don’t worry about rabies unless the animal is acting sick or weird, or coming up to people. Then…run, and call 311 ASAP. Any contact with one – call your doctor to see if you need the shots. make sure your kids know about not getting close to them.
Remember – they’re just as afraid of you as you are of them. And, of course, they were in Boro Park when it was still a cow pasture. We’re trespassing on their turf, not the other way around.