Each spring local police services deal with a surge of calls from the public regarding what they believe are ‘rabid’ raccoons. These raccoons appear around residential properties during the daytime hours causing people concern. Police are wanting to educate residents that these raccoons are not necessarily rabid, but rather the animals may be experiencing a common condition called distemper.

Symptoms of distemper can be similar to that of rabies, however distemper is a neurological disease and can include behavior such as walking in circles, acting disoriented or the raccoon could have discharge coming from its eyes and mouth. There is no risk for humans to contract this disease from raccoons.

There are many reasons why a raccoon may have ventured out in the daytime. Residents are asked to eliminate any potential food sources including garbage or insecure compost containers that may attract the animals. If you come across a raccoon in the daytime, do not approach it and keep your animals at a safe distance.

The Owen Sound Police are asking residents not to call 911 to report a raccoon so we can keep the emergency lines open for those that need it.

If you are interested in learning more about raccoons you can access the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website at www.omafra.gov.on.ca or www.ontario.ca.

source: media release, OSPS