Attention, Nags Head Residents: Raccoons Are Sick and We Need to Talk About It!
What’s Happening?
Hey, there, Nags Head! It looks like our furry, masked friends may be experiencing a rough time, and not the kind that comes at the end of a long night out. Over the past few weeks, Dare County has noticed an uptick in calls about sick raccoons roaming the area. Area agencies are working closely with biologists from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to tackle this issue.
What’s the Deal with Raccoon Distemper?
So here’s the scoop: There have been confirmed cases of canine distemper in our local raccoon population. This viral disease isn’t just bad news for raccoons; it also infects other critters like foxes, coyotes, and even unvaccinated dogs. But don’t worry — the good news is that this disease does not affect humans!
Why the Sudden Spike?
Wildlife biologists have shared some valuable insights. Distemper tends to spread more when raccoon populations are high or concentrated, and interestingly enough, this kind of outbreak runs in cycles of about 5-7 years. Now, before you start worrying about all the raccoons in your neighborhood, remember that not every single raccoon will get this disease. In fact, many do survive these outbreaks.
How Does It Spread?
The virus spreads when animals have direct contact with an infected animal’s body fluids or droppings. This is why keeping a distance from sick raccoons is super important. Speaking of symptoms to watch for, you might notice discharge from their nose and eyes, a rough coat, weight loss, or strange behavior like wandering around aimlessly. Unfortunately, as the disease progresses, the outlook isn’t good, and the illness is often fatal. Just to clarify, canine distemper is not the same as rabies, even though they might share a few similarities in symptoms.
Protecting Your Loved Ones
Here’s where you come in, Nags Head. To help keep yourself, your kids, and your pets safe, steer clear of any raccoons that look unwell. They might appear calm, but they can get feisty if someone gets too close. Plus, let’s not forget that sick raccoons might just pass through your yard.
To further protect your beloved pets, it’s crucial to keep their vaccinations up-to-date. Now’s a fantastic time to check in with your vet and ensure those shots are current!
Tips to Deter Raccoons
Want to keep raccoons away from your yard? Here are some handy tips:
- Feed pets indoors: If you have to feed outdoors, make sure to bring in those bowls right after mealtime.
- Secure your garbage: Raccoons are crafty critters. Make sure your garbage cans are tight and can’t be knocked over. Store them in a closed garage or shed if possible.
- Compost care: If you have a compost pile, cover it securely so raccoons can’t get to it.
What If You Find a Dead Raccoon?
If you stumble upon a raccoon that has passed away in your yard, it’s essential to bury it deep enough so that pets can’t dig it up. Remember that just spotting a raccoon doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong with it, so don’t jump to conclusions!
Need Help? Reach Out!
If you have concerns or spot a sick raccoon, it’s always best to reach out to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission on their website or give them a call at 866-318-2401. You can also contact Dare Central Communications at 252-473-3444 for any assistance. Stay vigilant and remember — DO NOT FEED RACCOONS! Feeding them artificially can lead to larger populations and increase the spread of this tough disease.
Keep Monitoring the Situation
We’re all in this together. Keeping our community safe means staying informed and being proactive. So keep those heads up, Nags Head! Watch out for those sneaky raccoons and help ensure the health of our area!
