Diseased Racoons; Essex, Chester Deep River Residents Beware!

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — According to the Chester, Deep River and Essex Animal Control Officer Caitlyn Sikora, there have been reports in the area, as well as across the river, about unhealthy raccoons.

"There has been an increase in the raccoon population in the area and they have been reported being out in people's yards during the day," said Sikora. "There is an increase in illness in the raccoons and very often when someone calls me about a raccoon in their yard, not looking so good, by the time I get there, the animal is already deceased."

She added, "This very well could be distemper or rabies, we are not sure, all we know for sure is that the animals are ill, so be careful and keep your own animals away from any raccoons you see."

Sikora cautioned that people should not approach wild animals, especially raccoons that look sick.

"Don't try to get them to move off the road or away from an area. They will defend themselves and they can cause serious injury. They have powerful bites that can cause serious infections and can even break fingers, so stay away whenever possible," said Sikora, who cautions domestic pet owners to make sure that their animals are up to date on all their vaccines.