Increase In 'Zombie Raccoon' Calls: How To Protect Your Pets

RIVERSIDE, IL — Police in Riverside have reported an uptick in calls for service regarding "zombie raccoons," which they say can be dangerous to pets. Three recent encounters have been reported in the suburb, according to Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel.

"It seems every year around this time we get a rise in calls about raccoons acting oddly and we respond to calls about raccoons that may be a danger to the public," Weitzel said. "Our policy allows us to put down animals that are suffering or pose a threat to public safety.”

In these recent cases, the raccoons have been confirmed to have the distemper virus after displaying abnormal neurologic signs.

The distemper virus affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system of dogs, Riverside police said. Symptoms can include ocular and nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. Death can occur from secondary pneumonia or non-responsive seizure activity.

Pet owners in Riverside and everywhere else are urged to vaccinate their dogs and supervise them while outside, even if they are in a fenced-in yard, to prevent contact with wild animals.

Other precautions recommended include:

• Keeping pets vaccinated against core diseases and get additional vaccines based on the animal’s lifestyle.
• Visiting your veterinarian about their recommendations for your pet. Some vaccines are required by law.
• Checking if the places they take their pets for socialization — like dog-friendly areas, training classes, grooming and boarding, require proof of vaccination. Communicable diseases are transmitted through close association with other animals.

If a raccoon is found to have the distemper virus, they will be put down by police and disposed of by the public works employees.

“If you see a sick raccoon that may be a threat to public safety, call the police,” Weitzel said.