Distemper confirmed in local raccoons amid spike in sick wildlife

Idaho Fish and Game reports a surge of sick raccoons in the Pocatello–Chubbuck area, with testing confirming at least one case of canine distemper. The virus is not transmissible to humans but is often fatal for wildlife like raccoons and skunks. Officials urge residents to keep dogs away from raccoons and carcasses, ensure pets are vaccinated, wear gloves when disposing of dead wildlife, and remove food sources that attract wildlife. Not every daylight-wandering raccoon is infected; cases are evaluated individually, and officials expect the trend to subside through summer with no major long-term population impact.