All articles tagged with #raccoons
Suffolk County health officials confirmed two new rabid raccoons in Bay Shore and Babylon, bringing the county's total terrestrial rabies cases to 44 since February 2025. One animal was found dead in Bay Shore, while the other was found alive in Babylon and had contact with a resident who is now in good health. Authorities urge residents to avoid wild animals and report abnormal behavior.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is distributing millions of oral rabies vaccine baits across the eastern United States to halt the spread of raccoon rabies. Recent operations in New England include the deployment of 75,000 baits in Massachusetts and nearly 1.1 million across Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. Officials emphasize that while the baits are safe for humans and pets, they should not be handled, and the program aims to create a biological barrier against westward viral spread.
Germany's raccoon population, now numbering two million, is often blamed on Nazi commander Hermann Göring, but archival research proves the 1934 release was a routine administrative decision. While the animals cause significant property damage and are hunted heavily, scientific studies suggest they pose less threat to native biodiversity than public perception implies, though their range continues to expand due to climate change.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun vaccinating wildlife along Vermont’s northern border to combat a spike in rabies cases, driven by expanding raccoon populations. About one million vaccine baits are being air-dropped from the border to just south of Burlington, with different methods for rural versus urban areas, in a bid to contain the outbreak while residents are advised on bait safety and pet protection.
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.
Seattle wildlife experts say Jimothy’s short-spined fame may extend beyond one raccoon, with local posts suggesting more deformed raccoons roam Ballard; raccoons in the wild typically live 3–5 years, but Jimothy appears healthy in viral footage, prompting a reminder to admire wildlife from a distance as residents wonder if there are multiple ‘Jimothys’ in Seattle and celebrate the magic in the wild.
During Q1 2026, rabid wildlife was confirmed in Culpeper (one bat, one skunk), Fauquier (three raccoons, one skunk), Madison (one skunk) and Orange (one cat, one skunk) in Virginia's Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District; no human exposures were reported. Rabies is common in Virginia wildlife, and statewide rabies positives totaled 117 in the first quarter. Officials urge avoiding wild animals, keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccines, and reporting unusual animal behavior to local animal control.
Two daytime raccoon attacks in a New Jersey town within hours have officials weighing a rabies vaccine bait plan to curb rabies risk and protect residents and pets, as authorities urge caution around wildlife and monitoring for further incidents.
NYC is distributing fish-scented rabies vaccine baits in parks across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan to control rabies among raccoons, with efforts continuing from a spring campaign, and officials advising caution and pet vaccinations.
A distemper outbreak among raccoons in Colorado is causing concern as the disease, which leads to symptoms like glowing green eyes and loss of fear of humans, is spreading rapidly. While not transmissible to humans, it poses a risk to pets. Authorities advise keeping pets and children away from raccoons, especially those acting strangely, and recommend contacting animal control if a sick raccoon is spotted. The virus is highly contagious and usually fatal for raccoons, with similar outbreaks reported in other U.S. states.
The Wisconsin Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has reported a significant increase in raccoons with canine distemper in Milwaukee County, with about 350 cases this year, three times the usual number. Canine distemper is highly contagious among animals but not humans, spreading through direct contact, air, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include nasal and eye discharge, lethargy, and odd behavior. The affected raccoons were either found deceased or euthanized. Residents are advised to report sick raccoons and ensure their dogs are vaccinated, with the Humane Society offering $16 vaccine clinics.
Authorities in Northampton and Easthampton, Massachusetts, are warning residents about raccoons exhibiting erratic behavior, potentially indicating rabies. Symptoms such as frothing at the mouth and disorientation have been reported, though rabies has not been confirmed. Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal to humans if untreated, but timely vaccination can prevent death. Residents are advised to avoid wildlife showing unusual behavior, supervise children and pets, and ensure pets' vaccinations are current. Sightings should be reported to local public safety dispatch lines.
A wildlife biologist reports an increase in canine distemper cases among raccoons in Buncombe County, North Carolina, but states it is not a high concern. The disease, which can affect various wildlife species, shows symptoms similar to a cold or flu in humans and can lead to neurological issues. While there are no human health risks, pets like dogs and ferrets can be infected, so vaccination and avoiding wildlife contact are advised. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission offers a hotline for reporting unusual animal behavior.
Henderson County health officials have issued a warning following an unusual increase in raccoon encounters and attacks over the past 2-3 months. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves and their pets from potential rabies exposure. The public is urged not to handle raccoons and to ensure pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.
Experts warn against feeding wild raccoons, as it can lead to habituation and aggressive behavior. Raccoons carry diseases such as rabies, parvovirus, distemper, roundworm, and leptospirosis, which can be transmitted to humans and pets. Feeding wildlife also increases the risk of spreading infectious diseases among animals and can lead to aggression and injuries. Despite good intentions, feeding raccoons can do more harm than good, as they are built for survival and do not need human assistance. In cases of scratches or bites, euthanizing the animal is often necessary to determine if it has rabies.