Beware Growling ‘Zombie Raccoons’ Spotted in Cook County
“Zombie raccoons” have been spotted in Stickney, which is located in Cook County. (CREDIT: Google Maps)
First it’s zombie deer, now it’s zombie raccoons.
Really, what is this world coming to?
According to the Stickney Police Department, Stickney Township Animal Control has issued a warning to be on the lookout for raccoons that may be acting strange.
“They may have distemper. Warning signs will be they are not moving and just staring, growling showing their teeth, crawling in circles,” the Police Department said. “If you see one of these animals, do not approach them. Do not let your dogs and children near them. Do not try to feed them.”
A similar report was made around this time last year. At that time, Kane County Animal Control Brett Youngsteadt, administrator said the raccoon distemper reports had not made it to Kane County
Canine distemper is described as “a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure.” The disease affects dogs, and certain species of wildlife, such as raccoons, wolves, foxes, and skunks. The common house pet, the ferret, is also a carrier of this virus.
If you come across a raccoon that you suspect is infected with distemper, you should contact local police, a licensed trapper or, in unincorporated areas, the Kane County Animal Control Department.
This particular “zombie” report should not be confused with the recent stories about “Zombie deer,” which have been reported in areas throughout Illinois.
Zombie deer are associated with Chronic Wasting Disease.
CWD symptoms include drastic weight loss (wasting), stumbling, listlessness and other neurologic tells. It can affect animals of all ages and some infected animals may die without ever developing the disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, CWD is fatal to animals, and there are no treatments or vaccines.
The CDC lists Kane County as one of the Illinois areas with Chronic Wasting Disease.
