Sick Raccoons in Dayton, Ohio | How to Recognize Them and Stay Safe
Sick raccoons are a threat to humans and pets. Raccoons are known to carry several diseases including rabies, distemper, raccoon roundworm, and many others. Understandably, it is in your best interest to avoid potential sick raccoons altogether. If you do happen upon a sick raccoon on your property, practice caution and get to a safe place in your home as quickly as possible. Once you are inside, call a professional raccoon removal service such as Barnes Wildlife Control with the licensure and experience necessary to handle the removal of sick raccoons. Call BWC today at (937) 340-1867 for expert raccoon removal service in Dayton, Ohio and surrounding areas!
What Are the Common Signs of Sick Raccoons?
Sick raccoons can exhibit a multitude of abnormal behaviors that signal they are infected with some form of disease. It usually isn’t hard to tell when an animal is sick, as they may exhibit some truly strange behaviors. Below are the symptoms of some common diseases found in sick raccoons:
Distemper
Distemper is a virus that affects raccoons and pets, but not humans. Common symptoms include:
- Loss of fear of human beings and other typical perceived threats
- Lethargy and aimless movement
- Standing on hind legs
- Showing teeth
- Extreme aggressiveness
Rabies
Rabies is a rare disease, but one that can prove fatal if left untreated. Infected raccoons usually exhibit the following symptoms:
- Disoriented movement, difficult time walking
- Abnormal noisemaking
- Foaming or drooling from the mouth
Raccoon Roundworm
Raccoon roundworm is an infection which can be transferred to humans. The roundworms reside in the intestinal tract and have the ability to make you very sick. It may be difficult to tell if raccoons have the roundworm, and it is more common than the above diseases. If you have come in contact with infected raccoons or their feces, urine, saliva, or anything else they may have touched, monitor your health carefully. Below are some symptoms you may notice if you have contracted the raccoon roundworm disease:
- Nausea
- Lethargy
- Loss of coordination or muscle control
More severe cases may result in blindness or even comatose states. To learn more about raccoon-related health concerns and the diseases they carry, read this page from the US Humane Society website. In general, you should handle sick raccoon problems with caution. For your pets’ safety, make sure they are safe and out of range. Consider taking them on a leashed walk as opposed to letting them free in the yard. Do not take sick raccoons lightly. Call Barnes Wildlife Control today at (937) 340-1867 and have sick raccoons properly removed from your area.