GREAT OUTDOORS: Sick raccoon calls likely not rabies

While looking over the police blotter that is published in this newspaper, I have been noticing a higher number of calls to local law enforcement agencies requesting help dealing with sick raccoons. This is not just a local problem, as similar encounters with sick raccoons have been reported this summer in Akron, Cincinnati and beyond Ohio. Newspapers in several communities from the East Coast west to California; Florida and Texas north to Ontario; and multiple Midwestern states have documented increases of "zombie raccoons." Luckily in most cases, it turns out that rabies is not the cause of these locally sick coons that are seen uncharacteristically wandering around during daylight hours. According to the Ohio Department of Health, rabies was confirmed in only 24 raccoons statewide from 2017-2022. Instead, the likely culprit for the "zombie coons" is canine distemper, the same virus that dogs are vaccinated against to prevent this often-fatal disease. However, the affliction cannot be reliably distinguished from rabies without diagnostic testing. Clinical signs of canine distemper may include crusty or wet discharge from the nose and eyes, diarrhea, unkempt fur, emaciation, coughing and neurological signs such as tremors, incoordination and walking in circles. Distemper, like most other wildlife diseases, flares up whenever populations are too high or concentrated, and often occurs within urban areas. It is spread through direct contact, or from bodily fluids or feces. Raccoons found to be afflicted with distemper cannot be treated, so although euthanasia seems cruel and unfortunate, it is normally considered a better alternative to allowing continued suffering. During outbreaks, raccoons can spread the disease to other wild animals and pets, including dogs and ferrets. Canine distemper causes significant neurological symptoms in foxes, coyotes, mink, skunks and otters, but does not infect people. Distemper from raccoons has been implicated as the cause of the severe reduction in gray fox numbers in much of its Midwest and Southeast. Historically, distemper is usually spread from dogs to other forms of wildlife that came into contact with them, or vice versa, but the rampant virus is now being most often spread from raccoon to raccoon. Large outbreaks appear in raccoon populations every 5-7 years, with survivors becoming resistant to reinfection from the virus. Normally North America's most important and commonly trapped furbearer, raccoons have become overpopulated due to low prices for raccoon pelts that have led to reduced harvests by coon hunters and trappers. Only the largest, best colored and well-furred specimens are currently marketable and even then, at low prices. Huge stockpiles of dried pelts that have been harvested largely await sales to garment makers and furriers in China, Russia and Ukraine that were formerly the best markets for this heavy and stylish fur. However, until the war in Ukraine ends, trade restrictions are lifted and their currencies recover, low prices are expected to continue. Since sick raccoons are easily approached, it is important to keep children and pets away from them to avoid being scratched or bitten. Make sure dogs are up to date on their canine distemper vaccinations. Do not leave pet food outside and secure trash cans to keep from attracting raccoons seeking easy meals. Controlled hunt applications due by July 31 Summer may seem like an odd time to plan a hunting trip, but for anyone wanting a chance to hunt on specified Ohio Division of Wildlife areas, ODNR State Parks, or other by-permission-only locations, July 31 is the last day to submit applications. Special opportunities to hunt deer, waterfowl, doves, pheasant and quail, squirrels and other game are annually awarded to successful applicants. By scrolling down to the list of game species, rules for each area of interest can be reviewed before choosing. To be eligible, applicants must first purchase a 2024-2025 hunting license and related wetland habitat stamp or deer permit. To apply for controlled hunts go to: wildohio.gov ($3 each) or call 1-866-703-1928 ($5.50).