The Hays Police Department is reporting an increase in sick raccoons in town. The raccoons are exhibiting symptoms commonly associated with distemper.

Distemper is a neurological disease like rabies and may show some of the same signs. While distemper cannot be contracted by humans it is contagious to other animals. Distemper in raccoons starts with respiratory symptoms of the eyes and nose and will have a lot of discharge. This will be seen as crusty eyes and the raccoon may be having trouble breathing. Distemper will progress to neurological symptoms; the raccoon may be seen walking aimlessly or in circles. The animal will show little concern about its surroundings and at this stage may become aggressive without provocation.

If you see a Raccoon, do not approach it.  Family pets should be kept away from a raccoon. Also make sure that your pets are current on all vaccinations.

Contact the Hays Police Department when a raccoon is acting sick or showing aggression.