Warning about distemper in Astoria's wild racoons

In the past two weeks the Astoria Police Department has responded to numerous complaints about sick and injured raccoons. The department was advised that there has been a serious outbreak of distemper in raccoons, and found it necessary to humanely destroy two of the raccoons that were encountered. In one case the officer stated that the raccoon was acting wildly abnormal and that its fur appeared matted and spiked. Citizens are reminded that raccoons are wild animals that sometimes carry diseases that could be harmful to people and to pets. The forested areas in Astoria provide habitat for raccoons and other wild animals, and citizens encountering raccoons or other wild animals should leave them alone and call the police if the animals appear injured, sick or diseased.

Distemper is a disease that can be transferred to pets through outside food and water dishes. Many wild animals, raccoons in particular, frequent areas where pet food is left outside. Citizens are encouraged to avoid feeding and watering their pets outside. Although some wild animals appear cute and cuddly, remember that they are wild and are not pets. For your safety keep pets and children away from wild animals, don’t feed them and never approach or try to pet them.