Raccoon distemper is a serious viral disease that affects raccoons and other wildlife and can cause risk to pets and other local wildlife. This illness spreads quickly which is why it is important to know the raccoon distemper signs in Northern Colorado. Once you know the signs, you can better know when to call us at Northern Colorado Pest and Wildlife Control so we can help. We are the best in the business and have been leading the industry since 2004, providing both pest and wildlife management services. We are here to help you with inspections, treatments, and prevention of pest invaders in your home or business.
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At Northern Colorado Pest and Wildlife Control, we take pride in providing our customers with results-based pest control. Our philosophy is to not just provide the service but educate the customer so that you can help yourself prevent future infestations. We practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is a broad-based approach to pest control where pesticides are used as one of many tools, not the only exclusive tool. The approach focuses a lot on exclusion, habitat modification, and education to eliminate the pest problem. We do everything possible not to harm wildlife and actively relocate according to state and federal laws.
Now that you know more about who we are, let us take a look at the issue with distemper in raccoons and how to handle it if you see the raccoon distemper signs Northern Colorado raccoons can present.
What is Distemper?
Distemper is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects wild animals like raccoons, skunks, and foxes. It attacks the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, leading to severe symptoms that worsen over time. Unlike rabies, distemper is not a threat to humans, but it can be deadly for raccoons and poses a serious risk to unvaccinated pets, especially dogs. Since there is no cure, infected animals often suffer from neurological damage, disorientation, and eventual death. Recognizing the signs early can help prevent the spread and protect both wildlife and domestic animals in Northern Colorado.
Homeowners in Northern Colorado should know how to identify the signs of distemper to keep their property, pets, and families safe. Here are seven raccoon distemper signs in Northern Colorado that everyone should watch for.
7 Raccoon distemper signs in Northern Colorado
- Wandering in the daytime
Raccoons are nocturnal animals, meaning they are usually active at night. If a raccoon is out and about during the day, it could be a sign that something is wrong. While not every daytime raccoon has distemper, unusual behavior like this should raise concerns.
- Stumbling or lack of coordination
One of the most common raccoon distemper signs in Northern Colorado is a lack of coordination. Infected raccoons may appear disoriented, stumble while walking, or move in circles. This happens because the virus affects their nervous system, making it difficult for them to move properly.
- Discharge from eyes or nose
Raccoons with distemper often have runny noses and goopy eyes. Their faces may look swollen, and their fur around these areas might be matted. If you see a raccoon with excessive discharge, it could be a sign of disease.
- Lack of fear of humans
Raccoons are naturally cautious animals and tend to avoid people. If a raccoon does not seem afraid of humans or approaches homes and pets without hesitation, it may be infected. This is a key reason why people should never attempt to handle a wild raccoon.
- Tremors or seizures
Distemper attacks the nervous system, which can lead to shaking or full-body seizures. A raccoon with distemper may twitch uncontrollably or collapse while trying to walk. This is a sign that the disease is in its advanced stages.
- Extreme lethargy or unresponsiveness
Another one of the clear raccoon distemper signs in Northern Colorado is extreme tiredness or sluggishness. Infected raccoons may sit or lie down for long periods without moving. If approached, they may not react quickly or at all.
- Thin or malnourished appearance
Because raccoons with distemper lose their ability to function normally, they often struggle to find food. Over time, they become weak, thin, and dehydrated. If you see a raccoon that looks unusually skinny or frail, it may be suffering from distemper.
What is the difference between distemper and rabies?
While both are serious viral diseases that affect raccoons, they are very different in how they spread and impact the animal. Rabies is a fatal virus that affects the brain and causes extreme aggression, foaming at the mouth, and unpredictable behavior. It spreads through saliva, usually from a bite, and can be transmitted to humans and pets. Because rabies is zoonotic, meaning it can infect multiple species, it is a serious public health concern.
Distemper, on the other hand, only affects certain animals and is not a risk to humans. It spreads through the air or through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Unlike rabies, distemper does not cause aggression, but it leads to lethargy, confusion, tremors, and seizures. A raccoon with distemper may appear sickly and uncoordinated rather than aggressive. Distemper is more common in raccoons in Northern Colorado and is a frequent reason for wildlife behaving strangely in residential areas.
What to do if you see a distempered raccoon
If you notice any of these raccoon distemper signs in Northern Colorado, do not approach the animal. Distemper is not a threat to humans, but infected raccoons can still be aggressive. They also pose a danger to dogs and other pets. At Northern Colorado Pests & Wildlife Control, we understand the risks that diseased wildlife pose to both homes and pets.
Important: Do not try to handle the situation yourself, as sick raccoons can still bite or scratch if they feel threatened. Let our team take care of it safely and effectively.
At Northern Colorado Pests and Wildlife Control, we specialize in the safe and humane removal of wildlife, including raccoons that may be sick or infected. If you suspect a raccoon on your property has distemper, call us immediately. We will handle the situation professionally, ensuring your home and family remain safe.
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“These guys are great. They came to consult and give a free estimate for a rabbit problem. Very courteous and respectful communication before arriving. Their representative was quick to get to the root of the problem, no fear about crawling into whatever dark small space was needed. He took pictures, clearly explaining the issue and possible solutions. I highly recommend this business!”
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Northern Colorado Pest and Wildlife Control provides fast and courteous responses to our customers’ needs. We specialize in a wide range of pest control and wildlife control services. We serve Denver, north to Wyoming including Fort Collins, Eaton, Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Loveland, LaSalle, Johnstown, Milliken, Berthoud, Longmont, Boulder, Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, Thornton, Lakewood, Golden, Westminster, Denver, Aurora, and surrounding cities.
