12/09/2024
🦝 🗑️🦝 🗑️ 🦝
We wanted to inform you that in Greeley, and throughout the State of Colorado, there is an epidemic of racoons that are infected with Distemper. We have received an increase in animals calls for racoons in residential yards during the daytime, which is unusual for them.
Distemper in racoons is a viral disease that affects their stomachs, lungs, and brain. Unfortunately, it is usually fatal for the racoon once symptoms appear and there is no available treatment.
The symptoms of a racoon with distemper include:
- Appearing confused, lethargic, disoriented, be out during the day, and lose their fear of humans including curling up to sleep near people or their homes.
-Stumbling, walking very slowly, or walking quickly as if it’s on hot stones.
-May have a mucous discharge around their eyes and nose.
- Could also have a rough-looking coat in general, appear thin, coughing, tremoring, or chewing randomly.
- They are often not violent, but please do not approach or attempt to capture them.
We are unable to catch or relocate the racoons with our animal control officers as they are responsible for calls related to domesticated animals only. We are also unable to relocate the racoons as that would only aid in spreading the virus out of the immediate area.
Please keep children and animals away from the racoons if they are in your yard. Do not approach the racoons or otherwise try to feed them. Don’t leave food out for the racoon either as you may attract other sick racoons or other wildlife. It is wise to bring trash cans inside or make sure the lids are locked.
There are companies in the area that will capture and remove the racoons. We have included the names and contact info of a couple local ones.
*We have no affiliation with any of these companies and simply googled “Wildlife Removal Services + Greeley, Colorado.” Please feel free to use any company that you would prefer.
✔️ First Choice Wildlife Removal – 970-460-4044 – fcproservices.com
✔️ Colorado Critter Control – 720-706-7212 – coloradocrittercontrol.com
✔️ Northern Colorado Pest & Wildlife – 970-330-3929 – nocopwcontrol.com
✔️ Wildlife and Pest Co. – 866-941-8227 – wildlifeandpest.com
You can also call the Fort Collins Officer for the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife (970-472-4300) if you have additional questions or concerns related to the raccoons. Thank you.
