One Essex County community is hearing from people reporting raccoons that are showing odd behaviour.
LaSalle police have said they have been getting an increase in the number of calls from residents complaining about raccoons. On the service's Facebook page, a potential reason for the animals' strange behaviour is given.
"Dispatch has received an increase of calls regarding raccoons displaying odd behaviour and out during the day," read the post. "Unfortunately, many have been infected with canine distemper which is often confused with rabies. Officers have responded to numerous calls assisting the Humane Society in removing an affected animal."
Canine distemper is defined as a virus that is always present among raccoons. While levels are typically low, there is often a spike in distemper cases as the weather gets warmer. There are also specific symptoms.
"Raccoons with distemper may move slowly and may stumble as they walk appearing confused and behaving oddly," read the Facebook post. "They lose their fear of humans, appear blind and confused, may wander aimlessly and may become aggressive if cornered. A mucus discharge will often be present around their eyes and nose and may be accompanied by coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, seizures or chewing fits."
Residents are advised to call the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society if they see a raccoon displaying this kind of behaviour. Do not approach the animal yourself or try to feed it. The humane society will pick up raccoons that are confined and not running free. If you are able, place a large box over the raccoon and put a heavy object on top of the box.
The Town of LaSalle will not pick up raccoons unless they are deceased and found on public property.
Police do not typically respond to nuisance animal calls unless the humane society requests police help or if there is a threat to public safety. Do not call 911 for a raccoon unless it is a situation where human life is immediately threatened.