“Zombie” Raccoons Could Spread Distemper To Your Dogs

CHICAGO (CBS) — If you see raccoons in the forest preserves – or in your neighborhood – acting like zombies, your dog’s health might already be in jeopardy.

WBBM’s Steve Miller explains.

It’s the middle of the day. You notice a raccoon in your back yard. You might notice how sleepy it looks.

“What you are most impressed with is these animals walking extremely slowly, and not seeming to care about their surroundings,” said Dr. Donna Alexander, administrator for Cook County Animal & Rabies Control.

Alexander said such zombie-like appearance in raccoons could mean canine distemper.

“They are not showing any fear of humans. They are walking around during the daytime. Sometimes they lie down, even though they are completely awake,” she said.