Distemper may sound like a harmless term, but this viral disease can cause serious issues for animals, especially raccoons. Distemper spreads quickly, leading to severe illness or even death in wild populations. For homeowners, the risks extend to your pets and the safety of your family. Knowing how to deal with raccoons and safeguard against the dangers of distemper is vital to keeping your property and loved ones secure.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in St. Paul, we understand the importance of educating the public about these risks and the safety measures you can take. From understanding what to do if a raccoon approaches you to knowing how to properly protect your home, this guide will walk you through what you need to know. Together, we can take practical steps to manage wildlife around your property and minimize the risks.

What Is Distemper?

Distemper is a serious viral disease that impacts animals such as raccoons, dogs, and foxes. It’s especially dangerous because it spreads quickly and shows up in a variety of ways. For example, animals with distemper often appear extremely tired or confused, and you might even catch them wandering aimlessly during the day when they’d normally stay hidden. 

Their eyes and noses might look crusty or have discharge, and their behavior could seem odd, like being unusually friendly or overly aggressive. These are all signs that the animal could be dealing with this illness.

The virus spreads through direct contact with an infected animal or by encountering contaminated areas. This can happen when animals share food sources, come into contact with droppings, or even sniff around areas where an infected creature has been. Since it’s so contagious, an outbreak can quickly affect local populations. Though humans aren’t at risk of catching the disease, it’s important to stay cautious and avoid contact with sick animals.

Keeping an eye out for these signs can help you take quick action. By spotting early warning signals, you’ll better understand how to keep both your pets and your home safe.

Why Distemper in Raccoons Is a Concern?

Distemper poses a big challenge for raccoon populations and the wildlife around us. When an outbreak occurs, raccoons can spread the virus to others in their group, and it doesn’t take long for local populations to be affected. This not only harms the animals themselves but can throw off the balance of ecosystems where they play an important role.

An even greater concern comes when unvaccinated dogs are exposed to infected raccoons or their waste. Dogs are highly susceptible to this virus, and once it’s contracted, the symptoms can be severe. This is why keeping pets’ vaccinations up to date is non-negotiable—it protects them from unexpected exposure.

Although humans can’t catch the virus, raccoons with distemper can behave unpredictably. Some display aggression, while others become oddly friendly or fearless, which can make encounters unsafe. If you notice a raccoon acting strangely near your property, the best step is to reach out to a wildlife removal service that knows how to handle these situations humanely and safely.

Reducing the spread of distemper helps everyone—wildlife, pet owners, and families alike. It’s an issue that affects our community, and proper awareness is key to addressing it.

Safety Measures for Dealing with Raccoons

Even if you aren’t dealing with a sick raccoon, it’s important to know how to handle the presence of these animals. By following a few simple safety measures, you can avoid unnecessary risks while keeping your property secure.

• Avoid Direct Contact: Raccoons can carry diseases beyond distemper. Never approach or handle one, especially if it seems sick. Calmly leave the area and contact wildlife experts for help.
• Secure Food and Garbage: Store garbage in secure bins with locked lids. Avoid leaving pet food or trash outside, as this will attract raccoons to your yard.
• Vaccinate Your Pets: Make sure your pets, especially dogs, are up to date with their shots. This can prevent serious illnesses if they come into contact with infected wildlife.
• Monitor Outdoor Spaces: Check your backyard and around your home for raccoon tracks or droppings. This can help you act quickly if there’s increased animal activity near your property.

These steps can significantly reduce the chances of danger, helping you maintain a safe environment for everyone.

What to Do If a Raccoon Approaches You

If a raccoon gets too close, it’s important to handle the situation calmly. The best thing to do is back away slowly while keeping your movements smooth and deliberate. Sudden actions can scare or provoke the animal, which might cause it to act unpredictably. Maintain your distance and avoid eye contact, as this can make the animal feel threatened.

It’s also critical not to feed raccoons, no matter how harmless they may seem. This reinforces bad habits, making them more comfortable around humans. Similarly, trying to scare them off by shouting or throwing things can make them defensive—or worse, aggressive. Staying quiet and composed is always the safer option.

Whenever an animal like this is too close for comfort, it’s time to bring in experts. Wildlife removal professionals can handle the situation the right way—safely and humanely. They have the experience and tools to assess what’s happening and to guide the animal away from areas where it shouldn’t be.

Taking a steady and careful approach ensures you and the animal stay safe. When in doubt, reaching out to experts is always the smartest plan.

Prevention Tips for Protecting Your Property

Once raccoons discover a reliable food source or place to nest, they’ll likely return. Preventative measures are your best bet for avoiding this altogether. Try these practical tips to keep them away:

• Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home’s exterior for small entryways or gaps, such as vents or roof openings. Seal them promptly to eliminate potential nesting spaces.
• Install Motion-Activated Deterrents: Lights or noise devices that activate when motion is detected can successfully discourage raccoons from exploring your property.
• Store Food Securely: Remove fallen fruit from trees, leftover birdseed, or pet food. Eliminating these attractants will make your yard less appealing.
• Remove Hiding Spots: Trim overgrown vegetation and keep firewood off the ground. By eliminating these hiding places, you reduce the chances of animals taking up residence around your home.
• Regularly Inspect Your Yard: Keeping an eye out for droppings, tracks, or overturned garbage can help you act fast before the problem escalates.

By putting these measures into action, you’ll not only make your property less appealing to raccoons but also ensure the safety of your family and pets.

Why Choose Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control?

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we prioritize humane and safe solutions that protect both you and the animals. Our wildlife removal in St. Paul ensures that raccoons leave your property without harm, and we work hard to keep them from returning.

Managing the risks of animals and distemper starts with you, but we’re here to help when problems get too close to home. If you’re unsure how to deal with raccoons or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Take control of your safety and protect your home today.

By combining knowledge, preparation, and the right experts, we can keep families, pets, and wildlife safer in the long term.