Individual sustains injuries from encounter with raccoon in a Pocatello neighborhood

On the afternoon of Tuesday, Sept. 22, Idaho Fish and Game responded to a Pocatello residence where an individual had received injuries from an encounter with a raccoon. According to information provided by those on scene, the raccoon was out during the day, wandering in the cul-de-sac, and "acting strangely." The animal appeared lethargic and was not responding to attempts by individuals to haze the animal from the area.

At one point, an 86-year-old neighborhood resident left his home to retrieve his mail and noticed the interactions between neighbors and the raccoon in the cul-de-sac. He initially thought the raccoon might be injured but tells Fish and Game it moved quickly toward him, eventually grabbing, biting, and scratching his legs and forearm during the encounter. A member of the public went to his aid, and while assisting him was also scratched by the raccoon. Both individuals sought medical treatment.

Idaho Fish and Game dispatched the raccoon and submitted the animal to the Southeastern Idaho Public Health office in Pocatello for testing. The raccoon tested negative for rabies with other tests still pending.

In June, Fish and Game received several reports of raccoons "acting sick" or lethargic, even appearing injured or lingering in plain view during daylight hours-which is not typical raccoon behavior. At that time, a raccoon was submitted for testing and came back negative for rabies but positive for canine distemper, a widespread disease primarily affecting canids, raccoons, and skunks. Canine distemper is not transmissible to humans, but is transmissible to dogs.

What should you do if you observe a raccoon on or near your property?
Remember, not all raccoons have distemper or rabies, and people and pets live alongside raccoons with little conflict or issues most of the time. Though raccoons can be fun to observe, it is always a good idea for you and your pets to maintain a safe distance from raccoons or any wildlife for that matter.

If you or your pet is scratched or bitten by a raccoon, it is important that you seek medical advice from your doctor or pet's veterinarian and notify Fish and Game and your nearest public health district office ( https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/public-health-districts ). Fish and Game works in coordination with public health districts to facilitate testing when deemed necessary.

It is also important to keep your pets away from raccoon carcasses to reduce the risk of disease transmission to your pets. To properly dispose of a raccoon carcass, wear gloves and a mask during handling and place the carcass, gloves, and mask in a bag before disposing in a trash receptacle.

If you have concerns or questions about a live raccoon that is exhibiting unusual symptoms or behavior, you can contact Fish and Game. Please note Fish and Game uses a set of criteria to determine the best course of action depending on the situation, and Fish and Game will NOT be dispatching or retrieving all raccoons that are reported.

How do you discourage raccoons from coming onto your deck, porch, or getting into your house?
Remove attractants and block access points to decks, garages or to your home. For those who feed wild birds or pets outside, consider storing food in secure containers or bring these food items indoors at night. Clean spilled birdseed and other food attractants from your deck or porch daily. Secure outdoor garbage receptacles to prevent access to hungry raccoons. Keep pet doors/access to your home or garage closed during the night when raccoons are most active.