Nags Head Urges Residents to Keep Children and Pets Safe from Distemper-Infected Raccoons

Nags Head Issues Warning: Keep Kids and Pets Away from Raccoons!

If you’re in the lovely town of Nags Head, North Carolina, it’s time to pay attention! Local authorities are sending out an important reminder regarding raccoons as a highly contagious virus, canine distemper, is making its rounds among these furry critters. The message is clear: keep your kids and pets at a safe distance!

A Growing Concern

In a recent Facebook post by the Nags Head police, they highlighted an alarming increase in calls about sick raccoons in the area. This surge has raised some eyebrows and prompted action. Police officials remarked, “In the last few weeks, we have had a higher call volume for sick raccoons in the area.” In collaboration with a biologist from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, they have confirmed positive cases of distemper in Dare County.

While it’s comforting to know that humans aren’t at risk for contracting canine distemper, they can still be put in danger if interacting with infected animals that display aggressive behavior. With the disease often being fatal to dogs, it’s crucial to stay informed and take precautionary steps to protect your beloved pets.

Understanding Canine Distemper

So what exactly is canine distemper? According to the experts at the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, it is a virus that wreaks havoc on the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems of dogs. The transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids, which means it can spread quite easily among canines. Symptoms to watch for include dogs walking in circles, twitching, drooling excessively, and exhibiting seizure-like behaviors. Unfortunately, it can be fatal, and even dogs that do survive may be left with permanent nervous system damage.

“Keep children and pets away from sick raccoons,” the police advised, pointing out that although sick animals may seem calm, they could easily turn aggressive if approached. It’s definitely better to be safe than sorry!

A Distemper Cycle

Interestingly, Nags Head isn’t facing this outbreak for the first time. Officials pointed out that these distemper outbreaks seem to run in cycles of about five to seven years. Typically, this happens when raccoon populations are large or highly concentrated. So, while it’s a worrying situation now, history has shown us this comes around periodically.

Smart Practices for Pet Owners

For pet owners in the area, it’s essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your furry friends. Authorities recommend feeding your dogs indoors to avoid attracting raccoons and ensuring that garbage cans have secure lids. It may also be wise to remove any enticing items from your yard that could lure these curious animals.

Aside from keeping an eye on your pets, locals should also be aware of raccoons passing through their yards. If you happen to find a deceased raccoon, it’s advised to bury it deep enough so your pets won’t dig it up. Taking it slow and being cautious could prevent any mishaps or unfortunate encounters!

A Community Reminder

Nags Head, with its population of around 3,153 residents, is more than just a beautiful coastal town. It’s known for attractions like Jockey’s Ridge State Park, home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast! While exploring these natural wonders, always stay alert and remind your family and friends about the current situation regarding the raccoon distemper outbreak.

As the holiday season approaches, let’s remember to enjoy the beauty of Nags Head but also keep our families, including our furry members, safe and healthy. With just a little caution and awareness, we can all have a fun and secure time in this delightful corner of North Carolina.