A recent warning in southwest suburban Stickney about raccoons has caused fear for some who live in the village.
Stickney residents Gayle and Stephanie Sikorra spotted the warning posted by police on its Facebook page about raccoons acting strangely.
"The Stickney Township Animal control has issued a warning to be on the lookout for raccoons that may be acting strange," the post reads. "They may have distemper. Warning signs will be they are not moving and just staring, growling showing their teeth, crawling in circles. If you see one of these animals do not approach them. Do not let your dogs and children near them. Do not try to feed them."
Police also said to make sure your dogs are vaccinated with the distemper virus shot.
“I read it and it scared me to death,” Gayle Sikorra said. “We have a little dog, the first they would go after is the dog and then us.”
Between Jan. 23 and March 15, Stickney Township Animal Control responded to four sick raccoons who were walking around in circles and falling over.
A skunk exhibited the same behavior Monday and there is a fear that these animals suffer from the viral disease canine distemper.
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“What’s the chance of and the chance of them coming after me," Gayle asked. "They can out run you."
Wildlife expert Rebecca Fyffe said humans should also be fine around these so called "zombie" raccoons. She says they do not act aggressive.
“An animal with distemper has a puffy or crusty discharge from the nose or eyes," she said. "Kind of wandering aimlessly.”
Even though Fyffe does not feel these raccoons are dangerous, Stickney residents say they will be cautious if they see one.
“Keep an eye out if for them because they are around," Gayle Sikorra said.
Police say if you find one of the animals you should call Stickney Township Animal Control immediately at 708-424-9200.
Authorities investigated reports of the "zombie-like" raccoons in northeast Ohio, Cook County last year.
