News release

Take Precautions With Distempered Raccoons

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

With an increase in the raccoon population, officials are reminding Nova Scotians to take precautions with domestic pets.

Department of Natural Resources offices have received a record number of calls, particularly in Halifax Regional Municipality, about raccoons and distemper disease. Although the disease is not harmful to humans, unvaccinated pets can contract the disease.

"When the raccoon population increases, distemper becomes more prominent," said Julie Towers, Natural Resources director of wildlife. "To protect domestic pets against many diseases and prevent illness or fatalities, it is extremely important to ensure they are properly vaccinated."

Distemper is a viral disease that affects the respiratory and central nervous system. Raccoons, or other animals who have contracted the disease, generally are not aggressive. In most cases, the disease will cause the animal to become lethargic and it may suffer seizures.

To discourage nuisance raccoons, people should:

  • refrain from intentionally or unintentionally feeding raccoons;
  • ensure garbage and compost bins are properly secured;
  • do not feed pets outdoors; and
  • keep pets indoors or on a leash.

"No dog should run free in any area where wildlife may be found," said Ms. Towers. "Regulations and bylaws are in place to protect pets and to prevent even normally docile dogs from chasing wildlife or inadvertently disturbing nests, dens or other wildlife habitat."

Owners who allow pets to travel out of sight and who do not have control of their pets are subject to fines under the Wildlife Act. Municipal bylaws often call for similar care.

People are encouraged to call the local Department of Natural Resources office with sightings of raccoons or other wildlife exhibiting unusual behaviour.