Disease that causes ‘glowing green eyes’ spreading among Colorado’s raccoons

There were some really friendly racoons at Red Rocks this summer, and now I am kind of regretting touching them after hearing about this…

According to the Greeley Police Department, there’s an epidemic involving raccoons being infected with “distemper” throughout the state.

Distemper is a viral disease that impacts an animal’s stomach, lungs, and brain. It can result in symptoms that are similar to rabies, though aggression is less typical. Distemper may result in raccoons appearing to be confused, lethargic, or disoriented. It can also increase the likelihood that raccoons are spotted during the day, also potentially losing their fear of humans and seeking shelter near homes.

Other symptoms include mucous discharge around a raccoon’s nose or eyes, as well as a potentially rough coat, weight loss, coughing, tremors, and random chewing. Another particularly odd symptom associated with raccoons and distemper is that it can result in glowing green eyes!

Once distemper symptoms appear in a raccoon, it is typically fatal, with no known treatment.

Coloradans should be sure to keep their distance from raccoons, with extra caution exercised when children or pets are present. Never attempt to feed or capture a raccoon.

While humans can’t get distemper, it is possible for them to pass it to pets if they come in contact with an infected animal. A key way that distemper can pass to pets is when a water bowl is left out and accessed by an infected animal.