A ‘zombie’ virus is raging among raccoons. What to know – GLOBAL

May 9, 2024

A virus that can turn a raccoon into a “zombie” has been raging for years, with outbreaks reported in many parts of Canada.

Here’s what to do if you encounter a raccoon with canine distemper virus (CDV).

CDV will make a raccoon act strangely, according to Bill Dowd, founder and CEO of wildlife control company Skedaddle Wildlife.

“They will not be afraid of humans,” he told Global News. “They almost will look like a zombie or possessed, they’ll get up on their hind legs. They’ll start baring their teeth, maybe growling.”

Dowd said raccoons with the virus can be out in the daytime and they may topple over, like they are a “drunk raccoon.” The virus is lethal for raccoons and may cause them to approach humans and be aggressive if cornered.

Read more: https://globalnews.ca/news/10483075/zombie-raccoon-virus-cdv/