What is causing 'zombie raccoons' in Dallas, Texas?

February 20, 2013 By News Staff

Answer: distemper

Since December, more than 250 dead or dying raccoons have been found near White Rock Lake in east Dallas, Texas, The Dallas Morning News reported.

The culprit? Distemper, which is causing the sick animals to wander around listlessly or sit quietly in residential areas. They're so weak and lethargic that they seem to have lost their fear of humans.

“It’s like we’ve got an entire population of zombie raccoons,” said Bonnie Bradshaw, with 911 Wildlife, which has a contract with Dallas Animal Services to pick up the animals.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

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Comments

Jill Valentine | Commented February 20, 2013

They should call Dall, "Raccoon City" now!

Dave in NC | Commented February 20, 2013

This is also apparently affecting a large group of people in Washington, DC.

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