The numbers of reports of the sick raccoons continue to grow this week. The Flagler Humane Society responded to more calls about the raccoons over the holiday weekend and into Monday night.

  • Sick raccoons reported in Flagler Beach area of Flagler County
  • 16 cases in December
  • Keep pets away from raccoons and make sure they are vaccinated

The cases occurred in different areas of Palm Coast, but most of the recent rash of ill animals occurred in a small, four-block area on the western part of the barrier island near the Intracoastal Waterway in Flagler Beach.

The pattern of sick raccoons comes in waves every couple of years and lasts about a month or two. Animal control officials said it might be caused by canine distemper, which is a painful and fatal animal disease. There is no cure.

Amy Wade-Carotenuto, executive director of the Flagler Humane Society, said funding isn't available to do testing.

"They've got crusty, runny noses, runny eyes, they are very lethargic, we've seen some seizures. By the time we see them the most humane thing we can do is euthanize them ,"said Carotenuto.

The raccoons are then stored in the freezers at the Humane society until their bodies are cremated.

Wade-Carontenuto said before December they only had four cases but this month the number of sick raccoons have quadrupled to 16 cases.

Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness that affects dogs and certain wildlife, including raccoons, wolves, foxes and skunks. The disease is spread by bodily fluids. Raccoons with distemper may approach people or curl up to sleep in open areas near people. They act disoriented or lethargic, but they can become aggressive if cornered. They can also have seizures depending on the stage of the disease.

"It's very concerning, obviously we keep our animals up to date on their vaccinations because it is very important for their health and our health," said pet owner Victoria Grimm.

The Sheriff's Office said people shouldn't be frightened of raccoons, but they should simply stay clear.

"If they're friendly, they are either sick or someone has tamed them," Wade-Carotenuto said.

Dogs or cats that haven't been vaccinated against distemper and come into contact with raccoons with distemper can catch the disease. Humans can't get canine distemper. Deputies said it's best to stay away from raccoons and never feed wild animals.

If you see a raccoon that appears to be friendly, sick or is injured, contact the following agencies:

  • In unincorporated Flagler County, Bunnell or Flagler Beach, call Flagler Animal Services at 386-246-8612.
  • In Palm Coast, call Palm Coast Animal Control at 386-986-2520.
  • Or call the Flagler County Sheriff's Office at 386-313-4911.

The humane society said so far no pets or humans have been exposed.