The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) has confirmed that a raccoon found in the Pocatello and Chubbuck area tested positive for canine distemper, with additional samples still undergoing laboratory testing. Since mid-June, conservation officers have received an unusually high number of reports of raccoons displaying abnormal behavior throughout southeastern Idaho.
Although canine distemper is a naturally occurring wildlife disease, outbreaks occasionally occur when the virus spreads rapidly through local populations.
What hunters should watch for
Raccoons infected with canine distemper may exhibit a variety of symptoms, including:
- Wandering during daylight hours instead of being active at night.
- Lethargy or unusual tameness around people.
- Sitting motionless in yards, roads, or driveways.
- Blindness or eyes crusted shut.
- Discharge from the eyes and nose.
- Coughing, labored breathing, or apparent weakness.
- Loss of coordination or confusion.
Because many of these signs resemble those seen in rabid animals, officials recommend treating any sick wildlife with caution and avoiding direct contact.
No risk to people—but hunting dogs can be vulnerable
One important distinction is that canine distemper cannot infect humans. However, the virus is highly contagious among many carnivores, including:
- Raccoons
- Skunks
- Foxes
- Coyotes
- Weasels
- Domestic dogs
For Idaho hunters, the greatest concern is exposure of hunting dogs. Puppies and dogs that are not current on their vaccinations can develop severe illness, which often proves fatal.
IDFG encourages hunters to ensure their dogs are fully vaccinated before summer scouting trips and the upcoming fall hunting seasons. Hunters should also prevent dogs from investigating or retrieving sick or dead wildlife whenever possible.
What to do if you encounter a sick raccoon
If you encounter a raccoon showing signs of illness:
- Do not attempt to handle or relocate the animal.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Report the animal to the nearest Idaho Fish and Game office if it appears seriously ill or poses a public safety concern.
- If your dog has had contact with a sick raccoon, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Will this affect Idaho raccoon hunting?
At this time, IDFG does not expect the outbreak to significantly impact Idaho’s raccoon population. Wildlife officials note that canine distemper is present at low levels in wildlife every year, with localized outbreaks occurring periodically, particularly during the spring and fall.
For hunters who pursue raccoons or predators—or who spend considerable time in the field scouting for deer, elk, bear, or upland birds—the outbreak serves as a reminder to remain observant and practice good biosecurity around wildlife and hunting dogs.
Hunterizer helps you stay prepared
Whether you’re preparing for fall big game season or heading out after predators and furbearers, the Hunterizer app helps Idaho hunters stay informed with current hunting seasons, open species, legal hunting methods, unit maps, licensing requirements, after-harvest regulations, and daily updates on hunting news that could affect your time in the field. Staying informed about wildlife health issues like this distemper outbreak helps protect both your hunting companions and Idaho’s wildlife resources.
