Dear A&S Heads,

 

If you or any members of your departments hear about sick raccoons on campus, please tell people not to touch the raccoons but instead to call Facilities Services at 974-8161. 

 

See below for more info.

 

Thank you,

Chris 

 

 

FYI, there have been several instances of sick raccoons around the UTIA campus in the last 5 days.  Healthy raccoons shouldn’t be out in the daytime.  If you see a raccoon in the daytime, report it to UT Facililiteis Services at 974-8161. 

 

 

Susan,

 

Please see the message below from Chris Graves in my department.  How would you suggest we get the word out?

 

Keith

 

 

 

Dr. Belli,

 

I spoke to a colleague that dealt with a sick raccoon at the new Sorority houses near UT’s Ag Campus on Friday.  Today, there was another sick raccoon reported and captured on the Ag Campus.  Is there a way we can get the word out to faculty, staff, and students about this?  I am afraid that some people might make a bad decision to try and “help” a sick raccoon if they see one. 

 

These are wild raccoons that are sick with (probably) distemper, or less likely, rabies.  People should NOT attempt to touch or capture a wild raccoon, and they should report the sick animal immediately.  This way the animal can be safely removed and tested as appropriate.  Raccoons with distemper sometimes behave as if they are drunk, are often seen during daylight hours, and may not act fearful of humans.  Every person encountering a wild animal acting abnormal should use extreme caution and report the animal immediately.

 

Thank You,

 

 

Chris Graves

Lecturer and Certified Wildlife Biologist ®

Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries
274 Ellington Plant Sciences Bldg
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-4563
 
phone:  865-974-1568
fax:  865-974-4714
email:  [log in to unmask]