In the span of five days last week, Barrington Police euthanized three sick raccoons. 

Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia recognized the apparent uptick in the number of calls for sick raccoons. He said it appears the animals had distemper. 

According to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, canine distemper is a virus that is prevalent in canids and other wildlife such as foxes, raccoons, skunks and coyotes. It is highly contagious and the symptoms often resemble those of rabies. It is not transmittable to humans. 

“Although rare in Rhode Island, domestic dogs are highly susceptible to canine distemper and should be vaccinated. There is no cure for an animal once it is infected. Keep pets away from wildlife and do not feed pets outside,” stated an informational sheet from RIDEM. 

The sick raccoon calls started on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at about 5:50 p.m. Barrington Police responded to the intersection of Legion Way and Middle Highway and located the animal and determined that it did appear to be sick. Police euthanized the raccoon. 

About two hours later, police officers responded to a Rumstick Road residence for another report of a sick raccoon. Police euthanized that raccoon also.

And on Monday, Oct. 21, police responded to a wooded area near Sowams School at about 7:50 a.m. for a report of a raccoon acting strangely. Police determined the animal was sick and euthanized it.