DEC Investigates Sick Raccoons In Pleasantville

PLEASANTVILLE, NY — After several residents called Pleasantville police about seeing raccoons that appeared sick, police called the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

"At this time, DEC officials have stated the evidence points to an outbreak of distemper, which is not transmittable to humans, and one of the animals involved has been secured for testing," police said in their most recent blotter summary. "However, contact with wild animals should still be avoided and care should still be taken around any animal, especially one that is showing signs of illness or impaired mobility and / or motor control."

The incidents:

Aug. 29: A resident of King Street reported a sick raccoon outside. The responding officer located the raccoon and advised that it displayed symptoms of being rabid or having a serious illness. Since there were no reports of the raccoon making any contact with humans or animals in the area, the officer destroyed the animal, and Pleasantville DPW responded to dispose of it.

Aug. 30: A resident of Washington Avenue reported a raccoon in her yard that showed signs of being rabid. The responding officers advised that the raccoon appeared to be sick and destroyed the animal. Public Works employees responded for pick up.

Aug. 30: A call was received at 1:57 p.m. from the Pleasantville Country Club reporting a sick raccoon on the golf course. Responding officers located the raccoon and observed signs of rabies or serious illness. The raccoon was destroyed without further incident, and staff members removed the animal from the grounds.

Aug. 30, 6:48 p.m.: Another sick raccoon was reported on the golf course of the Pleasantville Country Club. The responding officers located the raccoon, and it too was displaying signs of rabies or serious illness. The raccoon was destroyed without further incident, and club staff members removed the animal from the grounds.

Sept. 1: A resident of Wilton Road reported a possible rabid raccoon in his yard. The responding officers located the raccoon and observed signs of rabies or serious illness. The officers destroyed the animal, and Public Works employees disposed of it.

Sept. 1: A resident of Nannahagen Road reported a sick raccoon on the golf course at Pleasantville Country Club. The responding officers located the raccoon and observed signs of rabies or serious illness. The raccoon was destroyed and disposed of by the officers.

Sept. 3: A resident of Martling Avenue reported a sick raccoon in his backyard. Officers responded to the scene and verified the animal was exhibiting signs of illness, so it was safely and humanely destroyed.