raccoons that may have rabies

[Tom7227]

Saw and shot a raccoon that was out in the open on Saturday. It didn't move much before I shot. Got me wondering if there was something wrong with it. Is there a problem selling it in the round? If the carcass freezes will that kill off the rabies?

[swamptiger]

More likely had been holed up in it's den for a long time if it wasn't moving around too much. Sometimes they will get out of their den and move around a bit on warmer days. I guess they technically don't go into hibernation, but their metabolism slows considerably in cold weather.

If you're going to try to sell it in the round, better do it fast, because the pelt won't last long with the guts in it.

[kkahmann]

Tom--there are 2 forms of rabies as I'm sure you are aware of--dumb and furious. Raccoons are subject to both forms so any animal acting 'not right' could be suffering from it. I know a number of trappers in the high Arctic have contracted rabies from rabid foxes. The virus stays viable for a long time even after having been frozen.

A sick 'coon' in your area is most probably suffering from canine distemper--not a problem for you personally but could be transmitted to any dogs you come in contact with. In the Ontario Trapping Courses we are advising all trappers to handle all fur-bearers with latex gloves and place them in plastic bags into which you sprayed some Raid bug killer.

Be careful

[swamptiger]

Quote:

In the Ontario Trapping Courses we are advising all trappers to handle all fur-bearers with latex gloves and place them in plastic bags into which you sprayed some Raid bug killer.

Yes, all fur-bearers should be handled with care. And don't forget to consult the trapping regulations before attempting to sell it to make sure you have the appropriate permits, etc.

[Tom7227]

Thanks for the info. Gave it to a friend who does a lot of trapping. I was curious though to know if it was a risk to someone down the line. Last year hunting we tangled with racoons 3 times in the rushes. Not a good experience.

[swamptiger]

Most experienced fur handlers use rubber gloves when skinning and preparing the hide to minimize the risk of contacting diseases.