Idaho Fish and Game officials are urging southeast Idaho residents to use caution around local wildlife after confirming a canine distemper outbreak among raccoons in the Pocatello and Chubbuck area, while also issuing updated guidance on bat encounters ahead of the summer months.
Distemper Spreading Among Raccoon Population
Over the past three weeks, Fish and Game personnel have responded to a significant number of reports involving sick, lethargic, or injured raccoons throughout the southeast Idaho region. Officials confirmed that canine distemper is responsible for the unusual behavior being observed.
One of the clearest warning signs: infected raccoons have been spotted lingering out in the open during daylight hours, which is highly atypical for the species. Healthy raccoons are largely nocturnal and tend to avoid human activity. A raccoon wandering visibly in daylight, appearing disoriented or sluggish, is a strong indicator of illness.
Residents are firmly advised not to approach or attempt to handle any raccoon showing these signs. Distemper poses no known risk to humans, but sick wildlife can behave unpredictably, and other diseases or parasites may also be present.
Officials are also emphasizing the importance of keeping pets current on their vaccinations. Dogs are particularly susceptible to canine distemper, and an encounter with an infected raccoon — even brief — can put unvaccinated animals at serious risk. Pet owners who allow dogs or cats outdoors should take precautions and report any suspected sick wildlife to the Idaho Fish and Game Southeast Region office at 208-232-4703.
Bat Guidance as Summer Activity Peaks
Alongside the distemper alert, Fish and Game issued updated guidance for residents on handling bat encounters, which tend to increase during summer as people spend more time outdoors and bats become more active at dusk.
Bats are widespread throughout Idaho, particularly near rivers, ponds, reservoirs, forested land, and agricultural areas — all terrain common to Bannock County and the broader southeast Idaho region. Officials were clear that the vast majority of bat encounters are harmless. Bats spotted hanging from trees, exterior walls, or shrubs during the day are typically simply resting and should be left undisturbed.
The concern arises when bats make their way inside homes or structures. If a bat is found indoors and there has been no contact with people or pets, residents are advised to put on heavy gloves, then use a container and a piece of cardboard to carefully capture the animal and release it outside. Direct bare-hand contact should always be avoided.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a bat should contact a healthcare provider or their local public health district without delay. Depending on the circumstances, the bat may need to be captured and submitted for rabies testing. Rabies, while relatively rare, is a serious and potentially fatal disease if left untreated after exposure.
Residents who discover bats have taken up residence in an attic, garage, or outbuilding are encouraged to reach out to the Idaho Fish and Game Southeast Region office rather than attempting to resolve the situation on their own. Staff can provide guidance on legal and humane removal options.
General Wildlife Safety Reminders
Fish and Game officials used the dual advisory as an opportunity to reinforce broader wildlife safety habits for the summer season. Avoiding direct contact with wild animals of any kind remains the primary recommendation — both for the safety of residents and for the animals themselves. Handling wildlife, even with good intentions, can cause additional stress to a sick or injured animal and may expose people to disease.
Keeping pets vaccinated against common wildlife-transmitted diseases is equally important, particularly for households in areas bordering open land, river corridors, or the foothills surrounding Pocatello and Chubbuck.
What Comes Next
Fish and Game personnel are expected to continue monitoring the raccoon distemper situation across the southeast Idaho region. Residents who spot sick or injured raccoons — or who have questions about bat encounters — are encouraged to call the Southeast Region office at 208-232-4703. For additional statewide wildlife news, visit Idaho News.