Patchy Fur... "Whoa! An Infected Raccoon Is Roaming Around" Sighted Across Songdo, Incheon

Requests to rescue or capture raccoons up 82% year over year

Raccoons infected with sarcoptic mange and suffering extensive hair loss have been found in various parts of Songdo International City in Incheon.

A raccoon infected with sarcoptic mange found in Songdo. Provided by Yonhap News and a reader.

According to the Incheon Wildlife Rescue and Management Center and Yeonsu-gu District on November 15, reports requesting the rescue of raccoons infected with sarcoptic mange (scabies mites) and related complaints have recently been pouring in from Songdo. From January through November 12 this year, Yeonsu-gu, which oversees Songdo, received 89 requests to rescue or capture raccoons, including 38 related to sarcoptic mange. That is 82% more than the 49 requests received over the whole of last year.

This year, the wildlife center has rescued 78 raccoons across Incheon following related reports. That is also 66% (47 animals) more than the number rescued over the whole of last year. The center found that most of the raccoons it rescued were infected with sarcoptic mange, which had worsened their health.

Posts have recently appeared on online community forums in Songdo from people who have seen hairless raccoons in various places, including golf courses, waterfront parks and schools. In particular, on October 30, a hairless raccoon entered a high school in the Songdo area. As a result, teachers advised students to refrain from outdoor activities.

A raccoon spotted at a golf course in Songdo. Courtesy of Yonhap News and a reader.

Experts suspect that sarcoptic mange has spread among the raccoons living in Songdo. Sarcoptic mange is caused by a parasite that burrows into the skin and lays eggs there. It is a zoonotic disease that can also infect people and pets. However, when people are infected, they often develop mild symptoms, including itching, which typically go away after a few days. In raccoons, the infection can cause hair loss and skin disease. If the infection becomes severe, they may lose hair extensively, including the fur they need to maintain their body temperature. This can make them vulnerable to the cold, weaken their physical condition and nutritional status, and affect their chances of survival.

Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact with an infected animal. Caution is also needed because indirect transmission through contaminated bedding or other objects is possible.

Residents should avoid approaching or touching raccoons they find with hair loss or scabs on their skin. They should also avoid feeding or trying to capture them. Feeding wild animals can draw multiple animals to one place, increasing the risk of disease transmission.

Households with pets should take care to prevent them from coming into contact with wild raccoons during walks. If pets develop unusual symptoms, they should be taken to a veterinary clinic for examination.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.