Pocatello resident attacked by raccoon in Idaho

An 86-year-old man and a bystander required medical treatment after being attacked by a raccoon in Pocatello, Idaho. According to Idaho Fish and Game, the animal was acting strangely and appeared lethargic during the daytime encounter. The raccoon bit and scratched the resident's legs and forearm before a second individual was also scratched while attempting to assist.

The animal was submitted to the Southeastern Idaho Public Health office for testing. While initial tests for rabies returned negative, other results are still pending. Officials noted that similar reports of lethargic raccoons were received in June; at that time, testing confirmed canine distemper in a specimen. While canine distemper is transmissible to dogs, it is not transmissible to humans.