Officials in North Dakota's largest city say
they're on alert for raccoons wandering into residential
neighborhoods.
Fargo Police Sgt. Ryan Dorrheim says there have been about eight
calls in the last two weeks from residents who have spotted
raccoons within the city limits.
Dorrheim says two of the critters were euthanized because they
were acting disoriented or appeared to be sick.
Officials say the increase in roving raccoons could be due to
lack of food, low water levels, or just plain curiosity.
North Dakota Game and Fish spokesman Doug Leier says that even though the raccoons ``may look
cute and funny,'' they can be harmful.
Leier says raccoons are known to have rabies and can carry
mites, fleas and ticks that could be transferred to humans.