Oak Ridge is warning about potentially sick wildlife because the city has seen increasing number of reports from residents.
The Oak Ridge Animal Shelter is asking citizens to call the Oak Ridge Police Department about sick wildlife after it saw an increase in reports of animals in distress.
Many of the reports involve raccoons and foxes, but other wildlife could be affected. Shelter staff believe these animals could be infected with a strain of the distemper virus.
Oak Ridge said people should not attempt to capture or transport wildlife to the shelter for treatment as a precaution to avoid spreading the disease and hurting other animals or humans.
People that see an wild animal in distress or suffering from an illness should call ORPD's non-emergency line at (865) 425-4399 to have an officer respond.
Any residents with questions should call the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter at (865) 425-3423 during its normal hours Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
