Illinois is under siege right now by zombie raccoons. You read right. These rabid critters are stalking the day and night, and they’re coming for your dogs.

If you’re a fan of walking your pup or leaving her in the yard unattended, you’ll definitely want to be aware of this crazy phenomenon. Scroll on for more details.

To be fair, this new threat hitting Illinois right now is less of an apocalypse and more of an alert. Though you do not have to evacuate your homes, you (and more importantly your pet) may be at risk of an attack.
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Raccoons infected with the distemper virus have been reported in the northwest region of the state. It causes the critters to bare their teeth and walk on their hind legs, hence "zombie raccoons." While it is not affecting the entire state, it may only be a matter of time before this outbreak spreads to a town near you.
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While the best way to protect your canine is to have them vaccinated, it is suggested that if you live in an area where zombie raccoons are prevalent, you should take extra precautions. The first is to keep your dogs on a leash when out and about so they don't chase a raccoon that might be infected.
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For dogs kept fenced in backyards, they should be supervised in case a zombie raccoon sneaks in over or under the barrier. You don't want your pal trapped with no defense.
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Distemper is a respiratory virus that typically only effects dogs. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, drowsiness, and a loss of appetite. More serious symptoms include seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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If your dog shows any of these signs, take them to the vet immediately.
Reports of these zombie raccoons come up a few times each year. Unfortunately, the critters have to be put down, but if you spot one, turning it in is the best thing you can do for it and the community.
Wikimedia Commons/Darkone

For more apocalyptic fun, check out these eight best places in Illinois to hide in the actual event of a zombie take-over.

Have you ever seen these zombie raccoons? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your stories and photos, if you have them, below in the comments.

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