CITY OF LIVINGSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, ISSUES WARNINGS TO RESIDENTS AND PET OWNERS, BEWARE OF RACCOONS WITH DISTEMPER AND MOUNTAIN LION ACTIVITY.

 RESIDENTS ARE ADVISED TO BEWARE OF RACCOONS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED CONFIRMATION OF POSITIVE CASES OF CANINE DISTEMPER IN THE LIVINGSTON AREA.

Raccoons with distemper may act tame and approach people, or curl up to sleep in open areas in close proximity to people. They generally act disoriented or lethargic, walk in a staggering gait or stand in place as if very confused. They will display increasing abnormal behavior as the disease progresses, including wandering in the daytime, and the eyes may appear to be an iridescent green as they become cloudy from mineral deposits in cell layers of the eye caused by the virus.

Since distemper can be transmitted by transfer of body fluids from an animal to animal, animal control captures and removes these raccoons whenever possible. Dogs can become infected by canine distemper if they are not properly vaccinated. Cats can become infected by feline distemper if they are not properly vaccinated. Please ensure your animals are up to date on both distemper vaccinations.

It is not uncommon to see a spike in the number of cases occurring during the mid-winter and early spring. Do not approach a sick raccoon. Do not feed raccoons. If you see a raccoon exhibiting abnormal behavior during daytime hours contact the Livingston Police Department non-emergency line at (406) 222-2050.

MOUNTAIN LION ACTIVITY HAS BEEN REPORTED NEAR MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY

Mountain Lion Activity has been reported near Mountain View Cemetery.  Authorities are now cautioning adjacent area residents and posting signs about Mountain Lion activity in the area.  While not uncommon for this area, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself and your pets safe:

1. Stay on designated roads or trails
2. Keep pets leashed and children close
3. Avoid walking or running alone in the early morning or evening
4. Make noise while you walk to avoid surprising a mountain lion. 

If you encounter a mountain lion, do not approach the animal. Back away slowly, giving the mammal an opportunity to escape. Do not run, crouch down, bend over or turn your back to the lion. Try to appear larger, wave your arms and speak loudly. Pick up any small children; fight back if attacked. 

The Department is asking residents to report lion sightings to Livingston area warden Drew Scott at 406-581-7613.