Wildlife Disease Surveillance

Wildlife are an important part of Cleveland Metroparks and seeing them is typically a normal experience for park users. Cleveland Metroparks Natural Resources staff monitor wildlife in Cleveland Metroparks, respond to reports of sick and strange acting animals, and assist state and federal partners with wildlife disease surveillance in Ohio.  

An important aspect of this work is assessing wildlife behavior and responding appropriately. Observing wildlife during the day does not mean they are sick. Even animals that we typically think of as active at night, such as raccoons, opossums, and skunks, are sometimes seen during the daytime. Animals can act differently but may not pose a risk to the public or require human intervention.  It is important to recognize when wildlife might be sick and acting strange.

Wildlife diseases are rare but symptoms and strange behavior include:

        • convulsing
        • walking in circles
        • acting disoriented
        • acting partially paralyzed or lethargic
        • showing signs of unprovoked aggression
        • appearing uncharacteristically tame.  

For human health and safety within our parks, and to prevent the spread of diseases that could negatively impact wildlife populations, Cleveland Metroparks tries to respond, capture and test wild animals that display symptoms of wildlife disease. Wildlife disease testing is coordinated through our partnerships with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, USDA Wildlife Services, and the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

 

What Park Visitors Can Do:

Encountering sick or strange acting wildlife while visiting Cleveland Metroparks is rare.  If you do see an animal acting abnormally, take the following actions:

        • keep your distance and do not approach the animal.  
        • contact the nearest Cleveland Metroparks Nature Center so they can forward the observation to appropriate staff
        • or call the Cleveland Metroparks Police at 440-331-5530.  

Note that bites from wildlife species are very rare and can best be prevented by maintaining a safe distance. If a bite from any animal occurs between you or your pet within Cleveland Metroparks, contact the Cleveland Metroparks Police immediately (440-331-5530).   

Ohio Department of Health guidance states: “When a person or pet is bitten by an animal, regardless of whether it's a pet or wild animal, the bite needs to be reported to the local health jurisdiction where the bite occurred.  Bites from animals can spread rabies or other infections, so prompt reporting allows public health to take preventative measures and make recommendations. Bite wounds should be thoroughly washed with soap and water as soon as possible.  With any animal bite, consult with your healthcare provider.”

 

Stay Safe

While visiting Cleveland Metroparks, please make sure your pets’ vaccinations are up to date and follow these ordinances:

  • Do Not Feed Wildlife.  CODE 505.04 PROHIBITED FEEDING OF WILDLIFE

This can attract wildlife towards people leading to increased disease exposure risk.  Food habituated wildlife may approach people without fear or appear uncharacteristically tame.

  • Keep Pets on Leash.  CODE 505.01 PROHIBITED HOUSEHOLD PETS; CONTROL OF PETS.

Keeping your pet on a leash and under reasonable control is the best way to prevent exposure to disease if a sick animal is encountered.  

  • Stay on Designated Trails.  CODE 741.01 USE OF WALKS AND TRAILS

Staying on designated trails limits encounters with wildlife that usually try to avoid people.

(Violation of any of these park rules and regulations could result in a fine of up to $150 for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense.)

Our park visitors play an important role in preventing conflicts with wildlife and limiting situations where disease exposure could occur. Please remember to do your part, follow park rules, and let wildlife be wild!

 

 Additional Resources for specific wildlife diseases are linked below