CANFIELD, Ohio - Canfield Police said they've gotten 12 calls this month on sick raccoon sitings in the city. 

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources suspects it's a disease called distemper, which spreads among raccoons rapidly who are congregating around a food source.

"If they're stumbling around, acting fearless, or being overly aggressive, or walking towards you instead of walking away... These are all signs authorities should be contacted," Jamey Emmert of Ohio Department of Natural Resources said. 

Emmert said there are many factors that affect population trends and disease patterns, like the weather or food sources that could cause an outbreak. She reminds people to remove attractants and keep a distance from wildlife.

"Removing any source of attractant like pet food, bird feeders, garbage that's left unattended," she said, "All those sources will lead to animals congregating and possible attracting sick wildlife."

She said dogs and cats can get the disease, and recommends walking outside before pets to make sure there are no animals. 

"Clap your hands look around even if you have a fenced-in backyard," she said. 

She added if you do come across a sick raccoon, slowly step away and call law enforcement.

"Seeing a raccoon out during the day time isn't an immediate cause for alarm," she said, "Just pay attention at a distance, see if it's walking in a straight pattern...It should run away from that possible threat and if it doesn't run away, and advances closer then it's illness."

She said if any human or pet comes in contact with a sick wild animal, you should contact your local health department for testing. Canfield Police said there have been no reports of harm up to this point.