More Mange In Southern Colorado

Mange is caused by mites that burrow into the skin of animals, said Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It says the infestation can cause patchy skin, hair loss, erratic behavior and extreme itchiness in animals.

?It goes in cycles and it is particularly bad this year,? said Michael Seraphin of Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

He said animals that have been affected could face death over the winter because the animal will not have enough fur to maintain its body temperature.

Scott Coddington, a volunteer animal transporter, said the condition is very contagious and can be transmitted to dogs, cats and humans.

?It?s easily treatable. They will have to go to a wildlife rehab and they will treat them with the right medicine to be released back into the wild,? said Coddington.

Seraphin told KRDO Newschannel 13 that it is better to leave the animal alone.

?When you call our office, the most common response you?re going to get is that it?s a part of nature and there?s really nothing people can do to help,? said Seraphin.

?The only thing you can do is let nature take its course. It is impractical to think that we would be able to catch and treat every one of these wild animals that has mange,? Seraphin added.

Seraphin said the mites can drop off of infested animals, at which point household pets can pick them up.

?Watch for early signs, and if you do see sign of it on your pets then get them to a vet right away. It can be treated,? said Searphin.

Both Seraphin and Coddington people to leave affected wild animals alone, saying do not attempt to care for the animal.

Seraphin said in the event an infected animal become trapped or is endangering other animals or people, call Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 227-5200.