‘Zombie dogs’ with a contagious disease are tricking unsuspecting locals into taking them inside

THEY look like neglected stray dogs that people can’t help but take into their homes for some TLC. But authorities warn these ‘zombie dogs’ aren’t what they seem.

DON’T be fooled by their down-and-out looks - these aren’t neglected stray canines eager for a bath and a feed.

Authorities have labelled them ‘zombie dogs’ and warned locals in one Chicago suburb to avoid them at all costs.

Rather than homeless pets, the Hanover Park Police Department in the US city said they’re actually wild coyotes infected with a contagious disease.

The coyotes, usually nocturnal animals, are infected with sarcoptic mange that causes them to be active in the day.

Contact with other animals can spread the sickness, authorities warned. A number of locals had made reports about the ‘strays’, prompting police to speak out.

“Infected animals will often appear ‘mangy’ -- which looks just like it sounds. They suffer hair loss and develop secondary infections, eventually looking like some sort of ‘zombie’ dog,” they said.

Coyotes are common throughout Illinois and are typically nocturnal.

Police said the infected coyotes aren’t “typically aggressive,” but warned residents in the area to avoid them and keep them away from their pets, who can catch the contagious disease.

“Please DO NOT approach these animals or allow your pets to approach them.”

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An image released shows one of the so-called ‘zombie dogs’ that have been spotted in a Chicago neighbourhood.

“You can avoid attracting them to your yards and neighbourhoods by not leaving food out and by securing your garbage,” the department said.

It’s common to spot coyotes in Illinois, especially in the southern, southeastern and west-central parts, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

Originally published as ‘Zombie dogs’ with a contagious disease are tricking unsuspecting locals into taking them inside