A raccoon, destroyed by an officer Friday afternoon, March 4, tested positive for rabies. The animal was observed behaving erratically in the unit block of Darwin Avenue, Takoma Park, in an area where students were playing and walking home from school.
Due to physical signs and the disoriented behavior, a Takoma Park officer shot and killed the raccoon. It was picked up by Montgomery County Animal Control and tested positive for rabies.
The animal was not known to have had contact with other animal or humans. The raccoon was in the area of the parking lot at the end of Darwin Avenue. Anyone who suspects they may have had contact, should contact the Montgomery County Health Department. If a domestic animal may have had contact, the owner should refer to Montgomery County Animal Control.
Last fall, six raccoons tested positive for rabies in a six-week period between mid-September and November 1. This is the first incident this year in which a raccoon had to be destroyed by officers. Not all animals, even when seen during the day, are rabies positive. For information regarding rabies, raccoons and how to discourage the animals proximity to a home, see the December City Newsletter, also available at http://207.176.67.2/news/newsletter/2004/dec04.pdf
Posted by Police at March 9, 2005 05:50 PM