Rabid Raccoon Attacks Mom, Daughter at Weston Bus Stop

WESTON, CT — An attack by a rabid raccoon at a school bus stop sent a mother and her small daughter to the hospital last week, the News-Times reported.

The attack occurred Dec. 5 at a bus stop near Georgetown and Samuelson roads, according to Animal Control Officer Mark Harper. Her mother was bitten on her hands and arm when she came to her daughter's aid. Both were taken to Norwalk Hospital, according to Weston Today News.

The animal had fled when Harper arrived on the scene, but he was able to track it, following a tip from a neighbor. The raccoon attacked Harper, who was spared injury by his boots. He then killed the animal, whose carcass later tested positive for rabies at the State Public Health Laboratory in Rocky Hill.

Since "raccoon rabies" reached Connecticut in March 1991, thousands of raccoons have become infected, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Other species, including dogs, cats, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, and livestock, have also been infected.

"The following symptoms may indicate the presence of rabies, distemper or other diseases in raccoons or other mammals: unprovoked aggression, impaired movement, paralysis or lack of coordination, unusually friendly behavior, and disorientation," DEEP posted on its website. "Just because a nocturnal animal, like the raccoon, is active during daylight hours doesn’t necessarily mean that it is sick."

The agency advises residents to report sick or strange-acting animals to them, or your local police, animal control officer. In Weston, that's Harper at 203-222-2642.