Rabid Raccoons Found In Anne Arundel County: Department Of Health

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Two rabid raccoons were found in Anne Arundel County, the Department of Health said. One raccoon was recovered Tuesday in Annapolis' Quiet Waters Park. The other was spotted Wednesday in the Shannon Forest Community of Glen Burnie.

The Annapolis raccoon was first reported acting strangely near the gatehouse. It then trekked north through the woods toward the Pavilion trail where it was captured around 5:30 p.m.

The Glen Burnie raccoon was located near the intersection of Shannon Forest Court and E. Howard Road. It's not clear what time the Glen Burnie raccoon was brought in. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health did not mention who caught the two animals.

If you or your pet came in contact with a raccoon or has unexplained injuries, officials ask you to call the Department of Health at (410) 222-7256 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or (443) 481-3140 after business hours. Exposed people and animals may be at risk for rabies, the agency warns.

Rabies is spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. It can also be transmitted when an the animal's saliva touches the eyes, nose, mouth or open cut of a person or another animal.

Health officials say anybody who handled, fed or was attacked by the raccoons may need an injection as soon as possible. Rabies is a fatal disease, but early treatment can lessen the risk of death.

"The Department of Health advises county residents not to feed wild or stray animals or leave food dishes outside," health officials said in a press release. "Pet owners should also keep their animals’ rabies vaccinations current."

More information about rabies is available here.

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