UPDATE: Possibly Rabid Raccoon Euthanized After Sightings in Columbia

UPDATE: The Howard County Police Department reports that a possibly rabid raccoon was found in Columbia and euthanized Sunday.

Previous report

Howard County Police is warning residents of a potentially rabid raccoon in the Allview neighborhood.

Residents in the area, and areas nearby, are encouraged to call 911 if a raccoon is seen staggering, oblivious to nearby noise, or otherwise erratic. These animals should not be approached.

In the last 24 hours, police have received multiple complaints regarding a possibly rabid raccoon in the area of the Patuxent Branch Trail, in the 10200 block of Wayover Way and the 6700 block of Flapjack Lane.

Also, police are asking residents to notify friends or neighbors who live in the area.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. It is preventable in animals through vaccinations, but is fatal to both animals and humans if left untreated.