Watertown Raccoon Attacks Injure 2

WATERTOWN, MA – Three incidents of raccoons being aggressive toward people were reported in Watertown Thursday, according to health officials. Two of those incidents resulted in injury.

Residents are warned to avoid any raccoon they see in town. The animals are rarely aggressive, but a female will defend her young, health officials said.

Do not feed raccoons and be cautious when approaching any garbage can or areas where food or scraps can be found. The animal is considered a primary carrier of the rabies virus.

Symptoms of rabies in raccoons are:

• Staggering gait, walking in circles, disorientation
• Seemingly oblivious to noise or nearby movement
• Erratic wandering
• Discharge from eyes or mouth
• Aggressive behavior, attacking for no reason

If you see a raccoon showing any of these signs call Watertown Police at (617) 972-6500 and report the animal and location. If you come in contact with a raccoon or other rabies vector species or if you are bitten, please seek medical attention immediately and notify the Watertown Health Department at (617) 972-6446.

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