Rabid Groundhog Attacks Person In Atlantic County, Officials Say

MULLICA, NJ — A groundhog with rabies was found in Mullica Township, the Atlantic County Division of Public Health said.

The animal was taken from the 1300 block of Weekstown Road on July 27 after it attacked a homeowner.

It was sent to a state lab where a confirmed case of rabies was uncovered on Friday. Two outdoor cats were also exposed, according to health officials.

The person is undergoing post-rabies exposure procedures, and the two cats were put under a four-month informal observation confinement.

Rabies can be deadly and is spread through direct contact with saliva through broken skin or mucous membranes.

Most people who are diagnosed come after a bite from an infected animal, according to the Division of Public Health.

If you are bitten, wash the area immediately with soap and water and reach out for medical attention.

All bite information should be relayed to the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971.

Rabies vaccinations are recommended for domestic animals and are provided for free for dogs and cats by the Atlantic County Animal Shelter with an appointment.

Do not feed, touch, or domesticate wild, stray, or aggressive animals.

Trash cans should have lids on them to prevent wild animals from approaching. Homeowners should also be cautious of birdseed, as it may also attract rabid animals.

Unusual behavior from animals, such as skunks or raccoons being found during the daylight, should be reported to local Animal Control.

This is the second confirmed rabies case of 2026 for Atlantic County after a raccoon was also collected from Mullica in January.

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