Raccoon In Montclair Has Rabies (Here’s Where It Was Found)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A raccoon found in Montclair recently tested positive for rabies, health officials announced Tuesday.

The animal was found on Aug. 27 on the 100-block of Inwood Avenue. The township’s health department was notified of the test results by the New Jersey Department of Health.

What is rabies? According to Montclair health officials:

“Rabies is a fatal disease of warm-blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. An infected animal has the rabies virus in its saliva and infects other animals or people through bites and contact with saliva. Once infected animals become ill, they may bite or attack other animals or people.”

Montclair health officials added:

“Common carriers of the virus are raccoons, skunks, foxes, woodchucks, bats, and feral (stray) cats. You are advised to stay away from wild animals and animals that you do not know. Please DO NOT FEED STRAY ANIMALS. Be certain that your pets are licensed, vaccinated and up to date on rabies vaccination. Some warning signs of neurological diseases like rabies and distemper include appearing drunk or excessively wobbly, circling, seeming partially paralyzed, unable to climb, acting disorientated or mutilating itself.”

“If you notice an animal acting strangely or if your pet has an altercation with any wildlife acting in an erratic manner or if you find a bat in your bedroom during overnight hours, please contact the Animal Control Service Request Line ASAP at 862-621-9113 to have an ACO dispatched,” Montclair health officials said.

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