2 Rabid Raccoons Reported In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ — Two raccoons that have tested positive for rabies were recently found in Princeton, the town's Animal Control Officer announced on Tuesday. These are the second and third animals to test positive this year — all three have been raccoons.

The infected raccoons were found on Lambert Drive and Audubon Lane, Princeton Animal Control announced.

Residents are reminded to be mindful of wildlife displaying vicious and aggressive behavior or appearing to be drunk or having trouble walking, which may be signs of rabid wildlife.

"The virus is found in the saliva of rabid animals and is transmitted by bites, scratches, contamination of open cuts or through the eyes from saliva of an animal infected with rabies. Other signs of rabies infection include disorientation, loss of appetite, and excessive irritability," according to the town.

All pet owners are urged to make sure their animal is up to date on their vaccinations.

The town offered the following precautions for residents:

• Avoid direct contact with wild or stray animals
• Do not feed or touch wild animals
• Do not allow your cats or dogs to have contact with wild animals
• Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep vaccinations up to date
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home
• Do not feed wildlife and do not leave food outdoors for extended periods of time
• Immediately clean up any spills from exterior bird feeders
• Ensure that garbage stored outdoors is inaccessible to wildlife
• Report all injuries and bites to persons or domestic animals to the Princeton Animal Control Officer 609-924-2728

If you see any sick or injured animals report them to the Princeton Animal Control Officer through the Princeton Police Department at 609-921-2100 extension 0.

More information on rabies is available here or by calling the Princeton Animal Control Officer at 609-924-2728.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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