Rabid Raccoon Found In Islip, Health Officials Say

ISLIP, NY — A raccoon found in Islip has tested positive for rabies, Suffolk County health officials said Friday.

A member of the public reported seeing the raccoon appearing ill, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. Officers with the Suffolk County Police Department's Emergency Service Section responded and transported the animal for rabies testing.

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The county health department was notified Thursday by the Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health that the raccoon had tested positive.

Officials said there was no human or pet exposure associated with the animal.

The case marks Suffolk County's 37th confirmed case of terrestrial rabies since Feb. 7, 2025, health officials said.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. It is most commonly found in wild animals including raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes, although any mammal can become infected.

County health officials reminded residents not to touch or transport wild animals.

Anyone who sees a raccoon behaving abnormally should call the Suffolk County Police Department's non-emergency number at 631-852-COPS or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250.