2 More Rabid Raccoons Found In Islip Town, Health Officials Say

ISLIP, NY — Two more raccoons found in the Town of Islip have tested positive for rabies, Suffolk County health officials said.

One raccoon was found dead on a street in Bay Shore, while another was found dead on a street in Islip earlier this month, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

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Members of the Islip Animal Shelter retrieved the animals for the county health department, and they were transported for rabies testing.

The department was notified Tuesday by the Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health that both raccoons had tested positive.

Health officials said they do not believe there was any human exposure.

The cases mark Suffolk County's 38th and 39th confirmed cases of terrestrial rabies since Feb. 7, 2025.

The announcement comes less than two weeks after county health officials reported another rabid raccoon found in Islip. In that case, officials said there was no human or pet exposure.

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

Residents are being reminded 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.

More information about rabies and prevention is available through the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.