Rabies Warning: Rockland Officials Seek Raccoon Bite Victim

NEW CITY, NY — Rockland County health officials are searching for a man who was bitten by a raccoon last weekend at Kakiat Park in Suffern. The raccoon could be rabid and the bite victim will need to seek immediate medical attention, officials said.

The raccoon attack could have happened Saturday or Sunday, according to the information a park ranger received.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Department of Health at 845-364-2594 or the Rockland County Sheriff's Office at 845-638-5400.

Unusual behavior may be the first sign of rabies in an animal, officials said. A rabid animal may become either abnormally aggressive or unusually tame. It may lose fear of people and become excited and irritable; or conversely appear particularly passive and lethargic.

Staggering and frothing at the mouth are sometimes noted.

Residents who see a stray or wild animal acting strangely should avoid contact with the animal and alert local authorities to avoid possible exposure to rabies.

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