Rabid Raccoon Found At Popular LI State Park, Suffolk Officials Say

KINGS PARK, NY — A raccoon found at Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park has tested positive for rabies, Suffolk County health officials announced.

The raccoon, which appeared to be ill, was found by a park employee on Sept. 11 and died a short time later, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.

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The department's Public Health Protection Bureau collected the animal and submitted it for testing at the New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center.

There were no reported human or pet exposures, officials said.

The case marks Suffolk County's 26th terrestrial rabies confirmation of 2026 and the 45th since Feb. 7, 2025, according to health officials.

It comes days after two other rabid raccoons were confirmed in Bay Shore and Babylon, bringing renewed attention to the continuing spread of terrestrial rabies in Suffolk County.

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

Health officials are urging residents not to touch or transport wild animals.

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