Raccoon in Radnor Township Tests Positive for Rabies

A raccoon in Radnor Township has tested positive for rabies, the township said Wednesday.

A woman initially reported an animal displaying suspicious behavior while walking down Runnymede Avenue toward Lansdowne Avenue, the township said. The raccoon eventually was located and captured near the intersection of School Lane and Louella Avenue.

Laboratory tests Tuesday, Aug. 19, confirmed that the animal had rabies, the township said.

“It is not always easy to recognize an animal with rabies,” Radnor Township said in a statement. “The animal may be aggressive and vicious, or timid and shy. Animals with rabies may appear abnormally tame and still bite and infect you. Residents should be aware of their surroundings and exercise precautions.”

Radnor Township recommends taking the following precautions:

• Do not approach stray animals.
• Call 911 if you suspect a wild animal may have rabies. Do not approach or try to handle the animal.
• Make sure your pets are up to date on vaccines.
• Keep tight-fitting lids on outdoor trash cans. Never leave food out overnight.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you or a pet are bitten by a wild animal.