Rabid Raccoons Pop Up In Pawtucket: Police

PAWTUCKET, RI — Two rabid raccoons recently turned up in Pawtucket, police said.

One raccoon was located on Thomas Avenue and the other about a mile away on Oneida Street, the police department posted to social media.

"Residents are reminded to have their pets vaccinated and to avoid contact with wild animals," the post said.

Already in 2026, 25 other rabid animals had been located in Rhode Island, including 14 raccoons. That number eclipsed the yearly average of 24 from 2021 to 2025, according to the Rhode Island Department of Health.

In addition to the now 16 raccoons, the rabid animals identified in 2026 were seven bats, a cat, a coyote, a skunk and a woodchuck.

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