WARWICK, RI — Two raccoons recently found in Warwick tested positive for rabies, the state revealed.
"One was found in the area of Walter Street, and the second was found in the area of Duncan Road," the Rhode Island Department of Health said in a media release on the raccoons found this week.
"Both areas are more densely populated areas in Warwick," the release said. "Three adults and two dogs from the Walter Street area were treated. Additionally, a dog was treated after having potential exposure to the raccoon on Duncan Road."
Already in 2026, in 2026, 32 other rabid animals have been located in Rhode Island. 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 20 raccoons, the rabid animals identified in Rhode Island this year include 10 bats, a cat, coyote, skunk and woodchuck have been found in Rhode Island this year.
"In 2026, 43 people have been exposed to these rabid animals and received treatment in Rhode Island," the release said. "The majority of the rabid animals caught this year have been in the northern region of the state."
Rabies is deadly if not treated before the onset of symptoms.
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