Crime & Safety

Rabid Raccoon Found In Alexandria Park

Authorities say a raccoon recently found in an Alexandria park tested positive for rabies.

ALEXANDRIA, VA—A raccoon recently found in an Alexandria park has tested positive for rabies.

The raccoon was located in Fort Williams Park (501 Fort Williams Parkway) in the West End area. Officials say the raccoon did not come into contact with people, but the Alexandria Health Department reminds residents to steer clear of wild animals and keep their pets vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies is a fatal disease spread through bites or scratches from an infected animal or saliva coming into contact with an open wound. These are the signs that a raccoon or wild animal is rabid, according to Wildlife in Crisis:

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"Only if a raccoon or other wild animal is acting strange or sick - convulsing, circling, appearing disoriented or partly paralyzed, showing signs of unprovoked aggression or uncharacteristic tameness - people should call their animal control officer or police."

Here's where the raccoon was found:

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Image via Google Maps screenshot

Rabies Awareness Week is coming up on Sept. 25-Oct. 1.The health department offers the following for residents to protect themselves against rabies:

  • Do not feed stray animals.
  • Avoid wild animals, especially raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.
  • Feed your pets indoors and do not let them wander.
  • Make sure pets are vaccinated against rabies and their shots are up to date. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies.
  • Keep wild animals out of homes by capping chimneys with screens and blocking openings in attics, cellars and porches. Ensure trash cans have tight fitting lids.
  • Teach children to avoid contact with wild animals and pets they are not familiar with.
  • Do not handle sick, injured or dead animals.
  • If a bat is found indoors and may have had contact with someone, do not release it. Please call the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Animal Control Division (703-838-4774), to determine if the animal should be picked up and tested for rabies.

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Image via National Park Service (photo is not raccoon collected in Alexandria)


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