Raccoon That Terrorized Bergen Town Was Rabid: Cops

MAYWOOD, NJ – A raccoon that attacked several residents last week in Maywood has tested positive for rabies, according to police.

On Sept. 19, the raccoon was captured and turned over to Bergen County Animal Control, which tested and euthanized the animal, Maywood police said.

That afternoon, the raccoon attacked an 82-year-old man who was sitting on his porch and a 72-year-old man that was gardening. Both men suffered from bites. The raccoon then chased after a group of children, but didn't injure any of them.

All of the incidents occurred in the area of Parkway and Palmer Avenue.

“If any residents or resident’s pets had contact with a raccoon on or before Sept. 19 that has not been reported to us or the health department, please contact the Bergen County Department of Health Services at 201-634-2600,” police said.

Raccoons are a common carrier of rabies, a virus typically transmitted when an infected animal bites, and saliva from the infected animal comes into contact with any open cuts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Signs of rabid animal include: aggressive behavior, appear to be drunk or injured, and/or have trouble walking, disorientation, loss of appetite, excessive irritability, unusual vocalization, abnormal behavior, restlessness, jumping at noises, excessive salivation, tremors, convulsions, or paralysis.