No Further Sightings Of Rabid Raccoons In Princeton: Animal Control

PRINCETON, NJ - The Municipality's Animal Control Department has said that they have had no further sightings of rabid raccoons since the morning of Dec. 5 on Hibben Road.

On the evening of Dec. 4, a Princeton University student was attacked by a raccoon and the following morning a resident of Hibben Road reported being attacked.

While the student received post-exposure treatment, the resident escaped without any injury. In both cases, the raccoon was exhibiting behaviors commonly associated with rabies like making chirping noises, showing unprovoked aggressive behavior and no fear of humans.

Jim Ferry, Animal Control Officer, said that once symptomatic, infected animals will die from the virus in a matter of days. Therefore, it's safe to assume that, if the raccoon from Dec. 5 was rabid, it has died.

Going forward, Ferry has advised residents to remain vigilant of strange-acting raccoons.

Residents should be aware that when the animal is symptomatic it is also contagious, and the possibility of the raccoon biting another animal - or pet - is elevated. The virus incubation period varies depending on the host animal's size and species.

Princeton has several rabies cases a year; however, a vast majority of cases are reported when the animal is in a near-unconsciousness stupor, causing a very minor and localized public safety threat, the Municipality said.

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