Potentially Rabid Raccoon Attacks Student, Resident Near Princeton U

PRINCETON, NJ – A Princeton University student was attacked by a raccoon on Monday evening and another resident reported being attacked on Tuesday morning, municipal officials said.

On Monday around 8:42 p.m. near Dillion Gym on Princeton University Campus, a university student was attacked by a raccoon with suspected rabies, authorities said.

The student received post-exposure treatment. The raccoon was exhibiting behaviors commonly associated with rabies like making chirping noises, unprovoked aggressive behavior and no fear of humans.

Additionally, on Tuesday morning around 6 a.m., a resident on Hibben Road reported they were attacked by a raccoon that was sitting on their doormat, officials said.

The resident was able to escape without injury, but did report the same behavior in the raccoon.

The Municipality of Princeton’s Animal Control Officer is working closely with Princeton University to locate and capture the raccoon(s).

“If you come across a domestic animal such as a cat or dog that is sick, injured, dead, orphaned, or behaving oddly, it is best to leave it alone and contact Princeton Animal Control,” Municipal authorities said.

Domestic animals with known or suspected exposure must receive booster vaccinations and must be quarantined by the Princeton Health Department. Questions about suspected exposure should be directed to Animal Control at (609) 924-2728.

Similarly, if residents spot a wild animal such as a fox, skunk, raccoon, or any other wild animal that is sick, injured, orphaned, or behaving oddly, it is best to leave it alone and contact the Police Department Dispatch at (609) 921- 2100.

Residents can reach Princeton Animal Control during the day at (609) 924-2728 from Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For nights and weekends, you can call the Police non-emergency number at (609) 921-2100.

How To Protect Yourself From Rabies:

If a person is exposed to rabies, getting vaccinated right away can prevent the disease. Rabies can be spread from the bite of a rabid animal, or when the animal’s saliva contacts a person’s mouth, eyes, or an open sore.

Rabies poses a real threat, especially to unvaccinated domestic animals. Pet owners should ensure that their animals are up to date with rabies vaccination. Rabies occurs throughout New Jersey, including Princeton.

Bats are the animals most commonly found to have rabies. Skunks, foxes, raccoons, and unvaccinated domestic animals can also develop rabies.

Behavioral signs of rabid animals, wild or domestic, may include staggering, restlessness, aggression, a change of the tone of their barks or growls, or choking. Passive animals sometimes become fierce and aggressive. Nocturnal animals sometimes appear during the day.

If bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal, or an animal suspected of having rabies, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and then seek medical attention. Ask your medical provider to report and coordinate with the Princeton Health Department.

Not all exposures require treatment. Health Department and Animal Control staff will work to locate, capture, and test suspected animals to definitively identify if the animal is infectious.

Reporting bites is a legal obligation of exposed individuals and medical professionals to assure any/all actions are taken to protect the individuals involved and the public at large.

Take these steps to protect your family and pets from rabies:

• Make sure your pets and domestic animals are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
• Keep children and pets from approaching or touching wild or strange animals.
• Make sure that any openings to your home such as crawl spaces, chimneys, attics, porches or garages are sealed or covered with thick wire screen to prevent entry by wild animals.
• Discourage wild animal foraging by not leaving pet food outside and by securing garbage cans.
• Avoid feeding, touching, or housing stray or wild animals.

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