Raccoon Tests Positive For Rabies In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ - A young raccoon found in the area of Vreeland Court has tested positive for rabies, Princeton officials confirmed Tuesday.

The Municipality of Princeton's Animal Control Officer was notified on Oct. 3 of a raccoon exhibiting symptoms associated with rabies. The animal was picked up and submitted to the New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratory for testing, which returned a positive result on Tuesday, officials said.

Animal Control is monitoring the situation and investigating potential exposures related to the raccoon.

Residents who encounter domestic animals such as cats or dogs that appear sick, injured, dead, orphaned or behaving abnormally should leave them alone and contact Princeton Animal Control. Domestic animals with known or suspected exposure must receive booster vaccinations and be quarantined by the Princeton Health Department.

Questions about suspected exposures should be directed to Police Department Dispatch at 609-921-2100.

Similarly, residents who spot wild animals—including foxes, skunks, raccoons or other wildlife—that appear sick, injured, orphaned or behaving oddly should not handle them and should contact Animal Control.

Princeton Animal Control can be reached weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 609-924-2728. For nights and weekends, call the police non-emergency number at 609-921-2100.

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