Possible Rabid Raccoon Who Bit 3 Westfield Residents Still On The Loose

WESTFIELD, NJ — The search continues for the potentially rabid raccoon that bit three Westfield residents last week.

The Westfield Regional Health Department shared an update on their efforts to find the raccoon by working closely with Animal Control using trapping and continued canvassing.

The bites happened on the 400 block of 1st Avenue and the 700 block of Scotch Plains Avenue on July 21 and on the 600 block of Westfield Avenue on the night of July 23.

"The bites were all unprovoked and occurred in the afternoon and dusk hours while the victims were doing ordinary outside activities," said Mayor Shelley Brindle in her Mayor's Update.

While no additional bitings have been reported, the department is following up on several reports of potential sightings of raccoons over the weekend. None of the sightings have been confirmed as being associated with the biting episodes, according to the health department on Monday.

"It’s important to note that the first incident occurred seven days ago and the last one five days ago. Typically, a rabid animal dies within days of what is referred to as the furious stage of rabies," according to the Health Department.

The Health Department is continuing to remain actively involved in this case, and residents are still advised to report any concerning behavior in wild animals, which includes any animal that appears disoriented and confused, has difficulty walking, or is aggressive.

If residents observe any animal with these behaviors, it should immediately be reported to the Westfield Police Department at 908-789-4000.

Observing a raccoon out during the day is not, by itself, cause for alarm. Any sightings of a dead raccoon should be reported to the Health Department at 908-789-4070, ext.0.

The Health Department shared some information about rabies:

• Rabies is considered a medical emergency and is also 100 percent preventable with prompt and proper medical care
• If you or your pet had contact with a raccoon, seek medical care right away
• Residents should avoid contact with all wild animals and keep pets under close observation at this time
• Rabies in pets is preventable through vaccination and pet owners should remember that the best protection is to vaccinate for rabies and license all pets with the Town

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