Raccoon Bites Girl in Jenkintown, Police Say

Jenkintown police said that a raccoon that is believed to have rabies has already bitten one person and has been seen around Jenkintown, according to Montgomery Media.

According to police, the raccoon was said to have been seen in the 200 block of Summit Avenue and in the 200 block of Wyncote and Mather Roads on July 28.

A man who lives on Mather Road said that the raccoon bit his daughter, who is thought to be 11 years old, at approximately 7pm at the 200 block of Mather Road, said police.

Police Chief Albert DiValentino said that while the man’s family was walking the raccoon moved from a spot by a driveway or from under a vehicle and bit his daughter’s leg.  The father then quickly took his daughter to Abington Memorial Hospital for medical attention, said the Chief.

According to police, the animal was not found in that area.  The Chief said that Animal Control was informed of the situation, and 12 or 13 traps were set for the raccoon.

A safety alert was issues to residents to avoid wild animals and to seal openings in basements or attics that animals might go to.

Jenkintown borough warns against leaving pet food out during the night, and to ensure that pets are leashed while they are outside and to have their updated rabies vaccinations.  The borough also advises residents not to leave pet food out at night, to seal trash cans tightly and to make sure their pets have updated rabies vaccinations and are leashed when outdoors.

If Jenkintown residents see any kind of animal being aggressive or behaving in an odd manner in the borough, they should call the police at (215) 884-1200.