Rabid Raccoon Caught in Falls Church, City Says

FALLS CHURCH, VA -- A rabid raccoon, possibly involved in several recent scary incidents across the City, was caught last weekend on N. Virginia Avenue by a City of Falls Church police officer, the City announced Wednesday.

While it is possible this is the raccoon that scratched a person and fought with two dogs last week, Animal Control advises the community to be vigilant about the following three things:

1. Vaccinate your pets. You can visit your veterinarian or the low-cost rabies clinic at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (2650 Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington, VA 22206, 703-931-9241). The clinic is held every third Thursday of the month, and rabies inoculations are $10; micro-chipping is also available for $35. This is for cats and dogs only, no wildlife. Call ahead to make sure the clinic is on schedule.
2. Don't let pets roam freely. City law states that dogs must be leashed when on public property or the private property of others. Also, it is against the law to allow dogs to run loose on school grounds, City parks, and privately-owned areas such as cemeteries. Keep your cats indoors, even if they are vaccinated. Outdoor cats are more likely to contract rabies than any other domestic animal.
3. Don't feed wildlife. According to the Humane Society, feeding can make animals become too comfortable in residential or recreational areas. Once animals learn they can panhandle for food, they can become a nuisance--or even worse, a safety risk. Also, when wild animals gather for food handouts, it can cause crowding and competition. These unnatural conditions increase the chances of fighting and injury among animals, and it can increase the spread of diseases, some of which may be transmitted to pets and humans.

What to do if you see a sick raccoon

Simply seeing a raccoon during the day is not a sign of rabies, but if you see a raccoon showing the following signs that indicate a sick animal, contact contact the City of Falls Church Police immediately at 703-241-5053:

• Staggering gait
• Oblivious to noise or nearby movement
• Erratic wandering or circling
• Excessive drooling
• Disorientation
• Wet and matted hair on face
• Repeated high-pitch vocalization
• Self-mutilation, biting or snapping

If bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal or a pet that was seen acting strangely, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and apply antiseptic (if able). Seek medical attention immediately. Rabies in humans is 100 percent preventable through prompt, appropriate medical care.To report an incident, contact the City of Falls Church Police immediately at 703-241-5053. Contacting the police as soon as you see the animal gives a greater chance of capture.

PHOTO: Raccoon photo courtesy of National Park Service (not raccoon caught in Falls Church)