A raccoon found stumbling and acting erratically near Raleigh’s Pullen Park and the North Carolina State University campus has tested positive for rabies, Raleigh police said. Animal-control officers captured the animal after multiple reports of disoriented behavior near the intersection of Western Boulevard and Pullen Road. Neighbors and park users are being urged to keep pets away from wildlife and to report any unusual animal behavior.
The animal was submitted for testing and returned a positive result after public-safety personnel took custody; it reportedly showed signs of a neurological episode before capture, according to CBS17. Local officials say the specimen was sent to the state lab for confirmation.
Where It Was Found
Raleigh Police Department animal-control officers were called to the Western Boulevard and Pullen Road area, which borders Pullen Park and parts of NC State’s campus. Residents who see wildlife that appears disoriented, aggressive, or unusually tame are urged not to approach the animal and to contact Raleigh Animal Control at 919-831-6311, according to Raleigh Police Animal Control.
Officials’ Advice for Pet Owners
Wake County Public Health and state health leaders remind pet owners that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop and that vaccination is the best protection. They recommend making sure dogs, cats and ferrets are current on rabies shots and that outdoor animals receive booster doses as needed. The state health department also notes broader efforts to monitor and limit wildlife rabies through vaccination programs and surveillance, as outlined by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services.
Legal Note
North Carolina law gives public-health and animal-control authorities the power to require quarantine or other measures for domestic animals exposed to rabies; in some cases unvaccinated pets may face longer quarantine periods or euthanasia, depending on the exposure and local orders. Owners are advised to coordinate closely with their veterinarian and local animal-control officials to understand options and timelines under state guidance from the N.C. Division of Public Health.
If You or Your Pet Are Exposed
If a person is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, seek medical attention immediately; postexposure prophylaxis can prevent rabies when started promptly. For domestic animals that bite humans, public-health guidance generally calls for a 10-day observation period for healthy dogs, cats and ferrets. Follow instructions from public-health officials and consult your veterinarian for next steps, per guidance from the CDC.
Anyone who sees an animal showing unusual behavior in the Pullen Park area should call Raleigh Animal Control at 919-831-6311 and avoid contact with the animal. For the initial report and additional details, see CBS17.
