New Braunfels officials are warning residents to be on alert after a raccoon trapped in Panther Canyon at Landa Park tested positive for rabies. Animal Welfare staff, working alongside park rangers, captured the animal after reports that it appeared sick, then collected it for testing. Authorities said no human exposures were reported, as per News 4 San Antonio.
According to News 4 San Antonio, the raccoon was removed from the park and sent for laboratory confirmation, which came back positive. The outlet notes that health officials are reminding park visitors and nearby residents to steer clear of unfamiliar wildlife and to keep pets under control.
How officials responded
City staff report that Animal Welfare employees and park rangers trapped the raccoon in Panther Canyon and removed it from public areas. According to the City of New Braunfels Animal Welfare, residents should watch wildlife from a safe distance and contact the animal welfare office at 830-608-2183 to report animals acting strangely or to arrange testing. The office coordinates the collection and testing of animals that appear sick or disoriented.
What to watch for
Health authorities note that rabies is typically spread through the saliva of an infected animal, most often through a bite, and can be fatal if it is not treated. The Texas Department of State Health Services lists warning signs that include partial paralysis, circling, staggering, unusual aggression, or an animal that seems unusually tame. Officials urge people not to handle wild or stray mammals.
Protecting pets and neighborhoods
Officials say a few basic steps can reduce risk: keep dogs on a leash, do not let pets roam freely, and store pet food and garbage in sealed containers so wild animals are not drawn into yards. Comal County Animal Control also urges pet owners to keep rabies vaccinations up to date and to call 830-608-2016 with concerns about stray or sick animals.
Rabies is not new to the area. Reporting by the San Antonio Express-News noted that Comal County has logged an unusually high number of positive animals in recent years, a trend that local officials say underscores the need for ongoing caution around wildlife. Authorities add that routine precautions remain the best protection for families and pets.
If anyone is bitten or scratched, health officials advise washing the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seeking immediate medical attention, since post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent the disease, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Residents who see animals showing signs such as disorientation, aggression, partial paralysis, or unusual tameness are asked not to approach them and to contact the City of New Braunfels Animal Welfare office at 830-608-2183 to report the situation and receive guidance.
