A raccoon picked up Tuesday near McGill Court and Milburn Circle in Pasadena has tested positive for rabies, according to county health officials. They say the animal may have exposed people or pets in the area and are now trying to track down anyone who might have handled or fed it. Residents with pets are being told to look for unexplained wounds and double-check that rabies vaccinations are up to date.
According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Health, the raccoon was discovered on Tuesday and later confirmed to be rabid through testing. Anyone who had direct contact with the animal or whose pet has suspicious or unexplained injuries is urged to call 410‑222‑7254 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or 443‑481‑3140 after business hours.
As reported by FOX 5 DC, county officials warned that preventive treatment may be necessary for anyone who handled, fed, or was attacked by the raccoon. The outlet noted the department's basic safety advice: do not touch wildlife, keep trash secured, and avoid letting pets roam unsupervised.
How rabies spreads and when to seek care
Rabies is a viral disease that usually spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected mammal, or when saliva from a rabid animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open cut, according to the CDC. Immediate, thorough washing of any wound and a prompt medical evaluation are critical. Postexposure prophylaxis, which is a series of shots and sometimes rabies immune globulin, can prevent illness if started before symptoms appear.
Precautions for pets and neighbors
The county advises residents to keep pets current on rabies vaccinations, remove outdoor food sources, and secure trash so it does not attract wild animals, guidance laid out by the Anne Arundel County Department of Health. If you come across a sick or injured wild animal that has not had contact with people or pets, the department directs you to call the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 877‑463‑6497 or the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 410‑260‑8888. For animal control help, residents can contact Anne Arundel County Animal Services at 410‑222‑8900 during business hours, or dial 911 after hours.
A familiar warning
Local officials have issued similar rabies alerts in recent years. Hoodline’s earlier coverage of a 2025 West River rabies alert, infected raccoon found on Muddy Creek Road, described a comparable case and nearly identical public health guidance. Taken together, the alerts repeat the same message: avoid interactions with wildlife and keep pets vaccinated.
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