By Donald Gilpin

On Monday, December 4 at approximately 8:42 p.m. near Dillion Gym on the Princeton University campus, a University student was attacked by a raccoon with suspected rabies, according to Princeton Deputy Administrator/Health Officer Jeffrey Grosser.

The student received post-exposure treatment. The raccoon was exhibiting behaviors commonly associated with rabies, such as chirping noises, unprovoked aggressive behavior, and no fear of humans.

Additionally, on Tuesday, December 5, at around 6 a.m., a resident on Hibben Road reported they were attacked by a raccoon that was sitting on their door mat. That resident was able to escape without injury, but did report behavior associated with rabies in the raccoon they encountered.

The Municipality of Princeton’s Animal Control Officer James Ferry, who is working closely with Princeton University to locate and capture the raccoon, noted, “The behavior described was exactly the same. We’re assuming that it’s the same animal.”

Ferry pointed out that, because a rabid animal will not eat or drink and will not go into a trap, trapping a rabid animal is impossible.  “It has to be a manual  capture. The only way to catch it is with nets and catch poles,” he said.

He emphasized that even though he sees about five cases a year of animals that test positive for rabies, this is an unusual case. “Rabies has always been with us,” he said, “but in my experience we don’t see this kind of aggressiveness.”

The woman who confronted the raccoon at her home on Hibben Road reported that it was between her and her doorstep when it turned to her and came right at her. “I’m pretty concerned about this animal,” Ferry said.

On a more positive note, Ferry pointed out that the raccoon will  probably die in one to three days and will not be able to spread the virus through biting in the meantime. He added that the animal is likely to be confused and unpredictable in behavior and will probably approach any movement or sound.

“My recommendation is that if you go for a walk at night have a flashlight,” Ferry stated. “If you have dogs keep them

on a leash, at least for a few days.” If no further sightings are reported in the next few days, the raccoon is probably dead, he said.

Grosser noted, in a municipal press release, “If you come across a domestic animal such as a cat or dog that is sick, injured, dead, orphaned, or behaving oddly, it is best to leave it alone and contact Princeton Animal Control.”  Domestic animals with known or suspected exposure must receive booster vaccinations and must be quarantined by the Princeton Health Department. Questions about suspected exposure should be directed to Animal Control at (609) 924-2728.

Similarly, if a wild animal such as a fox, skunk, raccoon, or any other wild animal that is sick, injured, orphaned, or behaving oddly is spotted, it is best to leave it alone and contact the Police Department dispatch at (609) 921-2100.

The press release also provided the following information on rabies:

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can be prevented by avoiding contact with animals that may be rabid. If a person has significant exposure, getting vaccinated right away can also prevent disease. Rabies can be spread from the bite of a rabid animal, or when the animal’s saliva contacts a person’s mouth, eyes, or an open sore.  

Rabies poses a real threat, especially to unvaccinated domestic animals. This incident should serve as a reminder for pet owners to ensure their animals are up to date with rabies vaccination. Rabies occurs throughout New Jersey, including Princeton. Bats are the animals most commonly found to have rabies. Skunks, foxes, raccoons, and unvaccinated domestic animals can also develop rabies. Human rabies cases in the United States are rare.

Behavioral signs of rabid animals, wild or domestic, may include staggering, restlessness, aggression, a change of the tone of their barks or growls, or choking. Passive animals sometimes become fierce and aggressive. Nocturnal animals sometimes appear during the day.   

If you or a loved one are bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal, or an animal suspected of having rabies, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and then seek medical attention. Ask your medical provider to report and coordinate with the Princeton Health Department. Not all exposures require post exposure treatment. Health Department and Animal Control staff will work to locate, capture, and test suspected animals to definitively identify if the animal is infectious. Reporting bites is a legal obligation of exposed individuals and medical professionals to assure any/all actions are taken to protect the individuals involved and the public at large. 

Take these steps to protect your family and pets from rabies:  Make sure your pets and domestic animals are up to date on their rabies vaccinations; keep children and pets from approaching or touching wild or strange animals; make sure that any openings to your home such as crawl spaces, chimneys, attics, porches, or garages are sealed or covered with thick wire screen to prevent entry by wild animals; discourage wild animal foraging by not leaving pet food outside and by securing garbage cans; avoid feeding, touching, or housing stray or wild animals; and if you see a domestic or wild animal that is sick, injured, dead, orphaned or behaving oddly, leave it alone and contact the Police Department dispatch at (609) 921- 2100. Do not handle the animal yourself.