Spring Lake police warn of potentially rabid raccoon

     (Photo: taylar via Flickr)

    (Photo: taylar via Flickr)

    Spring Lake authorities want you to take extra precautions while spending time outdoors.

    That’s because a potentially sick raccoon is on the loose, according to a release from the Spring Lake Police Department.

    Officers attempted to capture a raccoon that was “acting strangely” in the 100 block of Worthington Avenue on Sunday, the release said.

    The animal was “not afraid and aggressive toward the officers,” who were unable to capture it after setting a trap.

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    A raccoon with similar symptoms was captured in the same area in October and tested positive for rabies.

    “Residents are urged to take extra precautions while spending time outdoors,” the release states. “Any animal related concerns that a resident may have should be forwarded to the Associated Humane Society (732-922-0100) and the Spring Lake Police Department (732-449-1234) as soon as possible.”

    Rabid animals display the following symptoms: 

    Are fully or partially paralyzed.
    Experience a loss of appetite.
    Exhibit strange behaviors, such as snapping at the air or turning in circles.
    Are nocturnal animals who wander during the day or diurnal animals that start going out at night.
    Drool excessively.
    Are wild animals that show no fear of humans.
    Exhibit symptoms of pica (eating substances that aren’t food, such as rocks, dirt or wood).
    Have sporadic changes in mood or behavior.
    Appear to be restless or aggressive.
    Are obviously disoriented.
    Acquire a change in voice (you may notice a change in the pitch and tone of your dog’s bark, for example).

    For further information, visit the Center for Disease Control website

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