Local News

Mass. towns warn of possibly rabid raccoons

Officials warned residents to avoid any wildlife displaying 'erratic' behavior.

Raccoon nests in a tree in a Lexington neighborhood. Joanne Rathe/Globe Staff

November 14, 2024

1 minute to read

Northampton authorities are warning residents about “erratic” raccoons in the area that might have rabies.

The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services said Northampton and Easthampton have seen an increase in residents reporting spotting raccoons frothing at the mouth, drooling, and approaching people in a “disoriented manner.” The statement said all of these symptoms are consistent with rabies. However, officials have not confirmed if rabies is behind the strange behavior.

“Rabies is a viral disease that attacks mammals’ brain and spinal cord,” officials said. “It is primarily an animal disease but can spread to humans through direct contact with saliva, typically via bites or scratches, or through contact with broken skin or mucous membranes.”

Public health officials warned residents that once symptoms appear, rabies is “almost always fatal” to humans after symptoms appear. However, timely vaccination can prevent death. They said someone who has been bitten or scratched by wildlife should call the 24/7 Massachusetts Department of Public Health Epidemiology Line at (617) 983-6800 for “risk assessment and guidance.”

If a Northampton resident sees a raccoon exhibiting rabies symptoms or acting erratically, officials said, they should contact the Public Safety Dispatch non-emergency line at (413) 587-1100. For Easthampton residents, the line is (413) 527-1212.

How to protect yourself from rabies

In the statement released Thursday, officials laid out several courses of action for residents to avoid rabies. They noted that rabies is most commonly carried by raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats in Massachusetts.

Report any sightings of a raccoon or other animals behaving erratically
Do not approach raccoons or any other animal displaying “unusual behavior”
Monitor children and teach them to observe animals from a safe distance
Supervise pets closely when outdoors and make sure their vaccinations are up to date
Keep trash bins securely fastened