Sick Raccoon Captured in College Park, Being Tested for Rabies

College Park residents are being asked to remain cautious after City Animal Control officers captured a raccoon that was showing signs of illness Tuesday evening, August 11.

According to WUSA9, the City of College Park Animal Control responded to a report of a sick raccoon and safely captured the animal. The raccoon has been taken for testing. At this time, rabies has not been confirmed.

Residents who may have had direct contact with the raccoon, or whose pets may have come into contact with it, should take the situation seriously and contact the appropriate health or animal-control authorities. Rabies is generally transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch.

Please Take These Precautions

Residents can help protect themselves, their families, and their pets by taking a few simple precautions:

• Do not approach, touch, feed, or attempt to capture raccoons or other wild animals, particularly those behaving unusually.
• Keep children away from unfamiliar or wild animals.
• Make sure dogs, cats, and ferrets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations.
• Supervise pets while they are outdoors and do not allow them to roam freely.
• Keep garbage containers securely covered and avoid leaving pet food outdoors, which can attract wildlife.
• Report wildlife that appears sick, unusually aggressive, disoriented, weak, or otherwise behaving abnormally.

These precautions are particularly important because College Park has experienced confirmed rabies cases among raccoons in the past. In 2024, several raccoons found in different parts of College Park tested positive for rabies, including animals found on Iroquois Street, 50th Place, 49th Avenue in Hollywood West, and De Pauw Place in College Park Woods. (City of College Park⁠)

Rabies is a serious disease, but prompt medical treatment after a possible exposure can prevent the disease from developing. Anyone who believes they or a family member may have been bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to the saliva of a potentially rabid animal should seek medical advice promptly.

Thank you to our College Park Animal Control staff for responding quickly and safely handling the animal. Residents should continue to be alert, keep a safe distance from wildlife, and report animals exhibiting unusual behavior.