Increase in Calls About Sick Raccoons in Henderson County

Henderson County -- June 19, 2024: The Henderson County Department of Public Health has seen an increase in calls about

sick raccoons and encounters with humans and pets. To reduce the risk of rabies exposure, avoid contact with raccoons and other wild or stray animals.    

Rabies is a deadly viral disease if not treated before symptoms appear. It spreads when a healthy person or animal is bitten, licked, or scratched by an infected animal. Wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes commonly carry rabies, even if they seem healthy.

Tips to Protect Yourself and Your Pets:

• Never handle a raccoon. Only trained wildlife experts with pre-exposure treatment should handle wild animals.
• If you see a sick raccoon, do not go near it or try to help. Call NC Wildlife at 800-662-7137 to remove it.
• If you have contact with a raccoon, call animal control and seek immediate medical care.
• If your pet has contact with a raccoon, call animal control and take your pet to the vet immediately. Avoid touching areas where your pet was bitten or scratched.
• Make sure your pets are up-to-date on rabies shots. This includes outdoor cats. Pets without rabies shots that get injured by wildlife must be euthanized to prevent the spread of rabies.
• Do not feed raccoons. Keep trash cans closed and do not leave pet food outside to keep wildlife away from your home.

For more information on rabies visit hendersoncountync.gov/health
If you suspect your pet was exposed to rabies or have questions, contact the Henderson County Sheriff's Office Animal Enforcement Division at 828-697-4911.