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| source : 6abc.com |
If you live in New Jersey and have been keeping an eye on local headlines, you might’ve noticed a recurring character lately: the rabid raccoon. Yep, again. And this time, it showed up in Clementon, Camden County.
On a recent Sunday, a resident found a raccoon lurking in their backyard. Instead of panicking, they did something most of us probably wouldn’t even consider, they trapped it. (Braver than me, honestly.)
Animal control came out to take over, and the raccoon was sent to the State Public Health and Environmental Laboratories in Trenton for testing. By Wednesday, results were in: it tested positive for rabies.
Here’s the silver lining, according to Camden County health officials, no people or pets were exposed. But this marks the third rabid raccoon incident in the county since April, and it’s part of a disturbing trend across New Jersey this year.
Rabies in New Jersey: A Quiet but Serious Threat
Let’s back up a bit. If rabies sounds like something from a 1950s horror movie to you, I get it. It’s not a disease we hear about every day. But rabies is still very real, and it shows up in wildlife more often than you’d think, especially in animals like raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats.
The problem is that rabid animals don’t always act the way we expect. Some can be aggressive and foaming at the mouth (what we think of from pop culture), but others might seem calm, sluggish, or dazed, which makes them even more dangerous because we might mistake them for harmless.
This particular case in Clementon isn’t isolated either.
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Back in April, another raccoon attacked a resident and their dog in Collingswood.
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Not long after, a rabid raccoon was confirmed in Oaklyn.
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And just this week, a separate raccoon that attacked a dog in Middlesex County was also confirmed positive.
So yes, if it feels like there’s a bit of a raccoon uprising, you’re not wrong.
What Should You Actually Do If You Spot a Wild Animal Acting Weird?
First of all, don’t try to be a hero. I know the Clementon resident trapped the raccoon, and that worked out okay, but that’s not always the safest route. Call animal control or your local health department if something doesn’t seem right.
Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, who works closely with the Camden County Health Department, put it simply:
“Although rabies is a serious illness, it can be prevented by early treatment. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, it is important that you seek immediate medical attention.”
I’ll add to that: don’t wait. Rabies, once symptoms appear, is almost always fatal. But if you get post-exposure treatment quickly, it’s completely preventable.
Easy Prevention Steps You Can Take
It’s not just about raccoons either. If you’ve got pets, dogs, cats, even outdoor cats that roam, make sure they’re up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. It’s legally required in most places and could be life-saving.
Also:
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Keep garbage tightly sealed (trash attracts wildlife).
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Don’t leave pet food or water bowls outside overnight.
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Avoid touching or approaching wild animals, even if they seem friendly or injured.
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If you see something strange, like a raccoon wandering during the day, or one that doesn’t seem afraid of humans, call your local authorities.
Final Thought
It’s easy to brush off these stories as “just another wild animal,” but rabies is one of those diseases we really don’t want to mess around with. The fact that multiple counties in New Jersey are seeing increasing cases should be a wake-up call, especially if you live near wooded areas or parks.
If you're not sure your pet is protected or if you think you might’ve had exposure, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or vet. Rabies is scary, but the good news is that we know how to beat it.
And hey, hats off to that Clementon resident. You probably saved someone’s life.