Biting raccoon in Port Chester was rabid

GREENWICH — A raccoon that went on an aggressive rampage, biting three people on Sunday afternoon in Port Chester, N.Y., was found to be rabid.

According to the Westchester County Department of Health, the raccoon was killed with a shovel after it went after a man in a backyard on Willett Avenue. Two other people were bitten near Halstead Avenue.

The area of Halstead and Hobart avenues is just a block from the town line with Greenwich.

The health department put out an advisory Wednesday and notified the public that all three people who were bitten are receiving preventive rabies treatments.

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler issued a warning for residents to be on the lookout for other rabid animals.

“Stay alert and closely supervise children and pets when outside. If you see an animal that is acting aggressively, stay away from it and contact local police immediately,” Amler said,

The health department said residents should be cautious about raccoons that may be showing signs of rabies, which can include frothing at the mouth and erratic movements.

Residents are also advised to keep their trash can lids securely sealed and avoid leaving pet food outdoors, the department advised.

“We ... would like to remind everyone that raccoons arewildanimalsandcan carry diseases, please stay away and call us to deal with it,” the Port Chester police department said on social media.

The U.S. Humane Society says “it’s highly unusual for a raccoon to be aggressive toward a person,” but it does happen. A person was bitten by a raccoon in New Haven in late August, and later sought medical attention.

Besides rabies, raccoons often carry other pathogens that can be dangerous to animals and humans.

Anyone who has been bitten by a raccoon should seek immediate treatment, according to public health experts.