2nd raccoon sought after rabies-positive animal attacks South Jersey man - 6abc Philadelphia

What the report says

WPVI-TV reports that Gloucester County officials are trying to find a second raccoon after a separate raccoon involved in an attack on a Glassboro, New Jersey, resident tested positive for rabies. The case began Sunday morning outside the home of Kevin Tucker, who told Action News he was leaving his house when a raccoon came from shrubbery, charged at him and bit his right leg as he fell backward.

According to the station, the raccoon was later caught in the nearby backyard of Anthony Alvarado, who described the animal as behaving unusually and appearing to foam at the mouth. County officials said that animal was confirmed rabies-positive. Authorities also said it had been seen fighting another raccoon before it was captured, prompting the current search for the second animal.

Tucker told WPVI he has been in contact with the Gloucester County Health Department and Gloucester County Animal Control while receiving post-exposure rabies treatment, including a second round of shots on Wednesday. He also said he has warned neighbors as officials continue looking for the other raccoon. A nearby resident, Christina Gulla, told the station the situation was concerning, especially for families with children.

The Gloucester County Health Department is advising residents not to approach wild animals and to make sure pets are current on vaccinations, WPVI reported. People who are bitten or scratched by a wild animal are being urged to get medical care right away and notify local animal control or health officials. Rabies is a serious viral disease, and public health guidance generally treats possible exposure as urgent because timely treatment can prevent illness.