A raccoon's most distinguishable feature is its black marks around each eye. They are also known to be omnivores that feed on both meat and plants and are very skillful in their attempt to steal food from the garbage bins.
Raccoons are also known to carry rabies and could sometimes attack humans, especially in the eastern part of the country where their population is growing, like the recent attack by a large, rabid raccoon to a young child in Fountain Road on Wednesday afternoon.
Large, Rabid Raccoon Attacks Young Child
According to a report from Arlington Police, a raccoon has bitten and scratched a young child under five on Wednesday afternoon, October 14, at 4:15 pm and tested positive for rabies.
Police Chief Julie Flaherty and Christine Bongiorno, the Director of Health and Human Services, said that an on-scene investigation determined that the child was playing in the backyard of their family home when the large, rabid raccoon suddenly attacked it. Immediately, the mother rushed towards the direction of the child and raccoon to stop the attack.
She successfully chased the animal away and quickly called 911. The child sustained a couple of bites and scratches after the raccoons' attack and was sent to Massachusetts General Hospital for further treatment.
The officers investigated the scene and quickly located the raccoon at around 5:40 pm in the nearby Buena Vista Road. They have observed that the animal was acting lethargic after the attack. More officers responded a few moments later and humanely euthanized the raccoon, Universal Hub reported.
Arlington Police Release Safety Reminders
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) notified the Arlington Department of Health and Human Services on Friday, October 16, that the raccoon who attacked the young child tested positive for rabies.
"While we do not believe there is any current danger to the community, we wanted to notify residents about this incident so they can be vigilant about protecting their loved ones and pets," Chief Flaherty said.
She added that they wish to extend their sympathy to the family of the child who had to suffer the horrific experience of being attacked by a raccoon. The police department also calls out on people who notice any wild animals acting aggressively to report it immediately to the Arlington Police Department through their number 781-643-1212.
Moreover, the DPH said that rabies is a serious disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. The police department also cautions people not to approach any wild animals that they see. Together with the Arlington Department of Health Services, they have released some safety reminders to prevent the spread of rabies.
WHDH 7 News enumerated the safety reminders which tells people to teach their children not to approach animals unfamiliar to them; report any aggressive animals; not to feed pets; or, to put empty bowls outside as it can attract other stray animals and other safety reminders.
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