Possible Rabid Raccoon in Woodland Heights

The Woodland Heights Yahoo Group has a report of a rabid raccoon. Around 8:00 tonight Richmond Animal Control was in the 3000 block of Ferncliff looking for the masked critter. Previously this evening the raccoon  chased a pair of walkers down the street. Animal Control request that anyone spotting a strange acting or aggressive raccoon to please call the police non-emergency number (646-5100). Animal Control also advises to keep your dogs on a leash for control if they should encounter this animal and make sure their shots are up-to-date.

Thanks to JP for posting to the group so everyone can keep an eye out for the raccoon.

Update 9:08 p.m, again from the Woodland Heights group:

We also spoke with the Animal Control and Richmond Police officers investigating a report of a possible rabid raccoon after they observed the animal in question. The raccoon is fairly young and appears to have an infected (puffed up)/lame front paw and did not exhibit “spinning” or weakness in the hind end, which are considered hallmark neurological signs of rabies. According to the Animal Control officer, injured raccoons sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior.

In short, no need to panic but better safe than sorry.