If you or your pet came into contact with a raccoon in the last few weeks, beware. Five Maryland raccoons have been identified as rabid.

Anne Arundel and Carroll County health officials are warning the public about five raccoons that tested positive for rabies within the last few weeks. 

The Anne Arundel County raccoon was found in the area of Ogleton Road and Queen Anne Circle on October 30, according to the Health Department's official alert. Anyone who may have encountered the animal around this time should be on the lookout for possible signs of rabies in themselves and their pets, especially if they have any unexplained wounds or scratches.

In addition, four raccoons in Carroll County have tested positive for rabies since mid-October: one in Westminster, one in Woodbine, one in Taneytown, and one in Sykesville.

The symptoms of rabies include:

  • irritable or aggressive behavior
  • disorientation and difficulty walking
  • drooling
  • foaming at the mouth
  • convulsions
  • inability to eat or drink

Animals with rabies are considered extremely contagious, with saliva that can infect others when it comes into contact with eyes, nose, mouth, or open wounds. If you or your pet got close enough to a suspicious animal to possibly be contaminated, contact your local health department immediately.

If left untreated, rabies can be fatal, both in humans and pets. The best defense for your animals against rabies is a course of regular vaccinations provided by your vet.

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If you suspect that you or your pet have come into contact with any of the rabid raccoons described above, contact the Anne Arundel Health Department at (410) 222-7256 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday-Friday or at (443) 481-3140 after the hours listed. In Carroll County, call (410) 876-1884 after reaching out to your physician and vet. Affected individuals will be put on a treatment course under medical supervision immediately.

When you're out and about, especially with your pets, be on the lookout for unusual wildlife activity. Rabies can also be carried in other animals like foxes, bats, and deer, so keep your dogs on a short leash and be wary of any wild animals.

**The photos in this article are courtesy of Unsplash.

Have you seen raccoons out on your daily walks? Have you noticed any acting unusual? Let us know where in the comments!