Animal Commission Still Urging Caution with Potential Rabid Raccoons at Fresh Pond

The Cambridge Animal Commission continues to urge residents to remain alert for potentially rabid raccoons when walking at Fresh Pond Reservation. A few raccoons found in the past month have tested positive for rabies.

Dog owners should maintain their pets in clear view and keep them from running in brush areas where they cannot see if something occurs.

Tips for Protecting Against Rabies:

• Avoid direct contact with wildlife, dead or alive. Never touch any wildlife with your bare hands.
• If you find a sick or injured wild animal, call Cambridge Animal Commission at 617-349-4376.
• Avoid animals displaying unnatural behavior. Wild animals that are unusually friendly or displaying other unnatural behaviors may have the rabies virus.
• Discourage contact between pets and wildlife. Don’t let your pets roam or keep them in clear view.
• If you are scratched or bitten by any animal, either wild or domestic, consult your physician immediately.
• If your pet receives a suspected bite wound from an unknown animal or if your pet comes in direct contact with any wild animal, even if no wounds are evident, consult your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian may recommend a rabies booster.

If you see a potentially rabid animal or think there is an immediate public safety threat, contact Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300.  If you are concerned about an animal you have seen and it is not a direct threat, please notify the Cambridge Animal Commission at 617-349-4376.  Please try to convey the time and location of the sighting and your contact number if you get the office voicemail.

Link here to more information.