Georgia Man Brings Rabid Raccoon to Nature Center
A man in Georgia recently brought a rabid raccoon to a nature center after being bitten by the animal. This incident was reported by a local news station.
The man visited the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Cherokee County with the raccoon in tow. Nature center employees clarified that their intention was to discuss the event for educational reasons, rather than to shame anyone involved.
According to staff, the man found an injured raccoon by the roadside and decided to help it. He wrapped it in a coat to transport it for medical attention. However, during the drive, the raccoon managed to free its head and bit the man on his face and hands.
After this, the man went home, secured the raccoon in a blanket with duct tape, and set out once again for the nature center. He arrived about an hour before the Wildlife Clinic was due to open, coinciding with a children’s camp for Thanksgiving Break.
The camp director communicated the situation to the Wildlife Center, and a staff member met the man in the parking lot with a kennel for the raccoon. After some persuasion, they convinced him to seek medical care for his injuries while they handled the raccoon.
Since the center isn’t licensed for raccoon rehabilitation, an emergency call was made to a local veterinary hospital, which took in the raccoon for euthanasia. Later, the Cherokee County Health Department confirmed that the raccoon tested positive for rabies.
The staff at the nature center provided several recommendations for future incidents like this:
- Wild animals in distress typically remain silent to avoid attracting predators, unlike domestic pets.
- Ensure any rehabilitator is licensed for the specific type of animal you encounter, as there are legal restrictions on treatment.
- Be honest when providing information about the situation.
- Rabies in humans has a mortality rate exceeding 99% without treatment, and vaccinations must begin within 48-72 hours of exposure. There have been fewer than 35 cases of survivors over the last 50 years, all treated with experimental methods.
- Before attempting to capture wildlife, take a moment to assess the situation and consult with licensed rehabilitators or your local wildlife resource division.
