by Tom Chillemi –
During a week- to 10-day period in mid-March, there were five or six reported sightings of raccoons “that were acting very odd,” Urbanna Zoning Administrator Roy Kime told council at its March 24 meeting.
The Middlesex County Animal Control officer, who is part of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the sightings and removed the raccoons, he added. “They were no danger to anybody,” said Kime.
However, there was a concern that the raccoons might have rabies or distemper.
The animals that were picked up were not tested for rabies, since they had not bitten or come in contact with pets or humans, Kime explained.
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, but are out during the day this time of year when they are mating and nesting.
Stay away
“Stay away from these critters if they are acting strangely,” said Kime.
Rabies could turn into a public health problem. “We have to continue to work with the sheriff’s office to make sure it doesn’t get out of hand. People should make sure to not leave food out.”
Pet owners should check their pets’ vaccinations to be sure they are current, said Mayor Barbara Hartley.
If an animal is acting drunk or staggering then animal control…
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