Man Hospitalized After Rabid Raccoon Bite During Attempted Rescue
IDAHO FALLS, ID – A man is receiving treatment after being bitten by a raccoon confirmed to have rabies, following an incident where he attempted to rescue teh animal and transported it toward a wildlife center. The incident underscores the dangers of interacting with wild animals, even with good intentions, and highlights the importance of contacting professionals for assistance.
The man found the injured raccoon and, believing it needed help, wrapped it in a blanket secured with duct tape before continuing his journey to the CNC (presumably a nature center).He arrived at the center an hour before the Wildlife Clinic’s opening, coinciding with the start of a Thanksgiving break camp for children. Staff were alerted and secured the raccoon in a kennel while insisting the man seek immediate medical attention.
The raccoon was subsequently euthanized and tested at Bells Ferry Veterinary Hospital, with results confirming the presence of rabies. Authorities learned the man initially provided false contact information,and his identity was only confirmed when a family member contacted the CNC the following day.
“While the finder’s heart was in the right place, he put himself, his family, CNC’s staff, volunteers, and visitors, the GWN transporter, and the staff of Bells Ferry all at risk,” the CNC stated. “PLEASE take a minute and assess the situation before attempting to capture wildlife without direction.”
Wildlife experts advise anyone encountering a distressed wild animal to contact licensed rehabilitators through resources like Animal Help Now or the Georgia wildlife Network, rather than attempting a rescue independently.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. It is indeed almost always fatal once symptoms develop, making post-exposure prophylaxis – a series of vaccinations – crucial after a potential exposure.
