The state of Rhode Island is alerting the public about a rabid animal discovery.
A raccoon found at Bold Point Park in East Providence last week reportedly tested positive for rabies.
"DEM stresses that wildlife is beautiful but should always be enjoyed from afar," said RI State Veterinarian Dr. Scott Marshall. "Never approach wild animals and certainly never touch them. This is especially important at this time of the year when many species are having babies. Baby animals are adorable and people are naturally attracted to them, but handling mammals, whether babies or not, is always a potential rabies exposure. Once people handle these animals, public health officials are compelled to test the animal for rabies, which requires that the animal be humanely euthanized because testing requires brain tissue."
Because it is a fatal disease, officials are urging anyone who may have had contact with the animal to contact the RI Department of Health right away.
(Photo by HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images