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Person attacked by rabid raccoon at southeast Charlotte park, police say

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police is issuing a warning after a person was attacked by a raccoon that tested positive for rabies on Wednesday. 

[ALSO READ: Third victim says she was chased, bitten by rabid cat in Matthews]

The attack happened in the greenway in McAlpine Park near Monroe Road in southeast Charlotte. 

This is the eighth animal to test positive for rabies in Mecklenburg County this year, according to CMPD's Animal Care and Control unit. 

Signs that an animal may be infected with rabies:

  • loss of appetite
  • irritability and unusual aggression
  • lack of fear
  • restlessness
  • dilated pupils
  • seizures
  • trembling and unsteadiness
  • difficulty swallowing
  • drooling or foaming at the mouth 

Officials said this is a good reminder to make sure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccination.

In North Carolina, the law requires all owned dogs, cats and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies by the time they are four months old. 

Also, Animal Care and Control said it hosts a free clinic each month for Mecklenburg County residents to have pets vaccinated against rabies. 

The clinic happens the second Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the animal shelter on Byrum Drive. 

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