NORTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Officials in Hampshire County are warning residents after raccoons in the area are suspected of having rabies.

The Northampton Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday it had received an increase in reports from Easthampton and Northampton of raccoons displaying erratic behavior, such as foaming at the mouth, excessive drooling and approaching people in a confused manner.

Although not yet confirmed, these behaviors are consistent with symptoms of rabies. Rabies is most commonly carried by raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats in Massachusetts.

Health officials recommend that if you or anyone in your household has been bitten or scratched by wildlife, you call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Epidemiology Line at (617) 983-6800 for risk assessment and guidance. If you have a pet that may have come into contact with a raccoon or a suspected rabid animal, please contact Northampton Animal Control Officer [email protected] or call the non-emergency dispatch line at (413) 587-1100. They also gave the following instructions for preventing rabies:

• Avoid Contact with Wildlife: Do not approach or touch raccoons or other animals exhibiting unusual behavior
• children: Teach children to observe wild animals and unfamiliar pets from a safe distance and to avoid approaching them. Remind them that if they see an animal acting strange or unusual, they should report it to an adult.
• pets: Supervise pets closely when outside and make sure their rabies vaccinations are up to date; because this is a critical step in protecting them from this potentially fatal disease.
• Safe Food Sources: Keep trash cans tightly closed and avoid leaving food out.
• Report Sightings: If you see a raccoon or other wildlife acting erratically, please report it. For attractions to see in Northampton, please call Public Safety Dispatch’s non-emergency line at (413) 587-1100. For sightings in Easthampton, call Public Safety Dispatch’s non-emergency line at (413) 527-1212.

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