Maine’s Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory confirmed that a raccoon from the Ray Whitney Road vicinity in Bridgton tested positive for rabies. 

Rabies is common in wild animals in Maine. Make sure to never touch an animal that is wild or unknown to you. You should also make sure your animals are up to date on rabies vaccine. For more information on rabies, please visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/rabiesor call the Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821. 

What are signs and symptoms of rabies? Early signs of rabies in people may include fever or headache, but this changes quickly to nervous system signs, such as unclear thinking, sleepiness, or worry. Once someone with rabies starts showing signs, they usually die. This is why it is very important to talk to a healthcare provider right away if you are bitten by any animal, especially a wild animal. 

Animals with rabies usually act strangely once the virus gets to their brain, but signs may vary. Some animals may seem shy and fearful while others become mean. Some rabid animals stumble as though drunk, seem lame, or seem very friendly. You cannot tell by looking at an animal if it has rabies, so avoid contact with all wild animals — especially bats, skunks, foxes, and raccoons — and any animal that you don’t know.

Which animals can get rabies? All mammals, or animals with fur that produce milk, can get rabies. Some animals are more likely to get rabies, including raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats. Rabies is very rare among small rodents like squirrels, rats, mice, and chipmunks. Rabies is rare in vaccinated pets and farm animals. It is important to make sure that all pets and farm animals stay up to date with their rabies shots to keep them from getting rabies and spreading it to their owners and other animals.

What should you do if you or your pet were exposed? If you or your pet had contact with a wild animal or animal that you don’t know, follow the steps below to prevent rabies:

• Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. 

• Call your healthcare provider. He/she will help you decide if you need to be treated for rabies. Maine CDC can help assess rabies exposures and recommend control measures.

• Contact your town’s Animal Control Officer (ACO) if the attacking animal is domestic, like a dog or cat. Reach the ACO by calling the town office or local/state police. 

• Contact your local Game Warden if the attacking animal is wild, like a raccoon or skunk. Reach the Game Warden by calling the State Police.