UPPER ST. CLAIR, Pa. — Upper St. Clair residents have seen some strange behavior from raccoons recently.
“It was in a fight with a dog,” said Kim Tilghman.
“It stayed in kind of a hunched position all day and wasn't affected by anybody walking by,” said Kim Cantalamessa, who saw another animal exhibiting odd behavior.
That behavior made some worried enough that they hurried their kids inside. Turns out, they have reason to be concerned.
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The Allegheny County Health Department confirmed a raccoon, found near Murdstone Road and Salem Drive and brought to one of its facilities, tested positive for rabies.
“We had a feeling that something was wrong,” said Cantalamessa.
According to the Humane Society, some symptoms of a rabid raccoon include a staggering gait, an animal seeming oblivious to noise or nearby movement, erratic wandering and discharge from its eyes or mouth.
If you see an animal acting strangely, you are advised to contact Animal Control.
The health department is now urging residents to be on the lookout and to stay away from stray animals, even if they appear healthy.
If you are bitten or scratched by an infected animal, clean the wound with soap and water and seek medical treatment. Rabies exposure can sometimes lead to death if left untreated.
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