Two sisters in St. Lucie County were bitten over the weekend by a raccoon at White City Park on West Midway Road. The victims, aged 53 and 54, told investigators that they were walking on the northeast side of the park by the river when they saw the raccoon approaching.
They tried to walk away, but the raccoon kept approaching. The younger woman said that the raccoon began to attack her and her sister tried to fight it off. The Fort Pierce residents wound up with bites in several places. It wasn’t immediately known whether the raccoon was rabid.
Raccoon
The raccoon is a mammal of the family Procyonidae. The raccoon is native to North America and has been introduced to other parts of the world. Raccoons are noted for their intelligence, their opportunistic behavior, and their ability to adapt to new environments.
Raccoons are typically 3-4 feet long, including their tail, and weigh 10-30 pounds. They have black fur on their heads and backs, and white fur on their chests and bellies. Raccoons are excellent climbers, and they often den in trees. They feed on a variety of foods, including insects, small animals, fruits, and vegetables.
Raccoons are considered nuisance animals for a variety of reasons. One reason is that they often carry rabies, which can be deadly to humans and other animals. Raccoons can also spread other diseases, such as leptospirosis, roundworm, and tularemia. They can also damage property by raiding trash cans or digging in gardens. Raccoons are also known for their destructive behavior, such as tearing up roofs or insulation in order to build their nests. In addition, they are notorious for getting into fights with dogs and other raccoons, which can result in serious injuries.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus that is spread by raccoons and other animals. It can be fatal to humans and other animals. The virus attacks the brain and causes inflammation, which can lead to seizures, coma, and death. Rabies is most often spread through the bite of an infected animal. However, it can also be spread through contact with the saliva or blood of an infected animal.
There is no cure for rabies once a person has been infected. However, treatment is available if it is given before symptoms develop. This treatment involves a series of shots that are given over a period of weeks. If a person does not receive treatment, they will almost certainly die.
Rabies is a serious public health threat and all states require people to get vaccinated against the virus. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from rabies. If you are bitten by an animal, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of survival.
What To Do When You Encounter a Raccoon
If you see a raccoon, do not approach it. Raccoons can be dangerous, and they may carry rabies or other diseases. If you must, you should keep your distance and make sure that there is an escape route for the animal. If you have a pet, keep it away from the raccoon. If you must approach the animal, do so with caution and be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from rabies.
Do not try to catch or kill a raccoon. This is illegal in many states and it is also dangerous. If you are able to safely capture a raccoon, you should contact your local animal control or wildlife officials for assistance.
Things To Do When Bitten By Raccoon
If you are bitten by a raccoon, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of survival.
You should also:
- Wash the wound with soap and water.
- Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.
- Elevate the wound above the heart.
- Put ice on the wound to reduce swelling.
- Do not try to catch or kill the animal. This could make the situation worse.
- Call your local animal control agency or police department. They will be able to help you find the animal so it can be tested for rabies.
Conclusion
Raccoons are wild animals, and they can be dangerous. They can carry rabies and other diseases, and they can also damage property. If you see a raccoon, do not approach it. If you must, keep your distance and make sure that there is an escape route for the animal. If you are bitten by a raccoon, seek medical attention immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of survival.
Professional Wildlife Removal Services
If you need help with a raccoon problem, contact a professional wildlife removal service. These raccoon removal services are trained and experienced in dealing with raccoons and other wildlife. They will be able to safely and effectively remove the animals from your property.
At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we are a professional wildlife removal service that provides raccoon removal and other services to homeowners and businesses in the St. Lucie County area. We are licensed and insured, and we have 20 years of experience and equipment to safely and effectively remove raccoons from your property.
If you need help with a raccoon problem, contact AAAC Wildlife Removal today. We will be happy to help you solve your raccoon problem in an efficient manner.
the news originally from: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2010-06-09-fl-raccoon-attack-20100609-story.html
