Moore County residents are being urged to use caution around wildlife after a raccoon in the Pinehurst area tested positive for rabies.
According to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, an Animal Services deputy responded to a home on Magnolia Avenue on Aug. 31 at the request of the Pinehurst Police Department.
The deputy was told that the homeowner’s dog had been bitten by a raccoon that was displaying suspicious behavior consistent with possible rabies.
Animal Services captured the raccoon and transported it to Raleigh for testing. The Sheriff’s Office said the results confirmed the raccoon was positive for rabies.
Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields is urging residents, particularly those in the Pinehurst area, to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their pets.
Residents should avoid approaching wildlife that appears sick or injured or is acting unusually aggressive, disoriented or otherwise displaying abnormal behavior.
Pet owners are also encouraged to make sure their animals are current on their rabies vaccinations.
Anyone who sees an animal displaying suspicious behavior in the Pinehurst area can contact Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services at 910-947-2858.
A Moore County native who has spent more than 20 years telling stories across North Carolina and beyond. He’s worked with CNN, WRAL, and CBS 17, and now serves as a Video Journalist for ABC11. Patrick has a passion for breaking news and has earned multiple awards for his coverage. He’s also a certified NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter and was among the first news videographers in the state to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.
