Two separate cases of rabies have been confirmed in Moore County, prompting authorities to remind residents to use caution around wildlife.
Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields said testing confirmed Monday, Sept. 29, that a raccoon found in the Vass area and a bat found in the Whispering Pines area were both positive for rabies.
The two cases are separate and occurred in different areas of the county.
Fields is urging residents, particularly those in the Vass and Whispering Pines areas, to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their pets.
Residents should not approach or handle wildlife that appears sick, injured, unusually aggressive, disoriented or is otherwise behaving abnormally.
Pet owners are also encouraged to make sure their animals are current on rabies vaccinations and to prevent pets from coming into contact with wildlife.
Anyone who sees an animal displaying suspicious or abnormal behavior should 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.
