A person was injured by a raccoon in a Pocatello neighborhood this week, Idaho Fish and Game confirmed in a news release. I read the agency’s statement, which said the incident happened in the area of South Fourth Avenue and West Carson Street, and the raccoon was captured and is being tested for rabies.
The release did not name the individual or describe the extent of the injuries, but it noted that the person is receiving post-exposure treatment. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, so prompt treatment after a bite or scratch is critical. Idaho Fish and Game advises anyone who encounters a raccoon acting strangely, staggering, appearing disoriented, or active during the day, to stay away and report it.
What this means for Idaho homeowners
Raccoons are common in Pocatello, and they can carry rabies, distemper, and other diseases. If you see a raccoon in your yard that seems sick or unafraid of people, do not approach it. The agency recommends keeping pets vaccinated against rabies and securing trash cans, pet food, and birdseed, which attract raccoons.
For homeowners dealing with a raccoon inside a shed or under a deck, the steps to safely remove a snake from your garden shed offer a similar approach: identify the animal, open an exit, and give it a way out. If the raccoon is trapped in a living space, contact Idaho Fish and Game or a licensed wildlife relocator. Do not attempt to handle the animal yourself.
The primary source for this story is the Idaho Fish and Game news release.
The notice is published by Idaho Fish and Game news at idfg.idaho.gov.
