Rabid raccoon confirmed near Chestnut Street in Whiteford

A raccoon found near the 1600 block of Chestnut Street in Whiteford tested positive for rabies, the Harford County Health Department said Tuesday. The department said it received confirmation from the Maryland Department of Health.

What’s Happening: The health department said the raccoon may have exposed people and pets in the surrounding area. The department said seeing a raccoon is not, by itself, a reason to be alarmed.

What’s Important: Anyone who had contact, or whose pets had contact, with a raccoon in that area should call the Harford County Health Department at 410-877-2300 for follow-up.

What We Know: The health department urged residents to keep pets leashed and watched, keep cats, dogs, and ferrets up to date on rabies vaccinations, cover trash cans and avoid leaving pet food outside, avoid feeding, petting, or interacting with wildlife, and call Harford County Animal Control at 410-638-3505 if they see a stray animal showing abnormal behavior, including excessive affection, aggression, lethargy, or disorientation.