Rabid Raccoon In Granby, Police Issue Alert

GRANBY, CT — A raccoon found acting sick in a neighborhood on the southern end of Granby has tested positive for rabies, according to the Granby Police Department.

Police said officers received a call Monday, March 9, about a raccoon in the Fawn Drive area that appeared to be sick. The animal was put down and sent for testing. The raccoon later tested positive, police said in a public service announcement.

Officials said the case occurred on the southern end of town and was shared to make residents aware and encourage caution around wildlife.

Police also emphasized that seeing a raccoon during the daytime is not unusual and does not automatically mean the animal is sick. However, residents should avoid approaching wildlife that appears injured, sick, or is acting abnormally.

Anyone who observes a raccoon or other wildlife behaving strangely is asked to contact the Granby Police Department’s routine line at 860-844-5335 so officers or animal control can check on the animal.

Officials noted that the Granby case occurred on the southern end of town and said it does not pose a threat to Southwick residents. Southwick has already seen “a case or two of rabid raccoons this past winter,” warning that additional cases in the region would not be unusual as warmer weather arrives.

Officials in both communities reminded residents to ensure their pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations and to report wildlife that appears to be acting abnormally.