Orange County Reports Positive Rabies Test After Person Bitten By Raccoon

Orange County Animal Services has reported a positive rabies test on a raccoon which was taken in for testing last week. According to OCAS, the raccoon bit a person after the person tried to “relocate” the animal. The incident occurred Dec. 26 near Pearson Road in Hurdle Mills in northern Orange County.

The department reminded residents that while it is not unusual to see wild animals active during daylight hours, it is important to note how that animal is acting and to keep one’s distance from all wild animals when possible. The rabies virus can be transmitted through secondary saliva exposure, so handling a rabid or exposed animal without gloves could be very harmful. Officials urge people to keep visual contact with the animal, call Animal Control at 919-942-7387 or 911, and safely remain in the area until an officer arrives.

OCAS also reminded pet owners that North Carolina law requires dogs, cats and ferrets older than four months to have current and valid rabies vaccination at all times. The department offers low-cost rabies vaccination clinics to the community several times each year, where pets can get one-year and three-year vaccinations — with the first such events in 2026 coming up on Feb. 21 in Chapel Hill. Visit the Orange County Animal Services department’s webpage to learn more.

Last week’s incident was the third case of rabies reported by Orange County Animal Services in 2025. The previous two both also involved raccoons, though the most recent case occurred in February.

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