Rabid raccoon found at Smithfield Beach in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL RECREATION AREA — A raccoon that was reported acting strangely last week at Smithfield Beach’s commercial launch has tested positive for rabies, park officials announced.
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of infected mammals. Any mammal — including humans — can contract rabies, and without prompt medical treatment, the disease is fatal.
While rabies is not the only reason an animal might act erratically, park officials urge visitors to assume the possibility when encountering wildlife behaving unusually.
“Visitors should avoid contact with wildlife by keeping their distance, leashing pets at all times, and staying on marked trails,” officials said. Animals may act aggressively due to illness, injury, or protective instincts, even if rabies is not present.
Anyone who sees sick or dead wildlife in the park should not approach or touch it. Instead, call the park’s 24-hour non-emergency communications line at (570) 426-2457 to report the location. Visitors should also contact park dispatch immediately if they have had contact — or possible contact — with wildlife, as treatment may be required.
The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is working with the National Park Service’s Office of Public Health and Wildlife Health Branch to protect visitors and wildlife by testing sick or dead animals and notifying the public when rabies is detected.
More information on rabies is available at the National Park Service website and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. For wildlife safety tips, visit nps.gov/dewa/planyourvisit/wildlife-safety.htm.
