HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- A raccoon who chased a person and grabbed them by the shoe in a Henrico County neighborhood Thursday has tested positive for rabies.
Animal control officers were called to the 3000 block of Silverbush Court in the Brookland District for a report of an "aggressive raccoon."
"Officers discovered that a resident had been chased by a raccoon as they exited their home to walk to their car," Lt. M. C. Pecka with Henrico Police said. "The resident was able to escape from the animal after it had initially grabbed them by the shoe."
The raccoon, whose remains were sent to the state lab, tested positive for rabies.
Pecka said the victim was alerted about the rest results and is in contact with the health department.
Officials said no other human or animal exposures were reported.
This is the county's fifth confirmed rabies case of 2020.
Authorities urged pet owners to keep their animals' rabies vaccinations up-to-date "to ensure the safety of their pets and our community."
Rabies vaccinations offered for dogs, cats Saturday, Oct. 17
Henrico County Police will provide rabies vaccines for dogs and cats from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 17.
“This is an opportune time to check on your pets vaccines to make sure they are up to date,” Pecka said.
Each vaccine is $10 and must be paid in cash, according to the department.
"Pet owners must register and pay at the cashier’s office in the Administration Building before seeing a veterinarian on the first level of the parking deck," officials said. "Afterwards, you will receive a tag and certificate of inoculation."
Officials said residents from all localities are welcome, but all who attend must wear a protective face mask and maintain social distancing because of COVID-19.
For info about the event, call the Animal Protection Unit at 804-727-8801.
Additionally, report abnormal wildlife behavior and any possible rabies exposures to the Henrico Police NonEmergency Communications Center at 804-501-5000.
