COLRAIN — A raccoon tested positive for rabies at a state laboratory after a Colrain resident reported it being disoriented and non-reactive last week.
According to Kyle P. Dragon, animal control officer with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the rabies was confirmed on Monday. The resident who called Franklin County Regional Animal Control lives in the 300 block of Wilson Hill Road.
There are no known exposures to any people or animals at this time, according to Dragon. Contact Dragon at 413-768-0983 or kdragon@fcso-ma.us if you came in contact with a raccoon or believe you may have in the area of Wilson Hill Road between around Dec. 8 and Dec. 18.
People are urged to ensure their pets are up-to-date with their rabies vaccines. According to Dragon, it is important to never approach wildlife, especially if it is acting in a sickly or aggressive fashion.
If you locate an animal acting in a sickly or aggressive fashion, contact the Shelburne Control Dispatch Center at 413-625-8200. Anyone with general questions can reach out to Franklin County Regional Animal Control at 413-768-0983 or kdragon@fcso-ma.us.