Authorities on Wednesday confirmed that a raccoon that bit a dog on Monday in Moore County tested positive for rabies.
According to the Moore County Sheriff's Office, animal services responded to a home on Magnolia Avenue at the Pinehurst Police Department's request. When they arrived, a deputy was advised that the homeowner's dog had been bitten by a raccoon showing rabies-like symptoms.
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Animal services captured the raccoon and took it to Raleigh for testing. On Wednesday, the sheriff's office confirmed the raccoon had rabies.
Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields asked residents to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect their pets, adding that they should avoid approaching wildlife that appears sick, injured, unusually aggressive, disoriented or otherwise exhibits abnormal behavior. Fields also asked residents to confirm their pets' rabies vaccinations are up to date.
The sheriff's office asked anyone who has seen an animal showing suspicious behavior in the Pinehurst area to call animal services at 910-947-2858.