Princeton student among 2 likely attacked by rabid raccoon

Princeton, NJ (1010 Win/WCBS 880) – A rabid raccoon is believed to be behind attacks on a Princeton University student and a nearby resident over a 12-hour period Monday and Tuesday, city officials said as they searched for the creature that was chirping and showing “no fear.”

The spate of wild attacks began just before 8:45 p.m. Monday on the Princeton University campus, where a student was attacked by a raccoon near Dillon Gymnasium.

The student received post-exposure treatment, without which rabies is usually fatal.

According to officials, the raccoon was displaying behaviors often associated with rabies, including chirping, unprovoked aggression and a “lack of fear” of humans.

A few hours after the first attack, and less than a mile away, a Hibben Road resident encountered a raccoon sitting on a doormat at 6 a.m. Tuesday. Officials said the animal chased them, but they managed to escape unharmed.

This person reported the same strange behavior in a raccoon.

A Princeton animal control officer is working with the university to locate and capture the raccoon or raccoons in question, officials said.

Rabies is spread from the bite of a rabid animal or when the animal’s saliva comes into contact with a person’s mouth, eyes, or open sore. Symptoms in animals include stupor, restlessness, and aggression.

Princeton Police asked anyone who sees a wild animal acting strange or aggressive to call the police station at (609) 921-2100. Questions regarding suspected exposure to pets should go to Animal Control at (609) 924-2728, which can be reached weekdays.