STEELTON, Pa. (WHTM) – Police in Dauphin County are investigating reports of possible rabid raccoons.

Steelton Borough Police say they’ve received multiple reports regarding the raccoons.

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Police say if you see a raccoon during the daytime, call the Dauphin County non-emergency dispatch at 717-558-6900. Steelton Police will then contact the Game Commission for assistance.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, there were 60 cases of rabies statewide in March. One of those cases was a raccoon in Dauphin County.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission says raccoons are often found near water, on ridges, and in suburban areas. Some can be found in cities among the storm drains and attics. They also say raccoon litters are typically born in March and April with litter sizes of three to five.

Because raccoons – as well as skunks, bats, groundhogs, foxes and coyotes – are rabies vector species, the Game Commission says they should not be relocated due to the chance of being scratched or bit.

Signs of a “furious form of rabies” include:

• Aggression

• Loss of fear

• Daytime activity by a nocturnal species

• Attraction to noise and human activity

• Excessive vocalization

• Dilated pupils

• Difficulty swallowing

• Loss of appetite

• Restlessness

• Biting at objects or other animals

• May or may not drool

The paralytic form of rabies may include symptoms such as:

• Decreased activity

• Poor coordination

• Hind limb weakness

• Acting “dull”

• Cats may meow excessively

As the disease progresses, an animal affected by paralytic rabies may:

• Drop its lower jaw

• Drool

• Be unable to swallow

• Become paralyzed

• Die

Any wildlife that bites or scratches a person should be tested for rabies. If you are bit or scratched by an animal, the Game Commission says you should immediately wash the area with soap and water.

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