Virginia Raccoon & Rabies Information
Raccoons and Rabies in Virginia: What Homeowners Should Know
Rabies is a serious viral disease that can affect mammals, including raccoons. Virginia health officials continue to identify rabid wildlife, which is why unusual animal behavior, bites, scratches and possible saliva exposure should be taken seriously.
This article explains what Virginia homeowners should do if they encounter a sick, injured or unusually behaving raccoon, how to reduce exposure risk, and when to contact animal control, a healthcare provider or the local health department.
Recognizing a possible problem
When a Raccoon Encounter Needs Extra Caution
Rabies cannot be diagnosed by appearance alone. Still, certain situations warrant immediate caution and contact with local authorities.
Unusual behavior
A wild raccoon that is unusually aggressive, unusually tame, disoriented or behaving abnormally should not be approached or handled.
Bite, scratch or saliva exposure
A bite, scratch, or contact with saliva through an open wound or the eyes, nose or mouth can represent a rabies exposure and should be evaluated promptly.
Pet contact with wildlife
If a dog, cat or other pet has direct contact with a raccoon or other wild animal, report the incident and contact your veterinarian or local health/animal-control authority for guidance.
If exposure may have occurred
What Virginia Health Officials Recommend
If you are bitten or scratched by a wild or stray animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and contact animal control, your healthcare provider or your local health department for further recommendations.
If a pet has been exposed, report the contact and make sure the pet’s rabies vaccination status is current.
Why Vaccination and Distance Matter
Virginia public-health guidance emphasizes keeping pets current on rabies vaccination, avoiding contact with wild animals, and not feeding wildlife or leaving pet food outside where it may attract animals.
Wild animals should be enjoyed from a distance—even when they appear calm or unusually friendly.
Reducing risk around the home
Simple Ways to Reduce Raccoon Encounters
Secure food sources
Keep trash containers secured and avoid leaving pet food outdoors where it can attract raccoons and other wildlife.
Limit structural access
Screen chimneys where appropriate and repair openings around attics, soffits, porches and other areas that may provide access to wildlife.
Avoid direct handling
Do not attempt to pick up, relocate or personally handle sick, injured, dead or unusually behaving wildlife.
Raccoons in structures
What if the Raccoon Is in an Attic, Chimney or Crawl Space?
A structural raccoon problem is different from a public-health exposure. If the animal is inside a building but no bite, scratch or saliva exposure has occurred, the next step is usually a wildlife inspection to identify the entry point, determine whether young may be present and plan removal and exclusion.
A note about the original Henrico incident
Why the Original Post Still Matters
This page originally reported a Henrico raccoon that tested positive for rabies after contact with a dog. The specific event is historical, but the broader lesson remains current: raccoons can test positive for rabies in Virginia, and possible exposures should be reported and evaluated promptly.
Who Should You Contact?
For a possible rabies exposure, contact local animal control, your healthcare provider or your local health department. For a raccoon inside an attic, chimney, crawl space or other part of a building, contact a wildlife professional for inspection and removal guidance.
Do not rely on a wildlife-removal company to evaluate a medical exposure or determine whether post-exposure treatment is needed.
Rabies and raccoon questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell whether a raccoon has rabies by looking at it?
No. Abnormal behavior can be a warning sign, but laboratory testing is used to confirm rabies.
What should I do after a bite or scratch?
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and promptly contact animal control, your healthcare provider or the local health department for guidance.
Should I handle a dead raccoon?
No. Avoid direct contact and contact the appropriate local authority for instructions.
Where can I get help with a raccoon in my home?
For structural raccoon problems, review our Virginia Raccoon Removal & Control page or contact us.
Raccoon in Your Home or Building?
For structural raccoon problems without a known exposure, call to discuss the property and the appropriate wildlife-removal next step.