Liv Osby

losby@gannett.com

Spartanburg Police said today that a raccoon shot on the porch of a Sylvan Drive home has tested positive for rabies and are advising residents to make sure their pets are vaccinated.

The incident occurred on Saturday around 10 a.m. when the resident saw a raccoon playing with his cat on the porch, according to a release from the department.

When he went to chase the raccoon off the porch, it turned toward him, making noises and "not acting right," according to police. So he shot the animal twice and called police.

Spartanburg Animal Services removed the raccoon, which tested positive for rabies on Monday, police said.

Rabies is a virus, spread by the saliva of an infected animal, which attacks the central nervous system. It is almost always fatal without treatment.

Police advise residents to make sure their pets are current on their vaccinations and to refrain from leaving food outdoors, which could attract wildlife.

Any animal that may have been exposed to rabies should be taken to a veterinarian and any exposed person should seek medical treatment immediately, police said, adding that anyone who sees an animal acting strangely or looks sick should avoid contact with it and call 911.