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Health officials in Pasco County are warning people of the possibility of rabid raccoons in the area.

Pasco County Animal Control says it has been responding to an increased number of sick raccoons since November.

Animal control officers responded to six separate reports on Wednesday, January 24 and euthanized four of the raccoons, but two of them escaped, officials said.

The raccoons were in highly populated areas on the west side of Pasco County.

Pet owners are urged to keep their pets up to date with their rabies and distemper vaccines.

Anyone with concerns about animals in the area or to report an animal bite or scratch, contact Pasco County Animal Services at 727-834-3216.

