Rabid raccoon bites Clarkstown animal control officer

A raccoon that bit Clarkstown's animal control officer near Maple Avenue in New City has tested positive for rabies.

Pat Coleman, the animal control officer for more than three decades, is being treated with a series of vaccinations. She was bitten on her left leg Tuesday while on duty and has not missed work due to the injury.

Supervisor Alexander Gromack's office said Coleman was being treated; Police Chief Michael Sullivan reported she was doing fine. Coleman works for the police department.

Coleman declined comment Thursday.

A resident told Coleman at 5:40 p.m April 10 that a raccoon was walking through the police station parking lot, Clarkstown Police Officer Peter Walker said Thursday. She blocked the animal with her car and when she left the vehicle, the animal lunged at her and bit her, Walker said.

Coleman got her dog pole with a noose from the car and captured the raccoon, Walker said.

She was treated at Nyack Hospital. The Rockland Health Department tested the raccoon and confirmed it was rabid, he said.

People who are bitten by an animal that could be rabid need to receive a series of shots starting on the day of exposure. The vaccinations are given in a muscle, usually the upper arm, and are effective at preventing rabies, a fatal disease that spreads through the bite or saliva of an infected animal.

Raccoons that are outside during the day are not necessarily rabid, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Signs of a raccoon with rabies include a staggering gait, erratic wandering, a discharge from the mouth or eyes, wet and matted hair on the face, self-mutilation, repeated high-pitched sounds and a seeming disregard for nearby noise or movement.

"Rabies continues to be a serious public health problem in Rockland County," County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Ruppert said in a statement.

Coleman was not the first area victim of a rabid raccoon. A Blauvelt woman was attacked by raccoon in her basement last March.

To report bites or contact with wild animals in Rockland, call the health department at 845-364-2585; after 5 p.m., and on weekends and holidays, call 845-364-8600. In Westchester, call the health department at 914-813-5000. In Putnam, call 845-808-1390 (after hours, press 3).

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Rabies prevention tips:

■ Make sure pet dogs, cats and ferrets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.

■ Don't attract wild animals to your home or yard. Keep your property free of stored bird seed or other foods.

■ Don't feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or cats.

■ Keep family pets indoors at night or unattended

• Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap your chimney with screens.

Free rabies shots for animals

The Rockland County Health Department will be giving free rabies shots to dogs, cats and ferrets from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 26 at the Rockland County Fire Training Center, 35 Firemen's Memorial Drive in Pomona. Information: 845-364-2594.

The Westchester County Health Department will offer a free rabies clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 26 at the Stamen Animal Hospital, 61 Quaker Ridge Road, New Rochelle. Appointments are required in advance: 914-632-1269.