Massachusetts Towns Alert Residents to Rabid Raccoon Threat

Authorities in Northampton and Easthampton, Massachusetts, are warning residents about raccoons exhibiting erratic behavior, potentially indicating rabies. Symptoms such as frothing at the mouth and disorientation have been reported, though rabies has not been confirmed. Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal to humans if untreated, but timely vaccination can prevent death. Residents are advised to avoid wildlife showing unusual behavior, supervise children and pets, and ensure pets' vaccinations are current. Sightings should be reported to local public safety dispatch lines.