In 1994, there were 37 confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons in Monroe County. That number is expected to increase, or at the very least remain constant in 1995. The best way to prevent exposure to rabies is to avoid direct and indirect contact with all wild animals, especially raccoons. Raccoons are nocturnal, so seeing one during the day could be suspicious, however, it is not a telltale sign by itself . Home owners with chimneys should, make sure they are properly capped or screened.
Raccoons can easily climb onto roofs and love to build nests in chimneys.
If at home, call your local animal control unit, or if there isn't one, call 911. In the city of Rochester, call 911 to have Rochester Animal Control respond. The aggressive behavior of some infected raccoons will sometimes prompt it to attack humans, but more often it will end up tangling with a pet, usually a dog. That is why it is critical for pets to receive the rabies vaccine. Most people, however, use their private veterinarian.