If the animal is found to be rabid, the person bitten will have to undergo a series of injections to avoid disease. The public should be aware to never approach a raccoon, skunk, fox, or bat exhibiting unusual behavior. For example, raccoons are active usually at night and tend to shy away from people. If a raccoon is spotted in daylight and seems overly friendly or aggressive, the animal should be reported to animal control for possible capture. In North Carolina, if a pet does not have a current rabies shot and is exposed to a rabid animal, the pet must be euthanized or quarantined for six months at the owners expense.
State law requires that all dogs and cats over four months of age receive rabies shots.
To avoid losing a pet that may have been exposed to rabies, the public is urged to have their pets vaccinated. Teach your children about rabies.