Ridgewood officials searching for raccoon after two people bitten
Police say a 7-year-old child and an adult were bitten Saturday evening near Maple Field and the community garden. Both received medical treatment.
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Animal control officials are searching for a raccoon that bit two people over the weekend in Ridgewood.
Police say a 7-year-old child and an adult were bitten Saturday evening near Maple Field and the community garden. Both received medical treatment.
The incident has raised concerns among residents, who say the incident is unusual.
"It's scary, because that's unusual, and of course it suggests that it's possibly rabid, so it's very dangerous," Anne Wheaton said. "If it's out in the daytime and attacking people. I don't know if it was provoked, but it's unusual, and it's, you know, it's definitely cause for a lot of concern."
On Monday afternoon, a resident reported seeing a sick-looking raccoon on Meadowbrook Avenue. Officials have not confirmed whether it is the same animal involved in the attacks.
Authorities are urging residents to use caution around wildlife while the search continues.
Police recommend that residents:
Do not approach or feed wild animals.
Avoid wildlife that appears aggressive, unusually tame, disoriented, injured or sick.
Keep children supervised and pets on a leash when outdoors.
Seek medical attention immediately and notify police if bitten or scratched by a wild animal.
Residents say they are hopeful animal control officers will locate the raccoon soon.
"I have confidence that they will be able to track it down," said Gloria Holmes.
Officials continue to investigate and are asking anyone who sees a raccoon matching the description to contact Ridgewood police.
RELATED: Ridgewood police warn residents after reported raccoon attack
