Rabid raccoon found in Pittsburgh's Frick Park

A raccoon found in Pittsburgh’s Frick Park has tested positive for rabies, county officials saiThursday.

Allegheny County Health Department officials said the raccoon was discovered along the Iron Gate Trail in Frick Park, which is in the city’s Squirrel Hill South neighborhood.

This is the eighth rabid animal reported in Allegheny County in 2019 including six raccoons, one bat and one cat.

Residents should always avoid wild and stray animals to avoid exposure to rabies. Pets should always be up-to-date with vaccinations.

Residents should notify their local animal control service, the police or the Pennsylvania Game Commission immediately if they notice an animal acting strange or threatening.

Officials said rabies exposures due to a bite or scratch are almost always fatal when left untreated.

Anyone who is bitten, scratched or exposed to saliva from an animal that may be infected should immediately clean the area with soap and water, seek emergency medical treatment and call the Allegheny County Health Department 412-687-2243 to report the incident.