Rabid Groundhog Caught in Fair Lawn

Animal Control officers caught a rabid groundhog in Fair Lawn Sunday after a resident reported the animal was acting strangely.  

The resident had previously chased groundhogs out of her yard by splashing them with water, but this one wouldn't flee and ended up scratching the woman's foot, according to Board of Health Director Carol Wagner.  

Officers caught the groundhog in a net and brought it to a vet's office to be tested for rabies, but it died on the way there, Wagner said. They sent it to the state for testing, and the borough received the results Wednesday that the animal had been infected with rabies.  

The woman who was scratched by the groundhog was treated with rabies shots. 

Any residents who do see an animal acting strangely — being aggressive, attacking something that isn't food, having trouble walking — should report it to the Fair Lawn Police Department at (201) 796-1400. Stay away from the animal, but it helps to keep an eye on it from a safe distance until Animal Control officers arrive, Wagner said. 

Anyone who is potentially exposed to rabies by being bitten, scratched or even coming into contact with spray from an animal hissing, should immediately wash the area, seek medical attention and then report it to the Board of Health at (201) 794-5327.

Residents should also avoid letting their pets out if there's a wild animal in their yard and be sure to get rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats.

"We don't want to alarm people, but they should take precautions," Wagner said.

Rabies cases are somewhat unusual in the borough. This was the first reported case since a rabid skunk and groundhog were found two years ago, according to Wagner.