Rabid Raccoon Found in Kings Park

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is reporting that a raccoon found in Kings Park has tested positive for rabies.

A raccoon that appeared to be ill was found at Sunken Meadow State Park by a park employee on September 11. The raccoon died a short time later. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services Public Health Protection Bureau collected the raccoon and submitted it for testing to the Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health.

There were no reported human or pet exposures.

This is the 26^th positive terrestrial rabies confirmation in 2026 and the 45^th since February 7, 2025.

Rabies, a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system, is most often seen among wild animals such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, but any mammal can be infected with rabies. Residents are reminded not to touch, or transport, wild animals.

Anyone who sees an abnormally acting raccoon is asked to call the Suffolk County Police Department non-emergency number at 631-852-COPS or the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at 631-444-0250.

For more information on rabies and prevention, visit https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Health-Services/Diseases-and-Illness/Report-Animal-Bites