Rabid Raccoons Found in Bay Shore and Babylon

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is reporting that two additional raccoons found in Suffolk County have tested positive for rabies.

A member of the public found a deceased racoon on their property in Bay Shore earlier this week. An animal control officer from the Islip Animal Shelter responded and the raccoon was submitted for rabies testing. There were no reported human or pet exposures in this incident.

Another member of the public found a raccoon that appeared to be ill outside a Babylon residence on September 9. The individual came into contact with the raccoon, sought medical attention and is in good health. The raccoon was later located by responding Suffolk County Police Department Emergency Service Section officers and transported for testing. There were no additional reported human or pet exposures.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services was notified of the positive results by the Wadsworth Center at the New York State Department of Health on September 11.

These are the 43rd and 44th positive terrestrial rabies confirmations 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