POUGHKEEPSIE – A dog killed a rabid raccoon in the area of South Cherry and Forbus streets in Poughkeepsie last week and police are warning residents to be careful around such wild animals.

There was a report that several smaller raccoons were with the animal and may still be alive.

 Although there are instances throughout the county in which animals have been confirmed to carry rabies, with this recent event, the public is encouraged to notify the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department any time they observe a raccoon or other animal within the city that exhibits peculiar or unexpected behavior which could be consistent with rabies.

The Police Department can be contacted at (845) 451-4000. Any questions of a non-emergency nature concerning rabies or related to animals can be asked by calling the Animal Control Officer at (845) 451-4139.