STEELTON, Pa. — Steelton Borough Police issued a warning to residents this week after dealing with "multiple incidents involving possible rabid raccoons" in the Dauphin County borough.
"Raccoons are primarily nocturnal creatures, so if you encounter a raccoon during the daytime, please report it by calling Dauphin County non-emergency dispatch at (717) 558-6900," the police department said.
Steelton Police will then contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission for assistance, according to the department.
Police did not share any additional details of their encounters with the animals.
According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, rabies is caused by a virus that can affect the central nervous system of any mammal. The virus is usually transmitted in saliva via the bite of an infected animal. The illness is a great public health concern because it can be transmitted to humans by the bite of infected animals and is nearly 100% fatal without post exposure treatment.
Earlier the month, a raccoon attacked two guests while they waited in line to ride a roller coaster at Hersheypark.
