Rabid Raccoons Turn Up In North Smithfield And Pawtucket

Rabid raccoons turned up in the towns of Smithfield and Pawtucket in recent weeks, the state revealed.

The North Smithfield raccoon was found in the area of Black Plain Road and the two raccoons in Pawtucket were located "in close proximity to each other on Wilcox Avenue and Blaisdell Avenue," the Rhode Island Department of Health said in a media release.

"There were no known human exposures to the raccoons in Pawtucket," the release said. "Two people, along with a dog, are being treated for potential exposure to the raccoon in North Smithfield."

Rhode Island has been plagued by an inordinately high number of rabid animals this year, according to the health department.

"To date in 2026, 46 rabid animals have been identified in Rhode Island," the release said. "This exceeds the average annual number (25) of rabid animals reported between 2021 and 2025."

The health department said Rhode Island's rabid animals were 25 raccoons, 14 bats, four and four skunks, a cat, a coyote and a woodchuck.

Prior to the two people treated for rabies in Pawtucket, 47 others had been "exposed to these rabid animals and received treatment in Rhode Island," according to the department of health.

Rabies is nearly always fatal after symptoms begin. It is preventable, however, when treatment is given promptly and correctly after an exposure.

Anyone bitten or scratched by wildlife or an animal acting strangely should immediately wash the wound with soap and water, or water alone, for 15 minutes.

The CDC recommends promptly contacting a medical provider or public health official for an assessment. The type of animal, its behavior, whether it can be tested or observed, and the nature of the contact all help determine whether treatment is needed.

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