Overview
- The Cherokee County man wrapped an injured raccoon in his coat and held it against his chest for over an hour, during which it bit him on the face and hands.
- Staff at the Chattahoochee Nature Center secured the animal in a kennel and pressed the man to go to a hospital for evaluation after the bites.
- The raccoon was euthanized and tested through Bells Ferry Veterinary Hospital, and results confirmed it was positive for rabies within about 48 hours.
- The man initially withheld his full name and provided a false phone number, delaying contact tracing until a family member later shared accurate information.
- CNC emphasized that its clinic is not licensed to treat raccoons and directed the public to licensed rehabilitators and state resources, noting the severe risks of rabies and other zoonoses.