Rabies In Forest Hills Wildlife

I saw a raccoon dart across Albemarle Street in the middle of the day and my thoughts immediately turned to rabies. Even though this is not unusual behavior for raccoons, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the wildlife you encounter. Julia Kampelman Stevenson emailed be about some rabid wildlife found in Forest Hills. She has some good advice for us. – Marlene Berlin

Simply to remind everyone, unfortunately, that rabies continues to be a concern in this area. I want to report that two animals found in our immediate area were tested positive for rabies. In late March/early April, a one-and-a-half-year-old male raccoon was picked up by DC Animal Control in the alley behind the 2900 block of Albemarle Street. And a one-and-a-half-year-old male red fox was picked up at the 4800 block of Van Ness Street.

This is a message of caution, suggesting that people should be sensitive to displays of abnormal behavior in animals that you encounter. We live surrounded by a great deal of wildlife, of which the vast majority are reasonably healthy and merely seeking to coexist with us in the city. But rabies is a miserable disease, and should you spot an animal who appears to be in physical distress, it would be a humane act as well as a prudent one to call DC Animal Care and Control at 202-576-6664. They are open 24/7.

I think it worthwhile to note that the Washington Humane Society is responsible for DC Animal Care and Control, so when you call the number above, you are contacting the Washington Humane Society’s Animal Care and Control Field Services Division.

For more information on rabies and what to do when you spot a suspiciously-behaving animal, download this brochure from DC’s Department of Health Animal Services Program.