A Georgia man suffered multiple bites while attempting to rescue a wounded raccoon he found on the road, only to later discover the animal was rabid, staff at the Chattahoochee Nature Center say.
The center recounted the unusual incident on social media. According to Atlanta News First, the man wrapped the raccoon in his coat and held it against his chest during an hour-long drive to the facility. After being bitten on his hands and face, he reportedly returned home, secured the raccoon in a blanket with duct tape, and then continued his journey.
“His heart was in the right place,” the center said, “but he put himself and others at risk.” Staff had to intervene to place the raccoon in a kennel as children arrived for a Thanksgiving Break camp. The facility, which is not licensed for raccoon rehabilitation, had its wildlife clinic closed at the time the man arrived, according to WSB.
Atlanta News First reports that CNC staff had to persuade him to go to the hospital for treatment. The raccoon was ultimately euthanized at a veterinary hospital, and two days later, the center learned it had tested positive for rabies.
The Chattahoochee Nature Center emphasized that incidents like this highlight the importance of leaving the care of injured wildlife to licensed professionals.