Updated (5:30 p.m.): The raccoon has not yet been located or captured, Rockville City Police Department Spokesperson Andrea Escher told MyMCM in an email.
There remains a high concern that the raccoon is rabid because it bit a child and dog in two separate locations, she said. There were some reported raccoon sightings Tuesday, however neither animal control officers nor police officers have located it.
The child who was bitten was treated at the Shady Grove Hospital and received necessary vaccinations as a precaution, Escher said. The dog is under quarantine for observation.
Escher emphasized that if you see a raccoon, or any animal, acting strangely, you should call the police.
“We ask the community to remain alert, if they see a raccoon or any animal acting strangely or aggressively, they need to contact police as soon as possible by either calling 911 or 240-314-8900. If a person encounters the animal, they need to try and keep a distance away from it, put a barrier or object between the animal and themselves and try and leave the area as soon as possible. If they are scratched or bitten, they need to seek medical attention immediately and contact us.”
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Original (1:15 p.m.): A raccoon attacked a dog and child in separate incidents in Rockville on Monday, the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) said.
A dog was bitten near College Gardens Park on College Parkway Monday morning, and then a child was bitten in Kinship Park on N. Washington Street around 11 a.m., police said.
As of Tuesday morning, RCPD said the “Rockville raccoon” is still at large. Police are asking residents to be on the lookout for a raccoon acting strangely or aggressively. If you see it, police say to put distance or an object between you and the raccoon, leave and call 911. If you are bitten, get medical attention immediately.
“Help us catch this little troublemaker!!” Rockville Police wrote on twitter.
The Rockville raccoon is still at large! Be sure to keep an eye out for a raccoon acting strangely/aggressively. Put distance/object between you & animal, leave the area, call 911 to report any sightings. Get medical attention ASAP if bit. Help us catch this little troublemaker!! pic.twitter.com/p83LkmoYcA
— Rockville City Police Department (@RockvilleCityPD) May 11, 2021
A dog was attacked & bitten Monday morning near College Gardens Park, 615 College Parkway. Later in the morning, around 11 a.m., a child was bitten in Kinship Park, 254 N. Washington Street. Officers from RCPD are actively searching for the raccoon.
— Rockville City Police Department (@RockvilleCityPD) May 10, 2021