A raccoon found in Chapel Hill tested positive for rabies last week at the State Laboratory of Public Health.

The raccoon was submitted after a resident in the vicinity of Orange Grove Road and Hwy. 54 saw the raccoon staggering in his yard twice in one day, brought his three dogs inside and shot the raccoon.

The dogs were vaccinated against rabies and received rabies booster shots in accordance with state law. Animals exposed to rabies who have not been vaccinated must either be destroyed or quarantined for six months.

So far this year, Orange County Animal Services has received 17 positive rabies tests. If any possible exposure to a bat, raccoon or fox is suspected, call Animal Control at 245-2075 or call 911.