By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
September 2, 2026
Residents in Bladen County need to keep an eye out after health officials confirmed that a raccoon found dead near U.S. 701 North and Willard Tatum Road has tested positive for rabies.
The animal was picked up by Animal Control officers after a local landowner found it, and laboratory tests confirmed the rabies virus on September 1, 2026. Because rabies spreads through bites or when infected saliva gets into open wounds or mucous membranes, anyone who might have had contact with this specific raccoon in late August should reach out to a doctor or the health department right away. While rabies is a deadly disease, it can be completely prevented if you get treatment quickly.
Local officials want to remind everyone of a few key safety steps:
Check pet vaccines: North Carolina law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to stay up to date on their rabies shots and wear their tags.
Know the rules for exposed pets: If an up-to-date pet gets exposed, they just need a booster shot, but unvaccinated pets face a four-month quarantine or euthanasia under state law.
Give wildlife space: Raccoons and other wild animals are the main carriers of rabies in the state, so always call Animal Control if you see wildlife acting a little ugly.
If you have any questions or need a risk assessment, you can call the Bladen County Health Department at 910.862.6900 or Bladen County Animal Control at 910.862.6918
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This report was generated with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by editorial staff.
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