Woman takes raccoon to pet store for nail trim, raccoon euthanized and tested for rabies.

Woman Brings Raccoon to Pet Store for a Nail Trim, But Now It’s Been Euthanized and Tested for Rabies

A raccoon in Maine was euthanized and tested for rabies after a woman brought it into a pet store for a nail trim and some customers kissed it, state wildlife authorities said.

Yes, you read that right. A woman brought a raccoon into a pet store for a nail trim. And not only did she put herself at risk, but she also put other customers in danger by allowing them to kiss the wild animal.

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, raccoons are one of the most common carriers of rabies in the state. And while this particular raccoon tested negative for the disease, bringing a wild animal into a pet store is an unnecessary risk to public health.

Leave Wildlife Alone

Wildlife are best left alone, according to Mark Latti, a spokesman for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. Animal control authorities can be notified if the animals appear to be in distress, but otherwise, it’s best to keep your distance.

“When they lose their fear of people they are more likely to become a nuisance or be run over by a vehicle,” Latti said.

Take Precautions

If you did come into contact with the raccoon at the Auburn pet store, the wildlife department recommends contacting your healthcare provider as a precaution. Raccoons are capable of transferring other diseases to humans and other animals as well.

Remember, rabies is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms appear, so it’s important to seek treatment immediately if you suspect you may have been exposed.

Let’s all do our part to keep ourselves and our furry friends safe.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.