Lincoln County Animal Services has confirmed the county’s fourth rabies case of 2025. On Tuesday, June 17th, a resident from Springs East Rd, Lincolnton, called Animal Services regarding a raccoon that was exhibiting signs of sickness and aggression.
The raccoon was dispatched and submitted to the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health for rabies testing. There was no known exposure to pets or humans. On Thursday, June 19th, Lincoln County Animal Services received confirmation of a positive rabies test for the raccoon. We recommend all pet owners to ensure their indoor and outdoor animals are kept current on their rabies vaccine and take advantage of vaccination opportunities through Lincoln County Animal Services and low-cost clinics sponsored by Helping Animals to Survive (HATS). Lincoln County residents may schedule an appointment with Lincoln County Animal Services to receive a 1-year rabies vaccination for $7 per pet. To keep yourself safe, don’t approach or handle wildlife. Signs of rabies in wild animals can include abnormal amounts of aggression or friendliness, disorientation, wobbliness, circling, and excessive salivation. If you see or encounter a wild animal that may be sick, or is exhibiting signs of abnormal behavior, call Animal Services at (704) 736-4125 to report it.
Resources for rabies vaccination:
Lincoln County Animal Services: https://www.lincolncountync.gov/702/Animal-Services
Helping Animals To Survive (HATS): https://www.hatsalive.org/calendar-2/