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Residents urged to report sick or aggressive animals to Polk County Animal Control

SALUDA—Officials are urging caution after a raccoon reportedly attacked a resident on Tuesday, May 27, in the Holbert Cove Road area of Saluda.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded but were unable to locate the animal. In response, officials issued a public alert and notified the Polk County Health and Human Services Agency.

“Because we were unable to locate the raccoon, we encourage the public in the vicinity of the attack to be mindful of their pets, and we remind anyone observing a wild animal or pet displaying symptoms of rabies that they should call Polk County Animal Control,” said animal control officer Patti Lovelace on Wednesday. 

Lovelace reminded the public that rabies is preventable through routine vaccination efforts. 

“In addition to your local veterinarian, Polk County Animal Control hosts routine vaccination clinics for the public and their pets, and we encourage pet owners to take advantage of the opportunity,” she said. 

Rabies symptoms in animals may include lethargy, fever, vomiting, anorexia, difficulty swallowing or breathing, excessive salivation, seizures, aggression, and other unusual behavior.

“Due to the nature and timing of the attack, we would like to remind the public of the importance of not approaching or contacting wildlife that appears sick or are aggressive towards humans,” said Polk County Health and Human Services Agency Director Joshua Kennedy. “Do not try to capture the animal yourself, but instead call animal control. There is always a concern that animals such as raccoons may carry rabies, which can lead to severe health outcomes for both humans and animals.”

To report an animal displaying symptoms of rabies, call Polk County Animal Control at 828-894-3001.