Niagara has confirmed cases of rabies in raccoons, and with the warmer weather on the way animals will become more active.
In 2018, 10 raccoons were found with rabies.
5 in Lincoln, 2 in Wainfleet, and 3 in West Lincoln.
In 2017, 19 raccoons with rabies were discovered.
So even though raccoons may be cute, Niagara Region Public Health wants to remind you not to touch them..
An animal may have rabies if it has increased aggression, depression, or paralysis in the face or hind legs.
To protect yourself against rabies, it is important to have your pets vaccinated, do not feed wildlife or keep them as pets, and do not try to nurse sick animals to health or touch dead animals.
If you have been bitten by an animal that may have rabies, wash the wound using soap and antiseptic under running water for five minutes, and then contact your doctor.