By Mariel S. Clark
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Rabid raccoons have been increasingly infesting Central Park with eight of the mad animals found there in the past two weeks, according to the Department of Health.
The eight cases, along with 12 reported in 2009, are a dramatic increase over years past, when only a single rabid raccoon was reported from 2003 to 2008.
A sign near the West 86th Street entrance to Central Park warns of the risk of encountering wildlife with rabies, Jan. 18, 2010. (Jon Schuppe/DNAinfo)Most of the rabid raccoons were found in the northern portions of Central Park from 79th Street to 110th Street, the Health Dept. said.
The Health Dept. has posted fliers in the park and nearby subway stations and plans to vaccinate raccoons in and around Central Park, Morningside Park and Riverside Park in an attempt to slow the spread of the disease.
Park workers have increased surveillance for sick animals. Visitors are encouraged to be on the lookout for strange animal behavior and to call 311 if they notice animals that may be infected.
Dog owners should keep their pets on leashes and away from raccoons and other wild animals, the Health Dept. said.
The city hasn't had a human infection of rabies since 1953, according to the Health Dept.
SunChaserWildlife | January 23, 2010